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 Texas 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 itself is straightforward — you complete an process, provide documents, pay a fee, and receive a new license — but the documents you bring matter. If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, each route requires different paperwork.
You cannot straightforward decide to use a different name; Texas law requires that you have a legal document showing the name change. That document is what the DPS examiner will check before issuing a new license. The fee for a name change on your license is the same as renewing your license, which varies depending on whether you get a standard license or a Real ID-compliant license.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with your current license and a legal document proving your name change.
- Marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and court orders are the documents that establish a legal name change in Texas.
- You will fill out an process form (DL-43) and pay a fee; the cost depends on whether you want a standard or Real ID license.
- Your new license will be issued the same day if all documents are in order, though you may receive it by mail within a few days.
- If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, bring the original or certified copy of that document; a photocopy alone will not work.
Documents you need for each type of name change
The document you bring depends on how your name legally changed. If you married, bring your original or certified marriage certificate from the county clerk's office where you were married. A photocopy, even a certified photocopy, is not enough — the DPS examiner must see the original or a certified copy issued by the county. If you do not have the original, you can order a certified copy from the county clerk in the county where the marriage took place.
If you divorced and took back a former name or changed to a new name, bring your original or certified divorce decree that shows the name change. The decree must clearly state your new legal name. A certified copy from the district court clerk in the county where the divorce was finalized will work.
If you changed your name by court order — either through a formal name change petition or as part of another legal proceeding — bring the original or certified court order from the district court. This is the document that shows the judge approved your name change. You can obtain a certified copy from the district court clerk's office in the county where the order was issued.
Step-by-step process at the DPS office
Start by locating your nearest DPS driver license office using the office locator on the Texas DPS website. Not all DPS offices handle all services, so confirm that the office you plan to visit processes name changes. You can call ahead to ask about wait times.
When you arrive, bring your current Texas driver's license, your legal name change document (original or certified copy), and proof of your Social Security number. A Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form works as proof. You will also need to bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. If you have moved since your last license, this step is required.
At the office, you will complete Form DL-43, the process for a Texas driver's license. The examiner will review your documents, take a new photograph, and process your process. If everything is correct, you will pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within a few days to two weeks, depending on the DPS processing time.
Fees and license type options
The cost of a name change on your license is the same as the cost of renewing your license. A standard five-year Texas driver's license costs one amount, while a Real ID-compliant license (which meets federal requirements for air travel and federal building access) costs more. Real ID licenses are valid for eight years instead of five.
You can choose which type of license you want when you complete your process. If you already have a Real ID license and are only changing the name, you can request a Real ID replacement. If you have a standard license and want to upgrade to Real ID at the same time, you can do that during this visit — you will pay the Real ID fee instead of the standard fee.
Payment methods accepted at DPS offices include cash, debit card, and credit card. Some offices may have restrictions on which cards they accept, so call ahead if you want to confirm.
What happens if your documents are not in order
If you arrive without the correct document — for example, with only a photocopy instead of an original or certified copy — the examiner will not process your process that day. You will need to return with the proper document. There is no fee for the failed attempt, but you will have wasted a trip.
If your legal name change document is from outside Texas, it will still be accepted as long as it is a valid court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree from another state. The DPS recognizes name changes from any U.S. state or territory. However, if the document is in a language other than English, you may need to bring a certified English translation.
If you have a criminal record or outstanding warrants, the DPS may flag your process during processing. This does not prevent a name change on your license, but it may delay the process. The DPS will contact you if there is an issue.
Timeline and what to expect after you leave the office
You will receive a temporary paper license when ready after your process is processed. This temporary license is valid for driving and is recognized by law enforcement. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail at the address you provided on your process.
Standard processing time is typically five to ten business days, though during busy periods it may take up to two weeks. If you do not receive your license within three weeks, contact the DPS to check the status. You can call the DPS customer service line or visit your local office again.
Your new license will have your new legal name, a new license number, and a new expiration date based on the type of license you chose. The expiration date will be five years from the issue date for a standard license or eight years for a Real ID license.
Updating other documents after your license changes
Once you have your new driver's license with your new name, you should update your name with other agencies and organizations. Your Social Security card, passport, vehicle registration, insurance policies, bank accounts, and employer records should all reflect your new name. The Social Security Administration, for example, requires that you explore for a new Social Security card if your name has changed.
Your new driver's license serves as proof of your legal name change for these other updates. Many organizations will accept a copy of your new license as documentation. However, some may still want to see your original legal name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), so keep copies of that document in a safe place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, as long as you have a valid legal name change document and you are lawfully present in Texas. You will need to bring proof of your immigration status — a valid passport, visa, or other immigration document. The DPS will process your name change the same way as for a citizen.
What if I lost my original marriage certificate or divorce decree?
You can order a certified copy from the county clerk's office where the document was issued. For a marriage certificate, contact the county clerk in the county where you were married. For a divorce decree, contact the district court clerk in the county where the divorce was finalized. Certified copies typically cost between $10 and $25 and can be ordered by mail, phone, or in person.
Do I need to renew my license at the same time I change my name?
No. A name change does not require you to renew your license if it is not yet expired. However, you will pay a fee for the name change, which is the same as a renewal fee. If your license is expiring soon, you may want to renew it at the same time to avoid another trip to the DPS office.
Can I change my name online or by mail?
No. Texas requires that you appear in person at a DPS driver license office to change your name on your license. You cannot do this by mail or through the online portal.
What if I changed my name but do not have a court document proving it?
Texas law requires a legal document to change your name on your license. If you changed your name informally (by straightforward using a different name), you will need to go through a formal legal process first. You can file a petition for a name change with the district court in your county. This requires court approval and results in a court order, which you can then bring to the DPS.