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

To change the 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 DPS will issue you a new license with your updated name, and you can request a duplicate if you need it before your license expires.

The process itself is straightforward, but the documents you bring matter. You need both proof that your name has legally changed and proof of your identity. What counts as proof depends on how your name changed — through marriage, divorce, court order, or another method.

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 of name change includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or certified birth certificate showing your new name.
  • Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security card or passport for identity verification.
  • The new license is issued on the spot at most DPS offices, though some locations may mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days.
  • The fee for a name change on your license is the same as a standard renewal or duplicate, currently $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license.

Documents you need to bring to the DPS office

Your proof of name change depends on why your name changed. If you married, bring your original or certified marriage certificate. If you divorced, bring your certified divorce decree showing your new name. If you changed your name through a court order, bring the certified court order. If your name change appears on a certified birth certificate, that also works.

You also need to prove your identity and residency. Bring your current Texas driver's license, which serves as both identity and residency proof. If your current license does not show your current address, bring a second piece of residency proof: a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government document with your current address dated within the last 90 days.

Bring your Social Security card or U.S. passport as well. The DPS uses these to verify your identity against Social Security Administration records. If you do not have a Social Security card, you can bring a Social Security letter from the SSA, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form showing your Social Security number.

Where to go and what to expect at the office

Find your nearest DPS Driver License office on the Texas DPS website. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though some offices now offer online scheduling. Walk-in hours vary by location, so check before you go. Bring all your documents and your current license.

At the office, you will fill out an process for Texas Driver License or ID (Form DL-43). The staff will review your documents, take a new photo, and process your name change. Most offices issue your new license on the spot. Some locations mail the license to your address within 7 to 10 business days, so ask when you arrive.

Processing time is usually 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. Bring all documents in original or certified form — photocopies are not accepted for name change proof.

Fees and license validity after a name change

The fee for a name change on your license is the same as for any other license transaction. A four-year license costs $16, and an eight-year license costs $32. You pay at the time you explore. The DPS does not refund fees if you change your mind or if your documents are rejected.

Your new license will have the same expiration date as your old one unless you also renew your license at the same time. If your current license expires soon, you can renew it and change your name in the same transaction. A renewal with a name change costs the same as a name change alone.

Name changes from marriage or divorce

If you married, your marriage certificate is your proof of name change. The certificate must be an original or certified copy from the county clerk where you were married. A photocopy or a certificate from an online service is not accepted. If you do not have your original, contact the county clerk in the county where you married and request a certified copy.

If you divorced and took back a former name or changed to a new name, your divorce decree is your proof. The decree must show your new name and be certified by the court. If your divorce was in another state, you may need to get a certified copy from that state's court system. Bring the certified decree to the DPS office.

Name changes from court order or other circumstances

If you changed your name through a district court order, bring the certified court order to the DPS office. The order must clearly show your old name, your new name, and the date the change became effective. If you lost your copy, contact the district court clerk in the county where the order was issued and request a certified copy.

If your name appears on a certified birth certificate that differs from your current license, bring the certified birth certificate. This sometimes happens when a name was recorded differently at birth or when a birth certificate was amended. The DPS will accept a certified copy from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit or from the state where you were born.

What to do if your documents are rejected

If the DPS office says your documents do not prove your name change, ask which document is the problem and what form of proof they need instead. Different offices sometimes interpret the rules differently, so getting this in writing helps. You can also call the DPS Driver License Division at 1-844-DL-TEXAS (1-844-358-3927) to ask what documents are acceptable for your situation.

If you cannot get a certified copy of your name change document, ask the DPS office whether they will accept a notarized copy or a letter from the issuing agency. Some offices have flexibility here, but it depends on the circumstances. Do not assume a photocopy will work — always bring a certified original or call ahead to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license by mail or online?

No. Texas requires you to appear in person at a DPS Driver License office with your current license and proof of your legal name change. You cannot complete a name change by mail, online, or through a third-party service.

How long does it take to get my new license after a name change?

Most DPS offices issue your new license on the spot. Some locations mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days. Ask the staff at your office which method they use before you leave.

What if I changed my name in another state?

You need a certified copy of your name change document from that state — a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Contact the county clerk or court in the state where your name changed and request a certified copy. Bring it to your Texas DPS office along with your current Texas license.

Do I need to change my name on my Social Security card before I change it on my license?

No. You can change your name on your license first. However, the DPS will verify your name against Social Security Administration records, so if your Social Security card still shows your old name, tell the DPS staff. They can still process your license, but you should update your Social Security card afterward.

What if my current license is expired?

You can still use an expired Texas license as proof of identity for a name change. Bring it along with your other documents. If your license is also expiring soon, you can renew it and change your name in the same transaction at the DPS office.