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 choose to keep or replace your license number.
The process itself is straightforward, but the documents you bring matter. You cannot straightforward tell the DPS your new name — you must show legal proof that your name has changed. What counts as proof depends on how your name changed: through marriage, divorce, court order, or another legal process.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person with your current license and legal proof of your name change; no online or mail options exist.
- Acceptable proof includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or certified name change document, depending on your situation.
- Bring your Social Security card or other documents showing your new name to speed up the process.
- You can keep your current license number or request a new one when you update your name.
- Processing takes a few minutes at the office, and your new license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Your primary document is proof of the legal name change itself. If you changed your name through marriage, bring your original or certified marriage certificate. If you changed your name through divorce, bring the divorce decree showing your new name. If you obtained a court order for a name change, bring that certified order. The document must be an original or certified copy — photocopies are not accepted.
You also need your current Texas driver's license and your Social Security card or a document showing your new name (such as a bank statement, utility bill, or lease in your new name). Bring your Social Security card if you have it, because it speeds verification. If your Social Security card does not yet reflect your new name, bring an alternative document that shows both your old and new name, or bring two documents — one in each name.
If you are changing your name and also renewing your license (because it is expiring soon), bring the same documents plus any documents required for renewal, such as proof of residency and proof of citizenship or legal presence.
Where to go and what to expect
Find your nearest DPS Driver License office on the Texas DPS website. Not all DPS offices issue driver's licenses — some handle vehicle registration only. The website shows which locations offer driver's license services and their hours. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. Check your local office's policy before you go.
Bring all your documents and your current license. The DPS staff will verify your name change document, check your Social Security number, and take a new photo if your license photo is more than five years old or if you request a new one. The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will pay a fee for the name change — currently $16 for a standard license — though fees can change. Ask at the office if you are unsure.
You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your new plastic license is printed and mailed to you. Your new license typically arrives within one to two weeks. If it does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DPS to check the status.
Name changes through marriage
If you changed your name when you married, your marriage certificate is your proof. You need the original or a certified copy from the county clerk's office where you were married. A certified copy costs a few dollars and takes a few days to receive by mail, or you can pick it up in person at the county clerk's office.
Some people use the marriage certificate they received at the wedding ceremony, but the DPS prefers a certified copy from the county clerk because it is an official government document. If you only have the ceremony copy, bring it and ask whether the DPS will accept it. If not, you will need to obtain a certified copy before you can complete the name change.
Name changes through divorce
If you changed your name in a divorce, bring the divorce decree — the final court order that ended your marriage. The decree must show your new name. If your divorce was finalized in Texas, you can obtain a certified copy from the district court clerk's office in the county where the divorce was filed. If your divorce was finalized in another state, obtain a certified copy from that state's court.
The DPS will not accept a temporary or draft version of the decree. You need the final, signed order. If you do not have a copy, contact the court clerk's office and request a certified copy of the final divorce decree. This usually costs $5 to $15 and takes a few business days.
Name changes through court order
If you obtained a legal name change through a court petition (not through marriage or divorce), bring the certified court order granting the name change. This order must be from a Texas district court or a court in another state, depending on where you filed. Obtain a certified copy from the court clerk's office if you do not have one.
Some people change their names through a court order for personal, cultural, or other reasons. The process for obtaining the court order is separate from the DPS process — you file a petition with the district court in your county, and the judge issues an order if the petition is granted. Once you have the court order, the DPS name change process is the same as for any other legal name change.
Keeping or changing your license number
When you change your name, you can keep your current license number or request a new one. Most people keep their existing number because it is already on file with employers, insurance companies, and other organizations. If you want a new number, tell the DPS staff at the office, and they will issue one.
Your license number does not affect your driving record or insurance. The DPS system links your old and new numbers, so your driving history follows you regardless of which number you choose. The decision is yours and depends only on your preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license without getting a new photo?
No. If your current photo is less than five years old, the DPS will still take a new photo as part of the name change process. You cannot update only the name without a new photo.
What if my marriage certificate or divorce decree is from another state?
The DPS will accept a certified copy of a marriage certificate or divorce decree from any state. Contact the court or county clerk's office in the state where the document was issued and request a certified copy. The process and cost vary by state.
Can I change my name by mail or online?
No. Texas requires you to appear in person at a DPS Driver License office with your documents. There is no mail or online option for name changes.
What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce decree?
Contact the county clerk's office (for marriage certificates) or the district court clerk's office (for divorce decrees) in the county or state where the document was issued. Request a certified copy. This usually takes a few business days and costs $5 to $20 depending on the location.
How long does it take to get my new license after the name change?
You receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days at the DPS office. Your new plastic license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If it does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DPS to check the status of your order.