What you need to do to change your last name on your Texas driver's license

To change your last name on your Texas driver's license, you must first have a legal name change document from a Texas court, then visit a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person with that document and your current license. Texas does not allow name changes through the mail or online — you must appear at a DPS office to update your license. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, though getting the court order beforehand is the step that takes the most time.

The reason for this two-step process is that DPS will not change your license without proof that a court has approved the name change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change all count as proof. Without one of these documents, DPS cannot process your request.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a court-issued document showing your legal name change before DPS will update your license — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or name change court order.
  • You cannot change your name on your license by mail or online; you must visit a DPS office in person with your current license and your name change document.
  • If you are changing your name through marriage or divorce, you can use your marriage certificate or divorce decree instead of filing a separate name change petition with the court.
  • Bring your current Texas driver's license, your legal name change document, and proof of your current address to the DPS office.

Getting a legal name change document from a Texas court

If you are changing your name because of marriage or divorce, you already have the document you need. A marriage certificate issued by the county clerk counts as proof of a name change, as does a divorce decree that shows your new name. You do not need to file anything else with the court.

If you are changing your name for any other reason — personal choice, religious reasons, or any other circumstance — you must file a petition for name change with the district court in the county where you live. You can file this petition yourself without a lawyer, though some people hire one. The court will review your petition, and if there are no objections, a judge will sign an order granting your name change. This order is the document you will bring to DPS.

The district court clerk's office in your county can tell you the current filing fee and the exact forms to use. Filing fees vary by county but typically range from $100 to $300. The process usually takes four to eight weeks from the time you file until you receive the signed court order.

Documents to bring to the DPS office

Bring three things to the DPS office: your current Texas driver's license, your legal name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your current address. The address proof can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If your address has not changed, you can bring any document showing your current address.

Bring the original or a certified copy of your name change document. A photocopy usually will not work. If you have a certified copy from the court or county clerk, that is acceptable. If you have only the original, bring that.

You will also need to bring your Social Security number. Have it written down or memorized, as you will need to provide it during your visit.

Finding a DPS office and scheduling your visit

You can visit any DPS Driver License office in Texas, not just the one in your county. However, some offices are busier than others, and wait times vary. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov.

DPS offices do not require appointments for license changes, but you can schedule one online to reduce your wait time. Scheduling an appointment is optional but can save you time, especially if you visit during busy hours. Walk-ins are always accepted.

Most DPS offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours. Check the hours for your specific office before you go, as hours vary by location.

What happens at the DPS office

When you arrive, you will check in and wait to be called. A DPS employee will review your documents, verify that your name change document is valid, and take a new photo for your license. You will answer a few questions to confirm your information, and the employee will process your new license on the spot.

Your new license will be printed before you leave the office. You will receive it when ready, and your old license will be returned to you or destroyed depending on DPS policy at that office. Your new license will have your new legal name and will be valid for the same expiration date as your old license, unless you are also renewing your license at the same time.

Changing your name on other documents after your license

Once you have your new driver's license, you should update your name with other agencies and organizations. Your Social Security card should match your driver's license, so contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card with your new name. You will need to bring your new driver's license and your current Social Security card to a Social Security office, or you can mail in an process.

You will also want to notify your bank, insurance companies, employer, and any other organizations that have your name on file. Having your new driver's license makes this process easier, as you can use it as proof of your legal name change.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. DPS requires proof of a legal name change before updating your license. If you are waiting for a court order, you must wait until you receive it. If you are changing your name through marriage or divorce, bring your marriage certificate or divorce decree instead.

What if my marriage certificate or divorce decree is from another state?

Texas will accept a marriage certificate or divorce decree from any U.S. state or territory. Bring the original or a certified copy. If you have only a photocopy, contact the county clerk in the state where you were married or divorced to request a certified copy.

Do I need to renew my license at the same time I change my name?

No. You can change your name without renewing your license. Your new license will keep the same expiration date as your old one. If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it at the same visit, but it is not required.

How long does the name change take at the DPS office?

The actual process at the office usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is and whether you have all your documents. If you schedule an appointment, your wait time before being called may be shorter.

What if I lost my current driver's license?

You will need to report it lost and request a replacement at the same time you change your name. Bring your name change document and proof of address. DPS can issue a replacement license with your new name in one visit.