You need a court order, then you submit it to DPS with your current license
Changing your last name on a Texas driver's license requires two separate steps: first, you get a legal name change through the district court in your county, then you take that court order to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to update your license. You cannot change your name directly at a DPS office — the court order is the document that makes the change official and legal.
The process takes longer than a regular license renewal because you are waiting for court paperwork first. Most people complete both steps within four to eight weeks, though court processing times vary by county.
Key Takeaways
- You must file for a legal name change in the district court of your county before DPS will update your license.
- The court filing requires a petition form, a filing fee (usually $100 to $300 depending on your county), and proof of identity and residence.
- After the judge signs your order, you take the certified court order to any DPS office with your current license and a completed DL-43 form.
- DPS will issue you a new license with your new name; you keep your same license number and driving record.
- Some counties allow you to file the court petition online or by mail, while others require you to appear in person.
Filing for a legal name change in district court
Start by contacting the district court clerk's office in the county where you live. You will file a petition for name change — this is a civil case, not a criminal one. The clerk can give you the petition form (sometimes called a "Petition to Change Name of Adult" or similar) or direct you to the court's website where you can read it.
The petition asks for your current name, the name you want, and your reason for the change. Texas does not require you to have a specific reason — you can change your name for any reason except to commit fraud or evade the law. Fill out the form completely and sign it in front of a notary public. You will need to bring proof of identity (a current ID, passport, or birth certificate) and proof of residence (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days).
File the petition with the district court clerk along with the filing fee. Fees vary by county but typically range from $100 to $300. Some counties let you file by mail or online through their e-filing system; others require you to file in person. Ask the clerk which method your county uses. After you file, the court will set a hearing date, usually four to six weeks out.
What happens at the name change hearing
You will receive a notice with your hearing date and time. In most cases, you must appear in person before a judge. Bring your original ID, proof of residence, and a copy of your filed petition. The hearing is brief — the judge will ask you to confirm your current name, the name you want, and your reason for the change. If there is no objection from anyone else (which is rare), the judge will sign an order granting your name change.
Some counties allow you to request a hearing waiver if you have no criminal history and no one has filed an objection. If your county allows this, you can ask the clerk whether you may have access to. If you do, you may not have to appear in court.
After the judge signs the order, ask the clerk for a certified copy. You will need this certified copy to update your driver's license. The clerk will charge a small fee (usually $5 to $15) for each certified copy. Get at least one, and consider getting a second in case you need it for other documents later.
Updating your license at DPS
Once you have your certified court order, take it to any DPS office along with your current Texas driver's license. You will also need to complete form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License), which you can read from the DPS website or pick up at the office. Bring proof of residence (the same documents accepted for the court filing work here too).
DPS will process your name change and issue a new license with your new name. Your license number stays the same, and your driving record does not change. You will pay the standard license renewal fee, which is currently $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. Processing usually takes one to two weeks; you can ask whether your office offers a rush option.
What to do if you changed your name through marriage or divorce
If you changed your name because of marriage or divorce, you may not need to go through the court petition process. For marriage, you can use your marriage certificate as proof of your new name. For divorce, you can use the divorce decree if it shows your new name. Take the certificate or decree to DPS along with your current license and the DL-43 form, and DPS will update your license without requiring a separate court order.
Bring the original or a certified copy of the marriage certificate or divorce decree. If you are unsure whether your document qualifies, call the DPS office ahead of time and describe what you have — they can tell you whether you need the full court petition or whether your document is enough.
Documents you will need at each step
| Step | Documents Needed |
|---|---|
| Filing the court petition | Proof of identity (current ID, passport, or birth certificate); proof of residence (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from last 60 days); notarized petition form |
| Court hearing | Original ID; proof of residence; copy of filed petition |
| Updating your license at DPS | Certified court order; current Texas driver's license; completed DL-43 form; proof of residence |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to appear in court for the name change hearing?
Most counties require you to appear in person, but some allow you to request a waiver if you have no criminal history and no one has filed an objection. Contact your district court clerk to ask whether your county offers this option. If you cannot attend, ask the clerk whether you can request a continuance to a different date.
Can I change my name at DPS without going to court first?
No. DPS requires a certified court order showing your legal name change. The only exception is if you changed your name through marriage or divorce — then you can use the marriage certificate or divorce decree instead of a court petition.
How long does the whole process take?
Most people complete both the court order and the DPS update within four to eight weeks. The court hearing is usually scheduled four to six weeks after you file, and DPS processing takes one to two weeks after that. Times vary by county and how busy the court is.
What if I lost my certified court order?
Contact the district court clerk's office in the county where you filed. They can issue you a replacement certified copy for a small fee, usually $5 to $15. You will need to provide your case number, which was on your original paperwork.
Will changing my name affect my driving record or license number?
No. Your license number stays the same, and all your driving history remains attached to that number. DPS will straightforward reissue your license with your new name on it.