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 bring the documents, pay a fee, and take a new photo — but the documents you bring depend on why your name changed.
You cannot straightforward decide to use a different name. Texas law requires that you have a legal name change first. This means a court order, a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or an adoption decree — something official that shows your name is now different from what appears on your current license. Without that document, the 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.
- The document proving your name change depends on the reason: a court order for a legal name change, a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or an adoption decree.
- You will need to pay a fee, which varies depending on whether you are renewing your license at the same time or just changing the name on an existing license.
- Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, because DPS will verify it matches your new name.
- Processing happens the same day you visit, and you will receive a temporary paper license to use while your plastic card is mailed to you.
Documents to bring for each type of name change
If you changed your name through marriage, bring your original or certified marriage certificate. If you changed your name through divorce, bring your original or certified divorce decree that shows your new name. If you obtained a court order for a legal name change, bring the original or certified court order from the district court. If you changed your name through adoption, bring your original or certified adoption decree.
All of these documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies will not work. If you do not have a certified copy, you can request one from the county clerk's office where the document was issued. That office can mail it to you or you can pick it up in person, depending on the county.
You will also need to bring your current Texas driver's license and your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number (such as a Social Security statement or a W-2 form). DPS cross-checks your Social Security number with the Social Security Administration to make sure it matches your new legal name.
Fees and what to expect when you arrive
If your license is not expiring soon, a name-change-only transaction costs less than a full renewal. As of 2024, a name change on a valid license costs around $11, though this amount can vary. If your license is expiring within the next year or so, you may choose to renew it at the same time, which costs more but gives you a fresh expiration date. Ask the DPS office staff which option makes sense for your situation when you arrive.
Bring cash or a debit card — not all DPS offices accept credit cards. When you arrive, you will check in, provide your documents, and have a new photo taken. The staff will verify your information against your Social Security number and process the transaction. You will receive a temporary paper license that is valid when ready, and your plastic license card will be mailed to your address on file within one to two weeks.
Finding the DPS office nearest you
The Texas DPS maintains a list of driver license offices on its website at dps.texas.gov. You can search by city or county to find the office closest to you and see its hours. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times can be long during lunch hours or on Fridays. Arriving early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday often means a shorter wait.
Some DPS offices accept walk-ins only, while others allow you to schedule an appointment online. Check the office's page to see if appointments are available. If you schedule an appointment, you will still need to bring all the same documents, but you may spend less time waiting.
What happens if your name change document is from another state
If you changed your name in another state and have since moved to Texas, you can still change your Texas driver's license using that out-of-state document. Bring the original or certified copy of your court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree from the other state, along with your current Texas license and Social Security card. The DPS will accept it as long as it is an official document from that state.
If you are new to Texas and do not yet have a Texas driver's license, you will need to explore for one first. That process is separate and requires additional documents, such as proof of residency in Texas.
Changing your name on your license if you are under 18
If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you to the DPS office. Bring the same documents you would bring as an adult — your current license, proof of your legal name change, and your Social Security card — plus the parent or guardian's photo ID. The parent or guardian does not need to provide their own documents beyond their ID, but they must be present throughout the transaction.
If your parents are divorced and one parent has sole custody, bring the custody order or adoption decree along with the parent or guardian who has custody. This prevents delays if questions arise about who can authorize the change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license without a court order if I got married?
Yes. A marriage certificate counts as proof of a legal name change in Texas. You do not need a separate court order. Bring your original or certified marriage certificate to the DPS office along with your current license and Social Security card.
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. They can issue you a certified copy. You can usually request this by phone, email, or in person, and they will mail it to you or let you pick it up. This typically takes a few days to a week.
Do I need an appointment at the DPS office?
It depends on the office. Some accept walk-ins only, while others let you schedule appointments online through the DPS website. Check your local office's page to see which system it uses. Appointments can reduce your wait time but are not always required.
Will my temporary paper license work everywhere my plastic license would?
Yes. Your temporary paper license is valid for driving, voting, and most other purposes while you wait for your plastic card to arrive. Keep it with you until your new card comes in the mail, usually within one to two weeks.
What if the DPS says my Social Security number does not match my new name?
Contact the Social Security Administration to update your name in their records first. You can do this online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. Once your Social Security record is updated, return to the DPS with your documents and try again.