What you need to do to change your name on your Texas driver license
To change the name on your Texas driver license, you must visit a Texas 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 itself takes about 15 minutes at the office, but you will need to bring specific documents that show why your name has changed — a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree, depending on your situation.
You will receive a temporary paper license the same day and your new plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The fee is $16 for a standard five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license if you are 60 or older.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person with your current license and legal proof of your name change — court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree.
- Texas requires the document that caused your name to change; a straightforward letter or affidavit is not enough.
- You will get a temporary paper license when ready and your new plastic license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- The fee is $16 for a standard license or $32 for an eight-year license, and you must bring payment in the form DPS accepts at that office.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Bring your current Texas driver license and the original or certified copy of the document that proves your name change. If you changed your name through marriage, bring your marriage certificate. If you changed your name through divorce, bring your divorce decree. If you changed your name by court order, bring the court order itself.
Photocopies are not accepted — DPS staff must see the original document or a certified copy issued by the court or vital records office. If your document is in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation along with the original.
You will also need to bring a document that shows your current address if it differs from the address on your license. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works for this purpose.
Which DPS office to visit and how to find hours
Texas has DPS driver license offices in most cities and counties. You can search for the office nearest you on the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov. The site shows the address, phone number, and hours for each location. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. A few offices require an appointment, while most operate on a walk-in basis.
Call ahead if you are unsure whether the office near you takes walk-ins or requires an appointment. Wait times vary by location and time of day — offices are typically less crowded early in the morning on weekdays.
What happens if your name change came from outside Texas
If you changed your name in another state or country and now live in Texas, you still need the original or certified copy of the document from that state or country. DPS will not accept a Texas court order if your name change happened elsewhere. Contact the vital records office or court in the state where your name change occurred to request a certified copy.
If you are unsure which office issued your document, call the DPS office where you plan to explore. Staff can tell you what they will accept and may be able to direct you to the right office in your original state.
Name changes through marriage or divorce
If you married and took your spouse's name, bring your marriage certificate. Texas recognizes marriages from any U.S. state or country, so a marriage certificate from outside Texas is acceptable as long as it is an original or certified copy.
If you divorced and your divorce decree includes your new name, bring the divorce decree. Some people change their name back to a maiden name or choose a different name entirely through divorce — the decree must show the name you want on your license. If your divorce decree does not specify a name change, you will need a separate court order to change your name.
Name changes through court order
If you changed your name by filing a petition in district court — for reasons other than marriage or divorce — bring the court order granting the name change. This is the most common route for people who want to change their name for personal reasons unrelated to marriage or divorce.
The court order must be signed by a judge and must clearly state your old name and your new name. If you no longer have the original, contact the district court clerk's office in the county where you filed the petition and request a certified copy. There is usually a small fee for this service.
What to expect during your visit
When you arrive at the DPS office, check in at the front desk and let staff know you are changing your name. You will be called to a window where a DPS employee will review your documents, take a new photo, and process your process. Bring your current license and the name-change document in hand so they are ready when called.
The employee will ask you to sign the process and will confirm the name you want on your new license. You will pay the fee at this time — bring cash or a debit card, depending on what the office accepts. You will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot, valid until your new plastic card arrives. Keep this paper license with you until the new one comes in the mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license without a court order or marriage certificate?
No. Texas requires the document that caused your name to change. A letter from an employer, a bank statement, or a straightforward affidavit is not enough. You must have a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
The new plastic license arrives within 7 to 10 business days after your visit. The temporary paper license you receive at the office is valid during this time. If more than 10 business days pass, contact the DPS office where you applied.
What if my name change document is expired or very old?
An expired marriage certificate or divorce decree is still valid proof of your name change. Age does not matter — DPS accepts documents from decades ago as long as they are originals or certified copies.
Do I need to change my name on other documents before I change my license?
No. You can change your driver license first. However, you will eventually need to update your name with Social Security, your employer, your bank, and other institutions. Many people find it easier to update their license first, then use it as proof of their name change elsewhere.
What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce decree?
Contact the vital records office or court in the county where you married or divorced and request a certified copy. The office will mail it to you, usually within one to two weeks. There is a fee, typically between $10 and $25.