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) 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 will 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 amended birth certificate — depending on why your name changed. Without one of these documents, DPS will not process the change.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with your current license and legal proof of your name change — no online or mail options exist.
  • Legal proof means a court order, marriage certificate, or amended birth certificate, depending on the reason for your name change.
  • Bring your Social Security card or other document showing your Social Security number, because DPS will verify it against federal records.
  • You will pay a renewal fee (currently $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license) even though you are not renewing — this is the cost of the name change itself.
  • You will walk out with a temporary paper license and receive your new plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Gather Your Documents Before You Go to the DPS Office

Bring your current Texas driver's license and the legal document that proves your name changed. If you were married, bring your marriage certificate. If you were divorced, bring the divorce decree or the court order that shows your new name. If you obtained a legal name change through the courts, bring the court order. If you were adopted or had your birth certificate amended, bring the amended birth certificate.

You also need to bring a document that shows your Social Security number. A Social Security card works best, but DPS also accepts a W-2, tax return, or a bank statement with your Social Security number on it. DPS verifies your Social Security number against federal records to prevent fraud, so this step is not optional.

Bring a document that proves your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you have moved since your license was issued, this is required. If your address on your license is still current, you may not need this, but calling ahead to confirm saves a trip.

Find the Nearest DPS Office and Check Hours

Go to the Texas DPS website (dps.texas.gov) and use the office locator tool to find the DPS driver's license office closest to you. Not every DPS office handles driver's license transactions — some are highway patrol offices only. The locator tool will show you which ones do.

Call the office before you go. DPS offices can have unpredictable wait times, and some locations close for lunch or have reduced hours on certain days. A five-minute call can save you a wasted trip. Ask whether they are currently accepting walk-ins or if you need an appointment. Some offices now require appointments, especially in larger cities.

What Happens at the DPS Office

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell the staff member you are changing your name on your driver's license. They will give you a number and you will wait your turn. When called, go to the window and hand over your current license, your legal name-change document, your Social Security card or equivalent, and your proof of address if required.

The staff member will scan your documents and ask you to confirm your new name, address, and other information on the screen. They will take a new photo. You will sign the back of a temporary paper license, which is valid when ready for driving. The staff member will tell you when to expect your new plastic license by mail — usually 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during high-volume periods.

You will pay the renewal fee at the window. As of 2024, this is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. This fee applies even though you are not renewing your license — it is the fee for the name change transaction itself. DPS accepts cash, debit, and credit cards.

What to Do if Your Legal Name-Change Document Is From Another State

If you were married, divorced, or had a legal name change in another state but now live in Texas, bring the original court order or marriage certificate from that state along with your current Texas driver's license. DPS will accept out-of-state documents as long as they are official copies with a court seal or vital records seal.

If the document is not in English, bring a certified English translation along with the original. You can obtain a certified translation from a court in Texas or from a professional translation service — ask the DPS office which they prefer before you pay for a translation.

If Your New License Does Not Arrive or Has an Error

If your new license does not arrive within 14 business days, contact the DPS customer service line at 1-888-589-6556. Have your temporary paper license and your Social Security number ready. They can check the status of your card and reissue it if it was lost in the mail.

If your new license arrives with an error — a misspelled name, wrong address, or wrong date of birth — return to the DPS office with the incorrect card and your temporary paper license. Staff will issue a corrected card at no additional charge if the error was made by DPS. If the error was caused by incorrect information you provided, you may be charged another renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my name with Social Security before I change it on my driver's license?

No. You can change your name on your driver's license first, then update Social Security afterward. However, some people prefer to update Social Security first so that their records match. Either order works — DPS will verify your Social Security number against whatever name is currently on file with the federal government.

What if I lost my legal name-change document?

Contact the court that issued the document or the vital records office in the state where the document was created. For a marriage certificate, contact the vital records office in the county where you were married. For a divorce decree, contact the district court in the county where the divorce was finalized. You can request a certified copy by mail or in person, and fees vary by location.

Can I change my name on my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or warrant?

Yes. DPS does not check for outstanding tickets or warrants during a name-change transaction. However, changing your name does not clear any legal obligations, and law enforcement can still locate you using your Social Security number and date of birth.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for driving until your new plastic card arrives. Once your new card arrives, the paper license is no longer valid. Keep the paper license in your wallet until the plastic card shows up, then destroy the paper license.

What if I want to change my name and renew my license at the same time?

You can do both in one visit. Bring your legal name-change document along with all the documents required for a renewal (proof of residency, Social Security card, and so on). You will pay one fee that covers both the name change and the renewal. The new license will reflect your new name and have a new expiration date.