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 process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you'll receive a new license with your updated name on the same day or within a few business days, depending on the office's workload.
You cannot change your name on your license without first establishing a legal name change through the court system or through vital records. Texas recognizes name changes from court orders, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and birth certificates. The DPS will not process a name change request without one of these documents.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with your current license and proof of your legal name change.
- Acceptable proof includes a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or amended birth certificate.
- Bring your Social Security number or card, as DPS will verify your identity through Social Security records.
- The new license is issued the same day or within a few business days, and you'll pay a replacement fee.
- If your name change came from a court order, bring the certified copy from the district court that issued it.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Bring your current Texas driver's license and the document that proves your legal name change. If you changed your name through marriage, bring your marriage certificate. If you changed it through divorce, bring your divorce decree. If you obtained a court order for a name change, bring the certified copy from the district court. If you changed your name on your birth certificate, bring the amended birth certificate from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit.
You also need to bring proof of your Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security statement. DPS uses this to verify your identity against Social Security Administration records before issuing a new license.
Bring a document that shows your current address if it differs from the address on your license. This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If your address matches your license, you do not need this document.
How to get a court order for a name change in Texas
If you want to change your name but do not have a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or amended birth certificate, you must file a petition for name change in district court. You can file in the district court of the county where you live. The process involves filing paperwork, paying a filing fee (usually between $100 and $300, depending on the county), and attending a brief hearing before a judge.
You can file the petition yourself without a lawyer, though some people hire an attorney to handle it. The court will issue a certified order if the judge approves your request. This order is what you bring to DPS to change your license. The entire court process typically takes four to eight weeks from filing to receiving the certified order.
Contact your county district court clerk's office for the specific forms and filing fees in your county. Many county courts have the petition forms available on their websites or can mail them to you. Some counties also offer the forms through legal aid organizations or court self-help centers.
What happens at the DPS office
When you arrive at a DPS driver license office, check in at the front desk and tell the staff member you are changing your name. You will be given a number and asked to wait. When your number is called, bring all your documents to the window. The DPS employee will review your current license, your proof of name change, and your Social Security verification document.
The employee will ask you to confirm your new name and may ask basic questions about your identity. They will take a new photo for your license unless you request to use your current photo (some offices allow this, but policies vary). You will then be asked to sign your new license. The DPS will collect a replacement fee, which is typically $16 for a standard license valid for five years, though fees can vary slightly.
You will receive your new license when ready or be told when to pick it up. Most offices issue licenses the same day, but some may take a few business days. Ask the employee for a receipt showing your transaction in case you need proof that you applied for the name change.
Finding a DPS driver license office near you
Visit the Texas DPS website and use their office locator tool to find the nearest driver license office. The tool shows office addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and current wait times at many locations. You can search by city, county, or ZIP code. Some offices are busier than others, so checking wait times before you go can help you choose a less crowded time.
Many DPS offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours on certain days. A few offices are open on Saturday mornings. Call ahead to confirm the office's hours and to ask whether you need an appointment. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require you to schedule a time slot online or by phone.
Replacing your old license and updating other documents
Once you receive your new license with your updated name, you do not need to do anything with your old license. You can destroy it or keep it as a record. Your old license is no longer valid for identification purposes.
After you change your name on your license, you should update your name with other agencies and organizations. Update your name with the Social Security Administration, your employer, your bank, your insurance company, and any government agencies that issued you documents. You can update your Social Security name by visiting a local Social Security office or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Each organization has its own process and timeline for updating your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license without going to a DPS office?
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 change your name by mail, phone, or online.
How long does it take to get a court order for a name change?
The process typically takes four to eight weeks from the date you file your petition until you receive the certified order from the court. This timeline varies by county and depends on how quickly the court schedules your hearing and processes the order after the judge approves it.
What if my marriage certificate or divorce decree is from another state?
DPS will accept a marriage certificate or divorce decree from any state as proof of a legal name change. Bring the original or a certified copy. If you have only a photocopy, ask the issuing state's vital records office to send you a certified copy.
Do I need to change my name on my vehicle registration too?
Yes. After you change your name on your driver's license, you should update your name on your vehicle registration with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Bring your new driver's license and your current vehicle registration.
What if I lost my current driver's license?
If you lost your license, you can still change your name, but you will need to replace your lost license at the same time. Bring your proof of name change and your Social Security verification document. The DPS will issue a new license with your updated name. You may pay both a replacement fee and a lost license fee, depending on your county.