What you need to do to change your name on your Texas driver's license
To change the name on your Texas driver's license, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office in person with proof that your name has legally changed. Texas does not allow name changes by mail or online. You will need to bring documents showing both your current legal name and your old name — typically a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree — along with your current driver's license and proof of your new address if it has changed.
The process itself is straightforward once you have the right documents: you go to a DPS office, show your paperwork, pay a fee, and have a new photo taken. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The fee varies depending on whether you are renewing at the same time or just changing the name on an existing license.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with legal proof of your name change — mail-in and online requests are not accepted.
- Acceptable documents include a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other official record showing your new legal name.
- Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address if it has changed, and the name-change document to your appointment.
- The fee for a name change only is $16; if you renew your license at the same time, you pay the renewal fee instead.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can use your old license until it arrives.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Texas requires proof of your legal name change. The document must show both your old name and your new name. The most common documents are a marriage certificate (if you changed your name due to marriage), a divorce decree (if you changed your name after divorce), or a court order from a name change proceeding.
You also need your current driver's license and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days. If your address has not changed, you still need to bring your current license.
If you are changing your name due to marriage and your marriage certificate is from outside Texas, bring the original or a certified copy. A photocopy is not enough. The same rule applies to divorce decrees and court orders from other states.
How to find a DPS office near you and what to expect
You can find the nearest driver license office on the Texas DPS website by entering your city or ZIP code. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours on certain days. A few offices offer Saturday hours — check the location details when you search.
You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices, but some locations now use an online reservation system. Before you go, check whether your local office requires a reservation or accepts walk-ins. If your office uses reservations, you can book a time slot on the DPS website to avoid a long wait.
When you arrive, bring all your documents and your current license. The staff will review your paperwork, take a new photo, and process your name change. The whole visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if the office is not busy. You will receive a receipt showing your new license number and an estimated arrival date.
Fees and payment methods
A name change only costs $16. If you are also renewing your license at the same time — for example, if your license is expiring soon — you pay the renewal fee ($33 for a standard license valid for five years) instead of the name-change fee. You cannot pay both fees; the office applies whichever is higher.
DPS offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some offices may have restrictions on which payment methods they take, so bring more than one option if possible. Ask at the counter if you are unsure.
Timeline for receiving your new license
Your new license is mailed to the address you provided at the DPS office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you explore. During this time, your old license remains valid and you can continue to use it for identification.
If you need your new license faster, some DPS offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, though this is not available at all locations. Ask the staff at your office whether expedited processing is an option and what it costs.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DPS by phone or through their website to check the status. Keep your receipt from your visit — it has your new license number and can help you track your order.
Special situations: marriage, divorce, and court-ordered name changes
If you changed your name through marriage, bring your original marriage certificate or a certified copy. Texas recognizes marriage certificates from any U.S. state or U.S. territory. If you were married outside the United States, bring a certified English translation of your marriage certificate along with the original.
If you changed your name through divorce, bring your divorce decree. The decree must show both your former name and your new name. If you remarried and changed your name again, bring the most recent divorce decree and your current marriage certificate.
If you obtained a court order for a name change through the district court, bring the certified copy of the order. This is the route to take if your name change does not fall into the marriage or divorce category — for example, if you are changing your name for personal reasons or as part of a gender transition. The court order is your proof of the legal change.
What happens if your documents are missing or incomplete
If you arrive at the DPS office without the correct documents, the staff will not process your name change that day. They will tell you what you need to bring back. Do not assume a photocopy, email, or digital image will work — DPS requires originals or certified copies for most documents.
If your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order is from another state, contact that state's vital records office or court to request a certified copy. This can take one to four weeks depending on the state. Plan ahead if you know you will need a certified copy from out of state.
If you have lost your original documents and cannot get a certified copy, you may be able to obtain a certified copy from the county clerk's office in the county where the event occurred (marriage, divorce, or court order). The DPS staff can sometimes direct you to the right office if you explain your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a court order or marriage certificate?
No. Texas requires official documentation showing your legal name change. If you changed your name informally or by common usage only, you will need to go through the district court to obtain a court-ordered name change first. Once you have the court order, you can bring it to the DPS office.
What if my address changed at the same time as my name?
Bring proof of your new address along with your name-change document. The DPS office will update both your name and address on your new license at the same time. You still pay only the $16 name-change fee unless your license is also expiring.
Do I need to change my name with other agencies after I get my new license?
Your new driver's license is your proof of the name change, but you will need to update your name separately with Social Security, your employer, your bank, insurance companies, and other organizations. Keep a copy of your new license to show them. Some agencies may also ask for a copy of your original name-change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Can someone else pick up my new license for me?
No. Your new license is mailed directly to you at the address you provided. You cannot have it sent to someone else or pick it up at the DPS office. If you are moving soon, update your address with DPS before you explore for the name change, or wait until after you move to explore.
What if I changed my name years ago but never updated my license?
You can still update it now. Bring your current driver's license and proof of your legal name change — the original marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. It does not matter how long ago the change happened. The process is the same as any other name change.