The DL-14A is a name change or correction form for your Texas driver license
Form DL-14A is the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card — specifically the version you use when your name has changed or when information on your current license contains an error. You do not need this form for a routine renewal; you use it only when something on your license itself needs to be corrected or updated to match your legal name.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues this form when you need to change your name due to marriage, divorce, court order, or when you discover a mistake in spelling, date of birth, or other details that the DPS recorded incorrectly. The form tells DPS what information should appear on your new license and what documents prove the change is legitimate.
You can get the form online from the DPS website, at any DPS driver license office, or through the mail. Most people print it, fill it out at home, and bring it to their local office along with the required documents. Some offices allow you to fill it out on a computer terminal when you arrive.
Key Takeaways
- Form DL-14A is used to correct errors on your license or update your name after marriage, divorce, or court order — not for routine renewals.
- You must bring proof of your legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order) and proof of identity to your DPS office.
- The form itself is free; you pay only the standard driver license fee when you submit it, which varies by license type and validity period.
- Processing takes about two weeks for a standard replacement license, though you can request a temporary paper license to drive while you wait.
- You can read the form from the DPS website, print it, and bring it completed to any driver license office, or fill it out in person.
When you need to use DL-14A instead of a renewal form
Use DL-14A if your legal name has changed since your current license was issued. This includes marriage (even if you kept your maiden name, if your license shows a different name), divorce, adoption, or a court-ordered name change. You also use it if you discover that DPS recorded your name, date of birth, address, or other information incorrectly on your current license.
Do not use DL-14A for a routine renewal when nothing has changed except the expiration date. For that, you use the standard renewal process through the DPS website, by mail, or in person. If you are unsure which form you need, call your local DPS driver license office — they can tell you in one call whether your situation requires DL-14A or a standard renewal.
If your license has been lost or stolen, you also use a different process (a replacement process) rather than DL-14A. The DL-14A is specifically for corrections and name changes on a license you still possess.
What documents to bring when you submit the form
You must bring proof of your legal name change and proof of identity. For a name change due to marriage, bring your original or certified marriage certificate. For divorce, bring your original or certified divorce decree. For a court-ordered name change, bring the court order itself. DPS will not accept a photocopy unless it is certified by the court or issuing agency.
You also need a current form of identification — your current driver license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. If you are correcting information other than your name (such as date of birth), bring documents that prove the correct information, such as a birth certificate or passport.
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you do not have your card, you can bring a W-2, tax return, or other official document with your number on it. You will also need to bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
How to fill out and submit the DL-14A form
read Form DL-14A from the Texas DPS website or pick up a copy at any driver license office. Print it or request a paper copy. Fill in your current driver license number, your full legal name as it should appear on your new license, your date of birth, and your current address. In the section marked "Reason for process," check the box for "Name Change" or "Correction," depending on your situation.
Sign and date the form. Do not sign it before you arrive at the DPS office — some offices require you to sign in front of a staff member. Bring the completed form, your proof of name change or correction, your proof of identity, your Social Security documentation, and your proof of address to your local DPS driver license office.
You can also mail the form and documents to the DPS, though this takes longer. Check the DPS website for the current mailing address for your region. Include a check or money order for the license fee — do not send cash. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.
Fees and how long processing takes
The fee for a replacement license issued through DL-14A is the same as the fee for a standard driver license renewal in Texas. As of the most recent update, this ranges from about $16 to $27 depending on whether you want a standard four-year license or an eight-year license, and whether you are a first-time applicant or renewing. Check the DPS website for the exact current fee, as it may change.
Processing time is typically two weeks for a standard replacement license. You can request a temporary paper license at the time you submit your form, which allows you to drive legally while your new plastic license is being printed and mailed to you. The temporary license is valid for 45 days and is free.
If you need your new license faster, some DPS offices offer expedited processing for an additional fee, though availability varies by location. Call your local office to ask whether expedited service is available and what it costs.
What happens after you submit the form
After you submit your DL-14A and documents, DPS will review them to confirm that your name change or correction is legitimate. If everything is in order, they will approve your process and send your new license by mail to the address you provided. You should receive it within two to three weeks.
If DPS needs more information or finds a problem with your documents, they will contact you by phone or mail. Make sure the phone number and address you provide on the form are current so you can be reached. If you do not hear from DPS within three weeks, you can call your local driver license office to check the status of your process.
Once your new license arrives, destroy your old license by cutting it in half or tearing it up. Your old license is no longer valid. If you requested a temporary paper license, that also becomes invalid once your new plastic license arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use DL-14A if I changed my name but do not have a certified copy of my marriage certificate?
No — DPS requires an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You can request a certified copy from the county clerk's office where the document was issued. There is usually a small fee, and it takes a few days to a week. Plan ahead if you need this document.
What if I made a mistake on the DL-14A form after I submitted it?
Contact your local DPS driver license office as soon as possible and explain the error. If your process has not yet been processed, they may be able to correct it or ask you to submit a new form. If your license has already been issued, you will need to submit another DL-14A to make the correction.
Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license through DL-14A?
Yes — DPS will take a new photo when you submit your form in person at the driver license office. If you are mailing your form, DPS will use the photo from your current license unless your current license is more than five years old, in which case you may need to visit an office for a new photo.
Can I renew my license at the same time I submit DL-14A for a name change?
No — you must submit DL-14A first to correct or change your name. Once your new license arrives with the corrected information, you can renew it through the standard renewal process when it expires. Combining the two applications would delay your name change.
What if my DL-14A process is denied?
DPS will contact you to explain why. Common reasons include missing or uncertified documents, information that does not match between your documents, or a problem with your identity verification. You can resubmit the form with corrected or additional documents, or call your local office to discuss what went wrong.