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 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 takes about 30 minutes at the office, though you may wait depending on how busy the location is. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your new plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

The key requirement is that you must have already changed your name legally before the DPS will update your license. This means you need a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing your new name — the DPS cannot process a name change based on your word alone. If you have not yet obtained your legal name change document, you will need to do that first through the appropriate Texas court or vital records office.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with your current license and proof of your legal name change.
  • Proof of legal name change can be a court order, certified marriage certificate, or certified divorce decree showing your new name.
  • Bring a second form of identification along with your name-change document, as DPS requires two forms of ID.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your new plastic license by mail within two to three weeks.
  • 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.

What documents to bring to the DPS office

Bring your current Texas driver's license and the document proving your legal name change. If you changed your name through marriage, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate. If you changed your name through divorce, bring a certified copy of your divorce decree that shows your new name. If you changed your name through a court order (often called a name change petition or judgment), bring the certified court order.

You will also need a second form of identification. This can be a passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, or military ID. The DPS requires two forms of ID to verify your identity before processing any license change. Make sure your name-change document is certified — a photocopy or uncertified version will not work. You can obtain certified copies from the court that issued the order or from the vital records office in the county where the document was filed.

Where to go and how to find your nearest office

Visit the DPS website at dps.texas.gov to find the driver license office nearest you. The site has a location finder where you enter your city or zip code and see all offices in your area, their hours, and their phone numbers. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended evening hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead to confirm the office is open and to ask about current wait times if you want to plan your visit.

Some DPS offices are busier than others. If you live in or near a major city, consider visiting a smaller satellite office rather than the main downtown location. You do not need an appointment for a name change at most offices, but a few locations now offer online appointment scheduling through the DPS website. Checking for appointment availability before you go can save you time.

Fees and what happens after you explore

The fee for a name change on your license is $33 for a five-year license or $66 for an eight-year license if you are 85 or older. You pay this fee at the office when you submit your documents. The DPS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most locations, though a few offices may be cash-only — call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods.

You will receive a temporary paper license (called a temporary driving permit) before you leave the office. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and has the same legal weight as your plastic license — you can drive with it when ready. Your new plastic license with your updated name will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If you do not receive it within that time, contact the DPS to check the status of your order.

If you changed your name but do not have a court document yet

If you are planning to change your name but have not yet obtained the legal document, you must complete that step before the DPS can update your license. For a marriage, you need a certified marriage certificate from the county clerk's office where you were married. For a divorce, you need a certified copy of your divorce decree from the district court that handled your case. For a court-ordered name change, you need to file a petition with your district court.

A court-ordered name change in Texas requires filing a petition with the district court in the county where you live. The process typically takes four to six weeks and involves a small filing fee (usually $100 to $300, depending on the county). Some counties allow you to file online through their e-filing system, while others require you to file in person. Contact your district court clerk's office to learn the process in your county. Once you have your court order, you can then take it to the DPS to update your license.

Updating other documents after your license changes

Changing your driver's license is usually the first step, but you will likely need to update your name with other agencies and organizations. Your Social Security card should match your driver's license, so contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card with your new name. You will need to bring your court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree, plus your current Social Security card and a form of ID.

You should also update your name with your bank, insurance companies, employer, and any government benefits programs you receive. Each organization has its own process, but most will accept your new driver's license as proof of your name change. Keep copies of your court order or other name-change document for your records, as you may need to show it multiple times when updating accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, you can change your name on your Texas driver's license regardless of citizenship status, as long as you have a valid legal name change document. Bring the same proof of name change (court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree) that a citizen would bring. Your immigration status does not affect this process.

What if my name change document is from another state?

The DPS will accept a name change document from another state as long as it is certified and shows your new legal name. Bring the certified copy to your DPS office. If the document is in another language, you may need to bring a certified English translation along with the original.

Do I need to renew my license at the same time I change my name?

No. A name change is separate from a renewal. You can change your name at any time during your license validity period. Your new license will have the same expiration date as your old one unless you also choose to renew it at the same visit.

What if I lost my current driver's license?

You can still change your name, but you will need to bring two other forms of identification instead of your current license. Bring your name-change document plus two other acceptable IDs such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card. The DPS will issue you a new license with your updated name.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary driving permit is valid for 45 days from the date you receive it. This gives you time to receive your new plastic license by mail. If your plastic license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DPS to check on it before your temporary permit expires.