What you need to do to change your name on your Texas license

To change the name on your Texas driver license, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person with proof of your legal name change and your current license. Texas does not allow name changes by mail or online. The DPS will issue you a new license with your updated name, and you can choose to keep your current license number or receive a new one.

The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes at the office. You will pay a fee for the replacement license (the amount varies by license type and whether you need a Real ID-compliant license). Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of your legal name change — a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other official document — to a DPS office in person.
  • Your current Texas driver license and a second form of identification are required at the appointment.
  • The DPS will not process a name change without a document that shows the court or government agency that authorized the change.
  • You can update your name during a renewal, but you do not have to wait for your license to expire to make the change.

What documents prove your legal name change

Texas law requires you to show an official document that proves your name changed legally. The DPS accepts these documents:

  • A court order granting a name change (issued by a Texas district court or another state's court)
  • A marriage certificate (if you took your spouse's name)
  • A divorce decree or dissolution of marriage order (if you changed back to a former name or took a new name)
  • A certificate of naturalization (if you became a U.S. citizen and your name changed during that process)
  • A court order for adoption (if your name changed as a result of adoption)
  • A gender marker change order (if you obtained a court order to change your gender marker, which may include a name change)

The document must be an original or a certified copy. A photocopy or a document you printed from an online court system is not acceptable. If your document was issued outside Texas, you may need to bring a certified copy from the issuing state or country.

How to schedule an appointment at a DPS office

You can schedule an appointment online through the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov. Look for the "Driver License" section and select "Schedule an Appointment." You will choose your nearest DPS office, pick a date and time, and receive a confirmation number. Walk-ins are accepted at most offices, but wait times can be long — scheduling ahead is faster.

Some DPS offices are busier than others. If your local office has long wait times, you may be able to travel to a less busy office in a nearby city. The online scheduler shows wait times for each location, so you can compare before booking.

Bring your confirmation number (if you scheduled online), your current driver license, your proof of name change, and a second form of ID such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card. Arrive 10 minutes early.

Fees and what type of license you will receive

The fee for a replacement license in Texas ranges from about $16 to $25, depending on whether your current license is a standard license or a Real ID-compliant license. If you currently have a standard license and want to upgrade to Real ID at the same time, the fee may be higher. Ask the DPS employee which option you need before you pay.

Your new license will have the same number as your current license unless you request a new number. Some people request a new number for privacy reasons, but it is not required. The DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. If you have moved recently, update your address before your appointment or bring proof of your new address so the DPS can update it.

What happens if your name change document is from outside Texas

If you obtained your name change through a court in another state or country, the DPS will still accept it, but the document must be certified. A certified copy means the issuing court or government office has stamped and signed it to confirm it is a true copy of the original. You can request a certified copy from the court that issued the order.

Some courts charge a small fee for certified copies (usually $5 to $15 per copy). If you are unsure whether your document is certified, bring it to your DPS appointment anyway — the employee can tell you whether it meets Texas requirements. If it does not, they will tell you how to get a certified copy and you can return once you have it.

Changing your name during a license renewal

You do not have to wait for your license to expire to change your name. However, if your license is expiring soon, you can change your name and renew your license at the same appointment. Bring your proof of name change along with any documents required for renewal (such as proof of residency if your address has changed).

If you renew and change your name at the same time, you will pay one fee that covers both services. The new license will be valid for the full renewal period (usually 5 or 8 years, depending on your age and license type).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a court order?

No. Texas requires an official document that proves your name changed legally. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or naturalization certificate counts, but a personal letter, affidavit, or informal agreement does not. If you changed your name without a court order or official document, you will need to obtain one before the DPS can update your license.

What if I lost my proof of name change document?

Contact the court or government office that issued the original document and request a certified copy. For marriage certificates, contact the vital records office in the county or state where you were married. For divorce decrees, contact the district court that handled your case. For naturalization certificates, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The DPS cannot proceed without the certified document.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

The DPS typically mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days of your appointment. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DPS to check the status. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.

Do I have to change my name on other documents too?

Changing your driver license name does not automatically update your name with Social Security, your bank, your employer, or other agencies. You will need to contact each organization separately to update your records. Many organizations will accept your new driver license as proof of your name change.

Can I change my name online or by mail?

No. Texas requires you to appear in person at a DPS office with your original or certified proof of name change. The DPS does not process name changes by mail, phone, or online.