You need an appointment at a Texas DPS office to change the name on your driver's license, and you book it online through the DPS website or by phone

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires you to schedule an appointment before visiting a driver's license office for a name change. You cannot walk in without one — most offices will turn you away. The appointment system lets you pick your location, date, and time slot weeks in advance, which means you can plan around your work or family schedule rather than taking a chance on wait times.

You have two ways to book: the DPS online appointment system at dps.texas.gov or by calling the DPS Customer Service line at 1-844-DPS-TXDL (1-844-337-8935). The online system is faster and shows you available slots when ready. The phone line has longer hold times but works if you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone.

Key Takeaways

  • Book your appointment through dps.texas.gov or by calling 1-844-337-8935 at least one week before you plan to visit.
  • You will need your current Texas driver's license, a document proving your legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency.
  • The appointment itself takes 15 to 30 minutes, but you should arrive 10 minutes early and bring all required documents or the office will not process your request.
  • If you miss your appointment, you can reschedule online or by phone without penalty, but slots fill quickly during peak times.
  • Some DPS offices have longer wait times for appointments than others — checking multiple locations near you may find an earlier slot.

How to book online through the DPS website

Go to dps.texas.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. Select "Driver License" and then "Schedule an Appointment." You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and date of birth to verify your identity. The system will then show you a map of DPS offices in your area and nearby regions.

Click on the office you want to visit. The calendar will display available dates in green (open) and gray (full). Select a date, then choose from the time slots shown. Most offices offer morning and afternoon appointments on weekdays, and some offer Saturday hours. Once you confirm your selection, the system will send you a confirmation email with your appointment number, location address, and what to bring.

Save or print this confirmation. You do not need to show it at the office, but it contains your appointment time and the office's phone number in case you need to reschedule.

Booking by phone and what to expect on the call

Call 1-844-DPS-TXDL (1-844-337-8935) during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. The representative will ask which DPS office you prefer and what dates work for you. They will tell you what slots are open and book the one you choose.

The phone line can have waits of 20 to 45 minutes during peak times (mid-morning and early afternoon). Calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon usually means shorter hold times. The representative will give you an appointment number and confirm the details verbally — ask them to repeat the time and location to make sure you have it right.

Documents you must bring to your appointment

Bring your current Texas driver's license. You will also need proof of your legal name change. This means one of the following: an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for name change, or adoption decree. A photocopy is not enough — the office needs an official document.

You must also bring proof of residency showing your current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name must appear on the document. A driver's license with your old address does not count as proof of residency for this purpose.

If you have changed your address since your license was issued, bring the residency proof even if your name is not changing. The DPS will update your address at the same time.

What happens during your appointment

Arrive 10 minutes early. Check in at the front desk and give the staff member your appointment confirmation number (or just tell them your name). They will verify your documents and take you to a processing window. The staff member will review your name-change document, check that it matches your current license, and ask you to sign a form confirming the new name.

You will have your photo taken for the new license (unless you had a photo taken within the last five years and do not want a new one). The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive your new license on the spot — it is not mailed to you later. The new license will have your updated name and your current address.

If you need to reschedule or cancel

You can reschedule online through the same dps.texas.gov appointment system. Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, find your appointment, and select "Reschedule." Choose a new date and time. You can also call 1-844-DPS-TXDL to reschedule by phone.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you will need to book a new one. There is no penalty, but you lose that time slot and have to wait for the next opening. If you know you cannot make it, cancel as soon as you can so someone else can use that slot.

Finding an appointment when slots are full

Popular DPS offices in large cities fill up weeks in advance. If the office nearest you shows no openings, check offices in surrounding areas — a 20-minute drive to a less busy location can mean an appointment days or weeks sooner. The online system shows all offices in your region on one map, so you can compare availability across multiple locations at once.

Appointments also open up as people reschedule or cancel. If you see no slots available, check again in a few days. Early morning on weekdays tends to have the most cancellations. You can also call the specific office directly to ask when they typically see cancellations, though staff cannot hold a slot for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment if I am changing my name and my address at the same time?

Yes, you still need an appointment. The DPS handles both changes in a single visit. Bring your name-change document and proof of residency with your new address. The staff will update both on your license during the same appointment.

What if my name-change document is not in English?

You will need a certified English translation along with the original document. A notarized translation is not required, but it must be an official translation from a may have access to translator. Bring both the original and the translation to your appointment.

Can someone else schedule an appointment for me?

No. The online system requires your driver's license number and date of birth, and the phone representative will verify your identity before booking. You must schedule it yourself or be present on the call.

How long does the new license take to arrive if I do not get it at my appointment?

You receive your new license when ready at the office. It is not mailed. If for some reason the office cannot issue it on the spot, they will explain why and tell you when to expect it by mail, but this is rare.

What if I do not have proof of residency in my name?

You will need to bring a document that shows your current address and your name. If you recently moved and have not received a utility bill or bank statement yet, a lease agreement or mortgage statement works. If you cannot produce any of these, contact the DPS office directly before your appointment to ask what alternatives they accept.