You can change your name on your Texas driver's license by visiting a DPS office with proof of a legal name change and your current license
Texas requires you to update your driver's license within 60 days of a legal name change. The process itself is straightforward: you show up at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office with the right documents, pay a fee, and get a new license with your updated name. The fee varies depending on whether you're renewing at the same time or just changing the name on an existing license.
You cannot change your name on a Texas driver's license without first obtaining a legal name change through a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. Texas does not allow name changes through the DPS office itself — the agency only reflects changes that have already been made official through the legal system.
Key Takeaways
- A legal name change must come from a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree before you can update your driver's license.
- You have 60 days from the date of your legal name change to update your license, though you can do it sooner.
- Visit any DPS office in person with your current license, proof of legal name change, and proof of residency to make the change.
- The fee for a name change on an existing license is lower than the cost of renewing, so timing matters if your license is expiring soon.
How to get a legal name change in Texas
If you do not yet have a court order or official document showing your new name, you must obtain one first. For marriage, you receive a marriage certificate from the county clerk where you were married. For divorce, your divorce decree from the court contains your new name. For a name change unrelated to marriage or divorce, you must file a petition in district court in the county where you live.
For a court-ordered name change, you will file paperwork with the district court, pay a filing fee (which varies by county but is typically between $100 and $300), and attend a brief hearing. The judge will issue an order granting the name change, and you receive a certified copy. This certified copy is what you bring to the DPS office. Some counties allow you to file online through their e-filing system; others require you to file in person or by mail.
Documents you need to bring to the DPS office
Bring your current Texas driver's license, your certified copy of the legal name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your current address. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days. Your name on the residency document does not have to match your current license — it can show your old name or new name.
If you have changed your address at the same time as your name, bring proof of the new address. If you are changing only your name and keeping the same address, the residency document should show that address. You will also need to bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or tax return.
Where to go and what to expect
Visit any DPS Driver License office in Texas. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Most offices operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. You do not need to schedule an appointment for a name change — you can walk in, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Bring all your documents to the counter. The staff member will verify your legal name change, check your residency proof, and take a new photo if your current license photo is more than five years old. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will pay the fee and receive your new license on the spot, or it will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days depending on the office's processing method.
Fees for a name change versus renewal
A name-change-only transaction costs less than a full license renewal. If your license does not expire for several years, a name change costs around $25 to $30. If your license expires within the next year or so, you may want to renew at the same time, which costs more but gives you a new expiration date. The DPS staff can tell you the exact fee for your situation when you arrive.
If you are changing your name and your address at the same time, the fee is the same as a name-only change. If you are renewing your license while also changing your name, you pay the renewal fee, which is higher. Ask the DPS employee which option makes sense for your timeline before you pay.
What happens if you miss the 60-day window
Texas law requires you to update your license within 60 days of a legal name change, but missing that important date does not invalidate your license or prevent you from updating it later. You can change your name on your license at any time after the legal change occurs. However, driving with a license that does not match your legal name can create problems during traffic stops or when presenting ID to banks, employers, or other institutions.
If you have already missed the 60-day window, straightforward bring your documents to the DPS office as you normally would. There is no penalty or additional fee for updating late. The sooner you update, the fewer complications you will face with identification mismatches.
Name changes after marriage or divorce
If you married and took your spouse's name, your marriage certificate serves as proof of your legal name change. Bring the original or a certified copy to the DPS office along with your current license and residency proof. The process is the same as any other name change.
If you divorced and your divorce decree shows a name change, bring the certified copy of the decree. Some divorce decrees explicitly state a name change; others do not. If your decree does not mention a name change but you want to resume a former name, you may need to file a separate petition with the court for a name change order. Check your divorce papers or call the district court clerk in the county where your divorce was finalized to confirm what your decree says.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a certified copy of my marriage certificate?
You need an official document showing your legal name change. If you lost your marriage certificate, you can request a certified copy from the county clerk in the county where you were married. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes a few days to a few weeks by mail. Some county clerks allow you to order online or pick up in person.
What if my name change court order is from another state?
If you moved to Texas after obtaining a name change order in another state, bring the certified copy of that order to the DPS office. Texas honors name change orders from other states. You will need to show proof that you now live in Texas, such as a utility bill or lease in your name at your current address.
Do I need to change my name with Social Security before I go to the DPS office?
You do not have to, but it is a good idea. Updating Social Security first prevents mismatches between your license and your Social Security record. You can update Social Security at any Social Security office with your legal name change document and proof of identity. However, the DPS will accept your process even if your Social Security record has not been updated yet.
What if I changed my name but want to keep my current license photo?
If your license photo is less than five years old, the DPS will not take a new photo during a name-change-only transaction. Your new license will have the same photo as your old one, just with your new name printed on it. If your photo is older than five years, a new photo is required.
Can I change my name online or by mail?
No. Texas requires you to appear in person at a DPS office to change your name on your driver's license. You cannot do this online or by mail. You must bring your original documents and have your identity verified by DPS staff before the change is processed.