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 of your legal name change and your current license. Texas does not allow name changes by mail or online. The DPS will issue you a new license with your updated name, and you can choose whether to keep your current license number or receive a new one.

The process itself is straightforward, but the documents you bring matter. You cannot straightforward tell the DPS your new name — you must show them a court order, marriage certificate, or other official document that proves the name change is legal. 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.
  • Acceptable proof includes a court order for name change, a certified marriage certificate, a certified divorce decree, or an adoption decree.
  • The DPS will not process a name change without official documentation — a verbal request or letter is not enough.
  • You can keep your current license number or request a new one when you receive your updated license.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, as the DPS will verify it during the transaction.

Documents the DPS requires for a name change

The document you bring depends on why your name changed. If you were married, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate. If you were divorced, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree that shows your new name. If you changed your name by court order, bring the certified court order. If you were adopted, bring the certified adoption decree.

All documents must be certified copies — photocopies or uncertified originals will not be accepted. You can obtain certified copies from the county clerk's office where the document was issued, or from the court that issued it. The cost varies by county but is usually between $5 and $25 per copy.

You must also bring your current Texas driver's license and proof of your Social Security number. A Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form will work as proof. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a document issued by a federal or state agency that shows your Social Security number.

Where to go and what to expect at the DPS office

Find your nearest DPS driver license office on the Texas DPS website. You do not need an appointment — most offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some locations now offer online scheduling. Arrive early if you go without an appointment, as wait times vary by location and time of day.

When you arrive, tell the staff member that you are updating your name on your license. They will ask you to fill out an process for a Driver License or ID Card (Form DL-43). This form takes a few minutes and asks for your current information and your new name. The staff member will review your documents, verify your Social Security number, and take a new photo for your updated license.

The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter. You will pay a fee for the new license — as of 2024, a standard five-year license costs $33, and an eight-year license costs $48. Fees may vary, so check the DPS website for current pricing.

Timeline for receiving your new license

You will receive a temporary paper license at the DPS office that is valid when ready. This temporary license allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. The permanent license is usually mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during busy periods.

If you need your new license faster, some DPS offices offer expedited service for an additional fee. Ask the staff member at your local office whether expedited processing is available and what it costs.

Name changes due to marriage or divorce

If you changed your name because you married, your marriage certificate is your proof of the name change. The certificate must be certified and must show both your old name and your new name. Some counties issue marriage certificates that show only the new name; if yours does, bring the certified marriage certificate along with any other document that shows your previous name, such as your current driver's license.

If you changed your name because you divorced, the divorce decree must show your new name after the divorce. Some decrees do not explicitly state a name change — they straightforward restore your former name. If your decree does not clearly show your new name, bring it along with your current driver's license to show the DPS staff member.

Name changes by court order

If you changed your name through a court petition (not through marriage or divorce), you must bring the certified court order that granted the name change. This order is issued by a district court in the county where you filed the petition. You can obtain a certified copy from the district clerk's office in that county.

The court order must be signed by a judge and must clearly state your old name and your new name. If you have lost your copy of the order, contact the district clerk's office in the county where the order was issued — they can provide a certified copy for a small fee.

What happens if you cannot find your proof document

If you have lost your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, you can request a certified copy from the issuing office. For a marriage certificate or divorce decree, contact the county clerk's office in the county where the document was issued. For a court order, contact the district clerk's office in the county where the case was filed.

These offices can usually mail you a certified copy within one to two weeks. Some counties offer rush processing for an additional fee. Once you have the certified copy, you can visit the DPS office to update your license. If you need your license updated before the certified copy arrives, you can visit the DPS office with your current license and explain the situation — staff members may be able to advise you on next steps, though they cannot process the change without official documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license without going to a DPS office in person?

No. Texas requires you to visit a DPS driver license office in person. You cannot change your name by mail, phone, or online. You must bring your current license and proof of your legal name change to an office.

Do I have to get a new license number when I change my name?

No. You can keep your current license number or request a new one. Tell the DPS staff member your preference when you fill out the process form. Most people keep their current number to avoid updating records elsewhere.

What if my marriage certificate does not show my old name?

Bring your current driver's license along with the marriage certificate. The license shows your old name, and the certificate shows your new name. Together, they prove the name change. The DPS staff member will review both documents.

How long does the temporary paper license last?

The temporary paper license is valid until your permanent license arrives by mail, which is usually 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on the temporary license during this time. If your permanent license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied.

What if I changed my name years ago and no longer have the original document?

Contact the office that issued the original document — the county clerk for a marriage certificate or divorce decree, or the district clerk for a court order. Request a certified copy. Most offices charge $5 to $25 per copy and can mail it to you within one to two weeks.