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) driver license office in person with proof of your legal name change and your current license. Texas does not process 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 takes about 30 minutes at the office, though wait times vary by location. You will pay a fee for the replacement license — the amount depends on how much time remains on your current license. If your license expires within the next 90 days, you may be able to renew it at the same time and pay a combined fee.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with your current license and legal proof of your name change.
- Legal proof means a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other document issued by a government agency that shows your new name.
- The DPS will not process name changes by mail, phone, or through their website.
- You can keep your current license number or request a new one when you receive your replacement license.
- Replacement license fees vary based on your license expiration date, typically ranging from $16 to $32.
What counts as legal proof of your name change
The DPS requires an official document issued by a government agency that shows both your old name and your new name. A marriage certificate is the most common form of proof — bring the certified copy issued by the county clerk where you were married. If you were divorced or had your name legally changed through the courts, bring your divorce decree or court order of name change.
If you changed your name through marriage and later divorced, bring the divorce decree showing your name after the divorce. If you are changing your name back to a maiden name, a divorce decree showing that change is sufficient. The document must be an original or certified copy — photocopies are not accepted. If your document is in a language other than English, bring the original plus an official English translation.
How to find and visit a DPS driver license office
Use the DPS office locator at the Texas Department of Public Safety website to find the office nearest you. Enter your city or zip code, and the tool will show you the address, phone number, and hours of operation for each location. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. Call ahead if you want to confirm current wait times, though this is optional.
You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices, but some locations now offer optional appointment scheduling through the website. Taking an appointment can reduce your wait time, but walk-ins are still accepted. Arrive with all required documents and your current license. Bring a pen in case you need to fill out a form on site.
Documents and information to bring to the office
Bring your current Texas driver license, your legal proof of name change (certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and a form of identification if your license has expired. You will also need to provide your Social Security number — the DPS will verify it during processing.
If you have changed your address since your license was issued, bring proof of your current address. This can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and address. If your address has not changed, you do not need to bring address proof. Bring your phone number and email address as well, in case the DPS needs to contact you about your process.
What happens after you submit your documents
The DPS staff will review your documents, verify your information, and take a new photo for your license. They will ask you to confirm your name spelling and address. You can choose to keep your current license number or request a new one at this time. Most people keep their existing number to avoid updating records with banks, employers, and other organizations.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your old license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive before the new license arrives and your old license is still valid, you may use it — the name change will be official once the new license is issued. If your old license has expired, ask the DPS staff whether you can receive a temporary paper license to drive legally while you wait.
If your name change was through the courts
If you obtained a legal name change through a district court (not through marriage or divorce), bring your certified court order of name change. This document must show the court's seal and signature and must clearly state your old name and your new legal name. The order must be from a Texas court; if your name change was ordered by a court in another state, you may need to file the order with a Texas court first before the DPS will accept it.
Contact the district court clerk in the county where your name change was ordered if you do not have a certified copy of your order. The clerk can issue one for a small fee, usually $5 to $10. Request multiple certified copies at once — you may need them for other purposes such as updating your Social Security record or passport.
Fees and payment methods
The replacement license fee depends on how long your current license is valid. If your license expires more than 90 days from the date you explore, the replacement fee is typically $16. If it expires within 90 days, you may renew it at the same time for a combined fee of around $32. Fees can vary slightly, so confirm the exact amount when you call the office or check the DPS website.
The DPS accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card at most offices. Some locations may accept only certain payment methods, so call ahead if you want to confirm. If you pay by check, make it payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Keep your receipt — it serves as proof that you applied for your replacement license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license if I'm not a Texas resident?
No. You must be a Texas resident with a valid Texas driver license to change your name through the DPS. If you have moved out of state, you will need to obtain a driver license from your new state of residence.
What if my marriage certificate doesn't show my maiden name clearly?
The certificate must show both your name before marriage and your name after marriage. If it does not, contact the county clerk's office where you were married and request a certified copy that clearly shows both names. Some older certificates may require an explanation letter from the clerk.
Do I need to update my name with Social Security before I change my driver license?
No. You can change your driver license name first, then update Social Security afterward. However, some people prefer to update Social Security first to keep records consistent. Either order works — the DPS will verify your Social Security number regardless of whether you have updated it yet.
What if I lost my legal proof of name change document?
Contact the agency that issued the document. For a marriage certificate, contact the county clerk in the county where you were married. For a divorce decree or court order, contact the district court clerk in the county where the case was filed. They can issue a certified replacement copy for a fee.
Can I change my name on my license if I have an expired license?
Yes, but you will need another form of identification to bring to the DPS office. An expired driver license is not accepted as your only ID. Bring a passport, state ID card, or other government-issued photo ID along with your expired license and your legal proof of name change.