What you need to do to change your name on your Texas driver's license
To change your name on your Texas driver's license, you must visit a Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license 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 takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your new plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
The key requirement is having legal documentation of your name change. This means a court order (from a divorce, name change petition, or adoption), a marriage certificate, or an annulment decree — depending on why your name changed. Without one of these documents, DPS will not process the change.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with your current license and proof of your legal name change.
- Acceptable proof includes a court order for a name change, a certified marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or an adoption order.
- Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, as DPS will verify it matches your new name.
- You will pay a replacement fee (currently $16 for a standard license) and receive a temporary paper license when ready.
- Your new plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; if it does not arrive within two weeks, contact DPS to request a replacement.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Bring your current Texas driver's license and the legal document proving your name change. If you changed your name through marriage, bring your certified marriage certificate — a photocopy or uncertified copy will not work. If you changed your name through divorce or annulment, bring the final divorce decree or annulment order. If you obtained a legal name change through the courts, bring the court order signed by the judge.
You also need proof of your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it. If you do not have the card, bring a document that shows your number, such as a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security statement. DPS will not accept a letter from the Social Security Administration alone.
Bring a document showing your current address if it differs from the address on your license. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. If your address has not changed, you do not need this document.
How to find and visit a DPS driver license office
Use the DPS office locator on the Texas Department of Public Safety website to find the office nearest you. Enter your city or zip code, and the tool will show you the office address, hours, and phone number. Some offices require you to take a number or make an appointment; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Call ahead to confirm the office's current process, especially if you are traveling more than 30 minutes.
Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged. Arrive with time to spare — offices can have wait times of 30 minutes to an hour during lunch and late afternoon. Early morning visits are typically faster. Bring your phone or a book in case you wait.
What happens at the DPS office during your visit
Tell the DPS employee that you are changing your name on your license. Hand over your current license and your legal name change document. The employee will review both, ask you to sign a form confirming the change, and take a new photo if your current photo is more than five years old or if you request one.
The employee will verify your Social Security number against Social Security Administration records. If there is a mismatch — for example, if you changed your name legally but have not yet updated your Social Security card — the process may pause. Ask the employee what to do. In most cases, you can update your Social Security card first and return to DPS later, or DPS may process the license change and note the discrepancy for follow-up.
You will pay the replacement fee at the counter. As of 2024, a standard five-year driver's license costs $16. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more. Ask the employee if you are unsure of the fee for your license type.
Your temporary license and when your new card arrives
Before you leave the office, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as your plastic license — you can use it to drive, board a plane, or prove your identity. Keep it in your wallet until your new plastic card arrives.
Your new plastic license is mailed to the address on file at DPS, which should be your current address. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you visit the office. If you do not receive your new license within two weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied and ask them to check the status. They can reissue the card if it was lost in the mail.
If your name change document is from outside Texas
If you were divorced, married, or had a name change order issued in another state, you can still change your Texas license. Bring the certified copy of the court order or marriage certificate from that state. DPS will accept it as long as it is certified (stamped and signed by the court clerk) and shows your old and new names clearly.
If the document is in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation along with the original. You can obtain a certified translation from a court-approved translator or from the court that issued the original document.
What to do if DPS rejects your documents
If the DPS employee tells you your document is not acceptable, ask them to explain in writing what is wrong. Common issues include an uncertified copy of a marriage certificate (you need the certified version from the county clerk), a divorce decree that does not show the judge's signature, or a name change order that is not yet final. Take notes on what they say you need.
If you believe the employee made a mistake, ask to speak with a supervisor at that office. If the supervisor also declines, you can contact the DPS Customer Service office by phone or mail to request a review. The DPS website lists the phone number and mailing address. Do not leave the office angry — the employee is following state rules, and a supervisor review is your next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a court order?
No. DPS requires legal documentation of your name change. If you changed your name through marriage, a certified marriage certificate counts. If you changed your name through divorce, the final divorce decree counts. If you changed your name through a court petition, the signed court order counts. Without one of these, DPS will not process the change.
What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce decree?
Contact the county clerk's office in the county where you were married or divorced. Request a certified copy of the marriage certificate or divorce decree. You can usually order this by mail, phone, or online. There is a fee, typically $10 to $25. Once you have the certified copy, bring it to DPS along with your current license.
Do I have to update my Social Security card before I change my license?
No, but it helps. If your Social Security card still shows your old name, DPS will note the mismatch. You can update your Social Security card after you get your new license, or you can update it first and then visit DPS. Either order works, but updating Social Security first avoids any delay at the DPS office.
Will I have to take a new photo for my license?
Only if your current photo is more than five years old or if you request one. If your photo is recent and you do not ask for a new one, DPS will use the existing photo on your new card.
What if I move before my new license arrives?
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file at DPS. If you move after your visit, contact DPS when ready with your new address so they can update their records and reroute your card. If your card arrives at your old address, ask the new resident to mark it "return to sender" and put it back in the mail, or contact DPS to request a replacement card mailed to your new address.