What you need to do after a legal name change in Texas
Once you have a court order or other legal document showing your name change, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires you to update your driver's license within a certain timeframe. You cannot straightforward show up with your new name — you must bring the legal document that proves the change, along with your current license and proof of your new name on other documents.
The process itself is straightforward: you visit a DPS driver license office in person, show your documents, and pay a fee. There is no online option for name changes on a driver's license in Texas. The whole visit usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring your court order or legal name change document, your current Texas driver's license, and proof of your new name (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to a DPS office.
- Name changes on a driver's license require an in-person visit — there is no mail-in or online option in Texas.
- You will pay a fee to update your license; the amount depends on whether you are renewing at the same time or just changing the name on an existing license.
- Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after your visit.
- If your license expires within 60 days of your name change, you may want to renew it at the same time to avoid a second trip.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Bring your current Texas driver's license, your court order or legal document showing the name change, and at least one additional document that shows your new name. The additional document might be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or a document issued by a government agency that reflects your new name.
If you changed your name through marriage, bring your marriage certificate. If you changed it through divorce, bring your divorce decree. If you changed it through a court petition, bring the court order. The DPS office will not accept a certified copy alone — you may need to bring the original or a certified copy, depending on the document type. Call your local DPS office before you go to confirm what form of the document they will accept.
You will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form) and proof of your Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). These are standard requirements for any license transaction in Texas.
Where to go and how to find your nearest office
Visit the Texas DPS website and use their office locator tool to find the driver license office closest to you. Enter your city or zip code, and the tool will show you the address, hours, and phone number of each office in your area. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip during peak hours.
Many DPS offices now use an online appointment system. Check your local office's page to see if you can book a time slot in advance. This does not eliminate the wait, but it can reduce it. If your office does not offer appointments, arrive early in the day or on a weekday morning to avoid the longest lines.
The fee for a name change on your driver's license
If you are only changing the name on your current license (not renewing it), the fee is typically $20 to $25. The exact amount can vary slightly by office, so call ahead to confirm. You can pay by cash, check, or card at most offices.
If your license expires within 60 days of your name change, you may want to renew it at the same time. A renewal with a name change costs more than a name change alone — usually around $50 to $60 for a five-year renewal, depending on your age and whether you want a Real ID-compliant license. Doing both at once saves you a second trip to the DPS office.
What happens after you submit your documents
The DPS office will take your old license, photograph you for the new one, and process your paperwork on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license that is valid when ready. This temporary license is good for driving while you wait for your new plastic license to arrive in the mail.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you move before it arrives, you can update your address online through the DPS website or at another DPS office. Do not throw away your temporary license until the new one arrives — you need it to drive legally in the meantime.
Updating other documents after your driver's license changes
Your driver's license is just one document. After you update it, you will likely need to update your name on your Social Security record, vehicle registration, insurance, bank accounts, and employer records. The Social Security Administration has its own process, separate from the DPS. Your vehicle registration can be updated through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) — which is different from the DPS — either online or by mail.
Keep copies of your new driver's license and your original legal name change document. You will need them to update other records. Some organizations will accept a photo of your license; others require an official copy. Having both on hand makes the process faster.
What to do if your name change document is from outside Texas
If your legal name change happened in another state or country, you can still update your Texas driver's license. Bring the court order or legal document from that state or country, along with your current Texas license and the other proof of identity and residency listed above. The DPS office will review the document to make sure it is valid.
If you are unsure whether your out-of-state document will be accepted, call the DPS office before you visit. Some documents require certification or translation, and it is better to know that in advance than to make a trip for nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days after your office visit. You can drive legally on your temporary paper license until it arrives. If more than 10 business days pass and you have not received it, contact the DPS office where you applied.
Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a court order?
No. Texas requires a legal document — a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or similar official record — to change your name on a driver's license. A name change by common law (straightforward using a new name) is not enough.
Do I have to change my license when ready after my name change?
Texas law does not specify a important date, but it is a good idea to update it as soon as you have your legal document. Using an old license with a different name can cause confusion with police, banks, and employers. The sooner you update it, the fewer problems you will run into.
What if I lost my court order or name change document?
Contact the court that issued the order and request a certified copy. If your name change was through marriage or divorce, you can get a certified copy of your marriage or divorce certificate from the county clerk's office where it was filed. This usually takes a few days and costs $10 to $25.
Can I renew my license and change my name at the same time?
Yes. If your license expires soon, you can renew it and change your name in one visit. Bring your legal name change document along with the standard renewal documents. The combined fee is higher than a name change alone, but you avoid a second trip.