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 once you have the right documents, but the documents you bring depend on why your name changed. Marriage, divorce, court order, and name-change-by-petition each require different proof, and bringing the wrong documents will send you home to gather the right ones.
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.
- The documents you need depend on your reason for the name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or name-change petition.
- You will also need to bring one document proving your identity and one proving your current address, even though you already have a license.
- Processing takes about 7 to 10 business days, and you can request a temporary paper license to use while you wait for the new one.
- If you changed your name through a court petition, bring the certified court order, not a copy — the DPS will not accept photocopies.
Documents you need for each type of name change
The DPS groups name changes into four categories, and each requires different paperwork. If your name changed through marriage, bring your original or certified marriage certificate. If your name changed through divorce, bring your original or certified divorce decree showing your new name. If a court order changed your name (including adoption or legal name change), bring the certified court order. If you changed your name through a name-change petition filed in district court, bring the certified petition and the court's order granting it.
In all cases, "certified" means an official copy issued by the court or vital records office, not a photocopy you made yourself. The DPS will not accept photocopies, faxes, or scanned images of these documents. If you do not have a certified copy, you can request one from the court that issued the order or the vital records office in the county where the event occurred.
You will also need to bring one document proving your current identity (your current Texas driver's license, passport, or military ID) and one document proving your current address (a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within 90 days). These are required even though you already have a license.
How to find and visit a DPS driver license office
The Texas DPS website has a driver license office locator where you can search by city or zip code to find the office nearest you. Each office has different hours and may have different wait times. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times can range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and day of the week.
You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices, but some locations now offer online appointment scheduling. Check your local office's page on the DPS website to see whether appointments are available. If you can book a time slot, doing so will usually reduce your wait time.
Bring all your documents in originals or certified copies — do not rely on the office staff to make copies for you. Bring your current license as well. The staff will verify your documents, take a new photo, and process your name change on the spot.
What happens after you submit your documents
Once the DPS processes your name change, your new license is mailed to the address on file. Standard processing takes about 7 to 10 business days. You can request a temporary paper license at the office before you leave, which you can use for identification while you wait for the new plastic card to arrive in the mail.
When your new license arrives, check it when ready to make sure the name, address, and other information are correct. If anything is wrong, return to a DPS office with your new license and the documents that prove the correct information. Corrections are usually made at no additional cost.
Changing your name on other documents after your license is updated
Once you have your new driver's license, you will need to update your name with other agencies and organizations. The Social Security Administration, your employer, your bank, your insurance companies, and your vehicle registration all need to know about your name change. Some of these will ask to see your new driver's license as proof.
Start with the Social Security Administration if your name changed through marriage, divorce, or court order. You can visit a local Social Security office with your new driver's license and your original or certified name-change document. Updating your Social Security record makes it easier to update everything else, because many organizations will accept a Social Security card as proof of your name change.
Fees and payment methods
A name change on your driver's license costs the same as renewing your license. The fee depends on the type of license you have and how long it is valid for. Standard fees range from about $16 to $33 for a regular driver's license, though the exact amount varies. The DPS office will tell you the fee when you arrive.
DPS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may also accept checks, but it is safest to bring cash or a card. Ask the office staff what payment methods they accept before you go.
What to do if you lost your name-change document
If you cannot find your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, you can request a replacement from the office that issued it. Marriage and divorce records are kept by the county clerk's office in the county where the event occurred. Court orders are kept by the district court that issued them. Vital records offices can usually mail you a certified copy within 1 to 2 weeks, though some charge a small fee (usually $5 to $25).
If you are in a hurry, some counties offer expedited service for an additional fee, or you can visit the office in person to pick up a copy the same day. Call the county clerk's office or the court to ask about your options and current processing times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license without going to an office in person?
No. Texas requires you to visit a DPS driver license office in person with your current license and proof of your legal name change. There is no online or mail option for name changes.
Do I need to renew my license at the same time I change my name?
No. A name change is separate from renewal. You only pay the name-change fee, not a renewal fee, unless your license is also expiring soon. If your license expires within the next few months, you may want to renew it at the same time to avoid a second trip.
What if I got married or divorced outside of Texas?
You will still need a certified copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree. Contact the vital records office or county clerk in the state or country where the event occurred to request a certified copy. The DPS will accept documents from any state or country as long as they are certified.
Can I keep my old license number when I change my name?
Yes. When you visit the DPS office, you can ask to keep your current license number. The staff will let you know whether that is possible in your situation. In most cases, you can keep the same number.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Standard processing takes about 7 to 10 business days from the date you submit your documents at the office. You can request a temporary paper license to use while you wait. If you need your new license faster, ask the DPS office whether expedited processing is available in your area.