Where to start: the Texas Department of Public Safety

To change your name on your Texas driver license, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office in person. You cannot change your name by mail, phone, or online. The DPS will not process a name change without proof that your legal name has actually changed — either through a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree.

You do not need to renew your license to change the name on it. If your license is still valid, you can request a name change at any time. The DPS will issue you a new license with the updated name, and you will pay a replacement fee (currently $11 for a standard license, though fees can change). If your license has already expired, you will need to renew it at the same time, which costs more.

The process takes about 20 to 30 minutes at the office, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You will receive your new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with proof of your legal name change — a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree.
  • Bring your current driver license, Social Security card, and one form of proof of residency such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
  • The replacement fee is $11 for a standard license if your current license is still valid; renewal costs more if your license has expired.
  • Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can use your old license until the new one arrives.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your current Texas driver license or ID card. If you do not have one, bring your passport or a certified birth certificate instead. The DPS staff will need to see your current identification to verify who you are.

Bring the document that proves your name has legally changed. This is one of the following: a certified copy of a court order changing your name, a certified marriage certificate if you took your spouse's name, or a certified divorce decree if you changed your name as part of a divorce. "Certified" means the document has an official seal or stamp from the court or vital records office that issued it. A photocopy is not enough.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. Bring one form of proof of your current Texas address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.

How to find and visit a DPS office

Go to the DPS website at dps.texas.gov and use the office locator tool to find the driver license office nearest you. The tool shows office hours, which vary by location. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. Call ahead or check the website before you go, because some offices have reduced hours or may be closed for training.

Arrive early if you can. Most offices do not take reservations, and you will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring all your documents in one folder so you do not have to search for them at the counter. The staff will review your documents, take a new photo, and process your name change on the spot.

If you cannot visit an office in person, you have no other option through the DPS. Some counties offer mobile driver license units that travel to smaller towns; check your county's website to see if one serves your area.

What happens after you submit your documents

The DPS will process your name change when ready and issue you a new license number. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during high-volume periods or if there are postal delays.

You can continue to use your old license until your new one arrives. Your old license remains valid for driving and identification purposes during this time. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it for your records — there is no requirement to turn it in.

If your new license does not arrive within 14 days, contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to report it. Have your driver license number and the date you applied ready when you call.

Changing your name on other documents at the same time

Changing your driver license name does not automatically change your name on your Social Security record, vehicle registration, or other documents. You will need to update those separately if you want them to match.

To change your name with Social Security, visit your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213. Bring your new driver license, birth certificate, and marriage certificate or court order. To change your name on your vehicle registration, visit your county tax assessor-collector's office with your new driver license and proof of ownership.

If you are changing your name due to marriage, some employers and banks will update your name on file if you show them your marriage certificate and new driver license. It is worth asking rather than assuming you need to file separate paperwork.

Name changes due to marriage versus court order

If you are changing your name because you married and took your spouse's name, bring your certified marriage certificate. You do not need a separate court order. The marriage certificate alone is proof enough that your legal name has changed.

If you are changing your name for any other reason — including divorce, personal choice, or correcting an error on your original license — you must have a court order from a Texas district court. The court order must show your old name, your new name, and the judge's signature and seal. You cannot change your name at the DPS without this order.

If you need a court order for a name change unrelated to marriage or divorce, you will need to file a petition in the district court in your county. This process involves court fees and may require you to publish notice of your name change in a local newspaper. Contact your county district court clerk's office for the specific steps and current fees in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my driver license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You must still bring proof of your legal name change and all the other required documents. Your immigration status does not prevent you from changing your name on your Texas driver license. Bring your passport or other immigration document as your proof of identity.

What if I lost my marriage certificate or court order?

Contact the office that issued the document. For a marriage certificate, contact the vital records office in the county where you were married. For a court order, contact the district court clerk in the county where the order was issued. Both can issue you a certified copy for a fee, usually between $10 and $30. The DPS will not accept an uncertified photocopy.

Do I have to change my name on my driver license if I get married?

No. Changing your name on your driver license is optional, even after marriage. You can keep your maiden name on your license if you choose. However, if you want your license to match other documents like your passport or Social Security record, you will need to update all of them separately.

How much does it cost to change my name on my driver license?

The replacement fee is $11 if your current license is still valid. If your license has expired, you will pay the renewal fee instead, which is $25 for a four-year license or $50 for a six-year license. You pay at the DPS office when you submit your documents.

Can someone else change my name on my driver license for me?

No. You must appear in person at the DPS office. The staff will take a new photo and verify your identity. You cannot send someone else to do this on your behalf, even with a power of attorney.