What you need to do to change your name on your Texas license
To change the name on your Texas driver's 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 process itself is straightforward — you fill out an process, show your documents, and pay a fee — but the documents you bring depend on why your name changed.
You cannot straightforward decide to use a different name. Texas requires legal proof that your name has officially changed. This proof comes from a court order (for name changes or divorce), a marriage certificate, or a death certificate (if you are changing back to a maiden name). Without one of these documents, DPS will not process your request.
The entire transaction usually takes 15 to 30 minutes at the office. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue using your current license until the new one arrives.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person with your current license and legal proof of your name change — no online or mail-in options exist.
- Legal proof means a court order for a name change, an original or certified marriage certificate, or a certified divorce decree showing your new name.
- The fee for a name change on your license is the same as a standard renewal, which varies based on your license type and how many years remain on your current license.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can use your old license until it arrives.
- If you are changing your name due to marriage or divorce, bring the original or certified copy of the marriage certificate or divorce decree — photocopies are not accepted.
What documents to bring for each type of name change
Marriage: Bring your current driver's license and an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate. A photocopy will not work. If your marriage certificate is from another state or country, it must be certified by the issuing authority. You do not need a court order for a marriage-based name change.
Divorce: Bring your current license and a certified copy of your divorce decree showing your new name. The decree must clearly state what your name is after the divorce. If the decree does not show your new name, you will need a separate court order for the name change. A photocopy of the divorce decree is not acceptable.
Court-ordered name change: Bring your current license and a certified copy of the court order from the district court that granted the name change. This is the document you receive from the court after a judge approves your petition. Again, photocopies do not work — the copy must be certified by the court.
Reverting to a maiden name: If you are returning to a name you used before marriage, you can use either a divorce decree or a court order. A certified copy of your birth certificate showing your maiden name is not sufficient on its own; you need the divorce decree or court order as well.
Where to go and what to bring
Find your nearest DPS Driver License office on the Texas DPS website. Not all DPS offices issue driver's licenses — some handle vehicle registration only. The website lets you search by city or zip code and shows which services each location offers. Call ahead if you are unsure, because some offices require appointments and others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Bring these items to your appointment or visit:
- Your current Texas driver's license
- Your certified legal document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)
- Proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099)
- Proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days)
- Payment for the fee (cash, check, or debit card — not all offices accept credit cards)
If your certified document is from outside Texas, bring it in its original form. Do not send documents by mail ahead of time; bring them with you to the office.
The fee and processing time
The fee for a name change on your license depends on your license type and how much time remains on your current license. If your license expires soon, you may pay a full renewal fee rather than just a name-change fee. Ask the DPS office staff what you will owe before you hand over payment.
After you complete the transaction at the office, your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. During this time, your old license remains valid and you can use it for identification or driving.
If you need your new license faster, some DPS offices offer a rush service for an additional fee, though not all locations provide this option. Ask at your local office whether rush processing is available.
If your name change document is from another state or country
Marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and court orders from other U.S. states must be certified copies issued by the vital records office or court that created them. Texas recognizes these documents as long as they are certified. Contact the vital records office or court clerk in the state where the document was issued and request a certified copy.
If your document is from another country, it must be certified and may need to be translated into English by a certified translator. The translation itself must also be certified. This process can take several weeks, so plan ahead if you are working with international documents.
Bring the certified original document (and certified translation, if applicable) to the DPS office. Do not rely on notarized copies — DPS requires documents certified by the issuing authority.
What happens if your document is missing or damaged
If you have lost your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, you can request a replacement from the issuing authority. For marriage certificates and divorce decrees, contact the vital records office in the county where the event occurred. For court orders, contact the district court clerk in the county where the order was issued.
Request a certified copy, not just a regular copy. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes 1 to 3 weeks by mail. Some vital records offices and courts offer expedited service for an additional fee.
If your document is damaged but still readable, bring it to the DPS office and ask whether staff will accept it. If they will not, you will need to obtain a replacement certified copy before you can proceed with your name change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a certified copy of my document?
No. DPS will not accept photocopies, notarized copies, or uncertified originals. You must have a certified copy issued by the vital records office, court, or other official authority. If you do not have one, contact the issuing authority and request a certified copy before you visit the DPS office.
Do I have to renew my license at the same time I change my name?
Not necessarily. A name change is a separate transaction from a renewal. However, if your license is expiring soon, DPS may charge you a renewal fee instead of just a name-change fee. Ask the office staff what the total cost will be before you pay.
What if I got married or divorced but never updated my Social Security card?
You can still change your driver's license name using your marriage certificate or divorce decree. However, the Social Security Administration recommends updating your Social Security card to match your driver's license. You can update your Social Security card at your local Social Security office or online at ssa.gov.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you complete your transaction at the DPS office. Your old license remains valid during this time. If you need your new license sooner, ask whether your local DPS office offers rush service for an additional fee.
Can I change my name on my license if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, as long as you have a valid Texas driver's license and legal proof of your name change. The document requirements are the same for all applicants. If your document is from another country, it must be certified and may need to be translated into English by a certified translator.