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

What you need to do to change your name on your Texas license

To change your name on your Texas driver's license, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) 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 by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

The key requirement is that you must have already changed your name legally before you can change it on your license. This means you need a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree — whichever document reflects your new legal name. Without one of these, DPS will not process your request.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a DPS 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, or divorce decree showing your new legal name.
Bring a completed DL 43 form (process for Texas Driver License) or fill it out at the office.
You will pay a $16 fee for a replacement license and receive a temporary paper license when ready and your new plastic license within 7 to 10 business days.

What documents to bring to the DPS office

Bring your current Texas driver's license and the original or certified copy of the document that proves your name change. If you changed your name through marriage, bring your original or certified marriage certificate. If through divorce, bring the original or certified divorce decree. If through a court order (which includes name changes filed in district court), bring the original or certified court order.

You will also need to bring a completed DL 43 form, which is the process for Texas Driver License. You can read and fill it out before you go, or you can fill it out at the DPS office. If you fill it out at the office, bring a pen. The form asks for your current address, physical description, and signature.

Bring proof of your current address if your license shows an old address. A utility bill, bank statement, or lease dated within the last 90 days works. If your address is current on your license, you do not need additional proof of address.

Finding a DPS office near you and what to expect

You can find your nearest DPS Driver License office on the Texas DPS website. Enter your city or zip code, and the site will show you all nearby locations, their hours, and whether they are currently open. Some offices are busier than others; offices in smaller towns often have shorter wait times than those in major cities.

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell them you are changing your name on your license. A staff member will review your documents to make sure everything is there. If your certified copy is missing or the form is incomplete, they will tell you what you need to fix. If everything is in order, they will take your photo and process your request on the spot.

You will receive a temporary paper license printed on the day you visit. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready. Your new plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license remains valid until your new card arrives, so you do not need to rush.

The fee and what happens if your license expires soon

The fee for a replacement license due to a name change is $16. You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at most offices; some offices also take credit cards. Ask when you call or check the office website to confirm payment methods.

If your license is expiring within the next few months, you have two choices. You can pay $16 now to change the name on your current license, and then renew it later when it expires. Or you can wait and renew and change your name at the same time, which costs $27 for a renewal. If your license expires more than a year away, changing the name now is usually the better choice because you will have a correct license sooner.

Changing your name on other documents at the same time

While you are working on your driver's license, you may also need to change your name on your Social Security card, vehicle registration, and voter registration. These are separate processes and do not happen automatically when you change your license.

For your Social Security card, you will need to visit your local Social Security office with your name-change document and proof of identity. For your vehicle registration, you will need to visit your county tax assessor-collector's office with your name-change document and your current registration. For voter registration, you can update your name online through the Texas Secretary of State website or by mail. None of these changes happen when you change your license, so plan to handle them separately.

What to do if your name-change document is not certified

DPS requires an original or certified copy of your name-change document. A certified copy is a copy stamped and signed by the court or agency that issued it, confirming it is a true copy of the original. If you have only a photocopy or an uncertified copy, you will need to get a certified copy before you go to DPS.

If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, contact the county clerk's office in the county where you were married or divorced. They can issue you a certified copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree for a small fee, usually between $5 and $20. If you changed your name through a court order, contact the district court clerk in the county where the order was filed. They can provide a certified copy as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a certified copy yet?

No. DPS requires an original or certified copy of your name-change document. If you only have a photocopy, you will need to get a certified copy from the court or county clerk before you visit DPS. The process to get a certified copy usually takes a few days to a week.

What if I lost my current driver's license?

You can still change your name, but you will need to report your license as lost at the same time. Bring your name-change document and any other ID you have (passport, state ID, or birth certificate). DPS will issue you a new license with your new name. The fee is still $16.

Do I need an appointment to visit a DPS office?

Most DPS offices do not require appointments for name changes on licenses. However, some offices in busy areas may offer appointment slots. Check the DPS website for your local office to see if appointments are available or recommended. Walk-ins are usually accepted, but arriving early in the day often means a shorter wait.

Will my temporary paper license have my new name on it?

Yes. The temporary paper license printed at the office will show your new name and is valid for driving when ready. You can use it as your ID while you wait for your new plastic license to arrive by mail.

What if I changed my name but do not have a marriage certificate or court order yet?

You cannot change your name on your license until you have a legal document proving the change. If you are in the process of getting married, wait until you receive your marriage certificate. If you filed for a name change in court, wait until the court issues your order. DPS will not process a name change based on your word alone or on an unsigned document.

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.