What you need to do to change a name on a Texas vehicle title

To change the name on your Texas vehicle title, you submit Form VTR 130-U (process for Texas Title) to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) along with your current title, proof of the name change, and a fee. The DMV processes the request and mails you a new title with the updated name. The whole process typically takes two to four weeks from the date the DMV receives your paperwork.

You will need to handle this whether you changed your name through marriage, divorce, court order, or any other legal means. The name on your title must match the name on your driver's license and vehicle registration, so this is not optional if you plan to sell the vehicle, register it in another state, or renew your registration.

Key Takeaways

  • You must submit Form VTR 130-U along with your current title and proof of your legal name change to the Texas DMV.
  • Proof of name change means a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other official document showing the name change was legal.
  • The DMV fee for a title change is $28.00, payable by check, money order, or credit card depending on how you submit your process.
  • You can mail your documents to the DMV, submit them in person at a DMV office, or use an online portal if you have a Texas driver's license or ID.
  • The new title arrives by mail at the address on your process, and you should keep it in a safe place as proof of ownership.

Gathering the documents you need

Start by collecting your current vehicle title. If you do not have it, you can request a duplicate from the Texas DMV using Form VTR 130-U as well, though this adds time to your request. Next, gather the official document that proves your name change. For a marriage, this is your marriage certificate. For a divorce, it is your divorce decree. For a court-ordered name change, it is the court order itself. These documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

You will also need Form VTR 130-U, which you can read from the Texas DMV website or pick up at any DMV office. Fill in your current name, your new name, your vehicle identification number (VIN), and the title number from your current title. Sign the form in front of a notary public. Some DMV offices will notarize for free, but not all, so call ahead if you plan to go in person.

Submitting your process by mail

Mail your completed Form VTR 130-U, your current title, your proof of name change, and a check or money order for $28.00 to the Texas DMV at 4000 Jackson Avenue, Austin, TX 78731. Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and email address so the DMV can contact you if there are questions. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

The DMV receives mail applications at this single address, so do not send to a local office. Mail typically takes five to seven business days to arrive, and processing takes another one to three weeks after that. If you need the title faster, consider submitting in person or using the online option.

Submitting your process in person

You can walk into any Texas DMV office with your Form VTR 130-U, current title, proof of name change, and $28.00 in cash, check, or card. The staff will review your documents on the spot, notarize your form if needed, and submit your process. Processing time is the same — one to three weeks — but you avoid mail delays and get when ready confirmation that everything was received correctly.

DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. You do not need an appointment for a title change, but arriving early in the day usually means shorter wait times. Bring your driver's license or ID as well, even though it is not required, because it helps staff verify your identity.

Using the online portal if you have a Texas ID

If you have a current Texas driver's license or ID card, you can submit your title change request through the Texas DMV online portal. Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, then select the option to change your title. You will upload images of your current title and your proof of name change, and pay the $28.00 fee with a credit or debit card. The system will guide you through each step.

Online submission is the fastest route because there is no mail delay and no office wait. Your process goes straight into the DMV queue. You will receive an email confirmation with a reference number, and you can check the status of your process online using that number. The new title still arrives by mail, typically within two to three weeks.

What happens after you submit

Once the DMV receives your process, a staff member reviews it to make sure all documents are present and the information is correct. If something is missing or unclear, they will contact you using the phone number or email you provided. This is why it is important to include current contact information and check your messages regularly during the processing period.

If everything is in order, the DMV prints your new title with your updated name and mails it to the address you listed on the process. The new title is the official proof that you own the vehicle and that your name is on record with the state. Once it arrives, store it somewhere safe — a fireproof box, safe deposit box, or with your important documents at home. You will need it if you sell the vehicle, trade it in, or register it in another state.

What to do if your process is denied or delayed

The DMV denies a title change request only if the proof of name change is not valid or does not match the name change you are requesting. For example, if you submit a marriage certificate but the name on the certificate does not match the new name you wrote on the form, the process will be rejected. If this happens, the DMV will explain the problem in writing and tell you how to resubmit.

If your process is taking longer than four weeks, contact the Texas DMV directly. You can call the DMV customer service line, email through their website, or visit an office in person with your reference number. Delays sometimes happen during high-volume periods, but the DMV can look up your process and tell you where it stands. If there is a genuine error on their end, they can sometimes expedite the reprint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my vehicle registration at the same time as my title?

No, but you should do it soon after. Your registration will eventually expire and require renewal, at which point the DMV will notice the name mismatch and ask you to update it. You can renew your registration online through the Texas DMV portal or by mail using Form VTR 130-U as well. Doing both at once saves time if you are already gathering documents.

What if I lost my current title and need to change the name?

Request a duplicate title and a name change at the same time by submitting Form VTR 130-U with a note explaining that your title is lost. Include your proof of name change and pay $28.00. The DMV will issue a new title with your updated name in one process rather than making you do it twice.

Can someone else submit the paperwork on my behalf?

Yes, if you give them a signed, notarized power of attorney or a letter authorizing them to act on your behalf. They will need to bring that authorization along with all the other documents. Some people use a title service company to handle this, though you will pay an additional fee for that service.

How much does a title name change cost?

The Texas DMV charges $28.00 for a title change. This is the only fee — there are no additional charges for processing, mailing, or notarization at a DMV office. If you use a private title service or have a notary outside the DMV notarize your form, those services may charge their own fees.

Will I get a temporary title while I wait for the new one?

No. The DMV does not issue temporary titles for name changes. You will have proof that you submitted the process (your reference number or receipt), but the only official title is the one that arrives in the mail. If you need to sell or trade the vehicle before the new title arrives, you can contact the DMV to request they mail it faster, though this is not always possible.