How to Change Your Name on a Texas Driver's License

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 documents, pay a fee, and take a new photo — but the documents you bring depend on how your name changed.

You cannot change your name on the license itself. Instead, you must first have a legal name change documented through one of these routes: a court order (from divorce, name change petition, or adoption), a marriage certificate, or a death certificate if you are changing from a deceased spouse's name. Once you have that document, the DPS will issue you a new license with the updated name.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with your current license and proof of your legal name change — no online or mail options exist.
Acceptable proof includes a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption papers, or death certificate, depending on why your name changed.
The fee for a name change on your license is the same as a standard renewal or replacement, currently $33 for a five-year license or $66 for an eight-year license.
You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your name change was through a court order, bring the certified copy; if through marriage, bring the certified marriage certificate; if through divorce, bring the certified divorce decree.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

The specific documents depend on the reason for your name change. If you changed your name through a court order — whether for a legal name change petition, adoption, or other court action — bring a certified copy of that order. The DPS will not accept a photocopy or a document you printed yourself; it must be certified by the court that issued it.

If you changed your name through marriage, bring your certified marriage certificate. If you changed your name through divorce, bring your certified divorce decree showing your new name. If you are a widow or widower using a deceased spouse's name, bring a certified death certificate.

You will also need your current Texas driver's license and one form of proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days showing your current address. If your address on your license is already current, you may not need this, but bring it to be safe.

Where to go and what to expect at the office

Find your nearest DPS driver license office using the office locator on the Texas DPS website. Not all offices are open the same hours, and some have longer wait times than others. You can check wait times online before you go, and some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online as well.

When you arrive, bring all your documents and your current license. Tell the clerk you are changing your name. They will verify your documents, confirm your identity, and take a new photo for your license. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you are called, though wait times in the office itself vary.

You will pay the fee at the counter. The cost is $33 for a five-year license or $66 for an eight-year license — the same price as a standard renewal. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that you can use while your plastic card is being printed.

Timeline for receiving your new license

Your plastic driver's license card will be mailed to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary paper license you receive at the office is valid for driving and identification during that time. Do not discard it until your plastic card arrives.

If you do not receive your card within two weeks, contact the DPS to check the status. Keep your receipt from the office visit in case you need to reference your transaction number.

Name changes through marriage or divorce

If you married and took your spouse's name, your marriage certificate is your proof of the legal name change. You do not need a separate court order. Bring the certified copy issued by the county clerk where you were married.

If you divorced and your divorce decree shows your name reverting to a former name or changing to a new name, that decree is your proof. The name on the decree must match the name you want on your license. If the decree is unclear about your new name, contact the court that issued it for a certified clarification before going to the DPS.

What happens if your documents are missing or incomplete

If you do not have a certified copy of your court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree, you will need to obtain one before the DPS can change your name on the license. Contact the court or county clerk that issued the original document and request a certified copy. This usually costs $5 to $15 and takes 3 to 7 business days by mail.

If you lost your current driver's license, you can still change your name, but you will need to bring a different form of ID — a passport, state ID card, or other government-issued photo ID. The DPS will not issue a new license without some form of current identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license without a court order if I got married?

Yes. Your certified marriage certificate is sufficient proof of a legal name change. You do not need a separate court order. Bring the certified copy from the county clerk where you were married.

What if I changed my name years ago and never updated my license?

You can still change it now. Bring your certified proof of the name change — the court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree — along with your current license. The DPS does not have a time limit on when you must update your license after a legal name change.

Do I need to change my name with Social Security before I go to the DPS?

No. You can change your name at the DPS and Social Security in either order. However, having your Social Security card updated first can make the DPS process smoother, since they may verify your name against Social Security records. Contact your local Social Security office or visit ssa.gov to update your name there.

Can someone else go to the DPS office for me if I cannot go in person?

No. Texas law requires you to appear in person at the DPS office to change your name on your license. You must be present for the photo and identity verification.

What if my certified documents have my old address on them?

The address on your court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree does not matter. What matters is that the document proves your legal name change. Bring a separate proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease, if your license address is not current.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.