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) 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 the same day if you pass the vision test and photo requirements.
You cannot straightforward show up with a new name and expect it to work. DPS requires official documentation proving the name change is legal. What counts as proof depends on why your name changed — marriage, divorce, court order, or other legal reason — and each has different document requirements.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with your current license and proof of your legal name change; no online or mail options exist.
- The document you bring depends on your reason for the name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other official record.
- You will need to pass a vision test and have a new photo taken, so plan for the full appointment even if you already have a recent license photo.
- The new license is issued the same day in most cases, though you should bring a backup form of ID in case DPS needs to verify your identity.
Documents required for each type of name change
If your name changed due to marriage, bring your original or certified marriage certificate. A photocopy is not enough — DPS requires the official document or a certified copy issued by the county clerk where you were married. If you were married outside Texas, the certificate must be certified by the issuing authority in that state or country.
If your name changed due to divorce, bring your original or certified divorce decree. The decree must show your new legal name clearly. Some divorce decrees list the name change in a separate section; others include it in the main judgment. Either way, DPS needs to see the official document or a certified copy from the court that issued it.
If your name changed by court order (including name change petitions filed specifically for that purpose), bring the certified court order. This document must come from the district court in the county where the order was issued. A photocopy or uncertified version will not be accepted.
If your name changed for other reasons — such as correction of a birth certificate error or name restoration after a previous legal change — contact the DPS office before you visit. The document you need varies, and calling ahead prevents a wasted trip. The DPS general information line is 512-424-2000.
What to bring to the DPS office
Bring your current Texas driver's license, your legal name change document (original or certified copy), and a backup form of ID. The backup ID can be a passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, or any government-issued ID. DPS uses this to verify your identity matches the name on your current license, especially if there is a gap between when your name legally changed and when you are explore for the new license.
Bring the documents in person — you cannot mail them or submit them online. DPS will not hold documents for you or accept them from someone else on your behalf. You must be present at the office with the originals or certified copies.
If you are changing your name and also renewing your license at the same time (because your license is expiring), you will pay both fees: the name change fee and the renewal fee. Check the current fee amounts on the DPS website before you go, as fees change periodically.
Finding a DPS office and scheduling an appointment
You can visit any DPS driver license office in Texas, not just the one in your county. However, wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Some offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis; others use an online appointment system.
To find an office near you and check whether appointments are available, go to the DPS website at dps.texas.gov and use the office locator tool. The tool shows hours, address, phone number, and whether that office takes appointments. If appointments are full, the tool will tell you when the next opening is or suggest nearby offices with shorter waits.
If you schedule an appointment, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. If you walk in without an appointment, expect to wait longer during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays). Some offices close for lunch, so check the hours before you go.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, tell the clerk you are changing your name on your license. Provide your current license and your legal name change document. The clerk will verify the document is official and matches your current identity. This usually takes a few minutes.
You will then be asked to take a new photo and pass a vision test. The vision test is the same one given for any license renewal — you read letters on a chart from a set distance. If you fail the vision test, you cannot receive the new license until you correct the problem (usually with glasses or contacts).
After the photo and vision test, the clerk will print your new license on the spot. The license will show your new legal name, your updated photo, and the same license number as your old one (unless your old license was expiring soon). You receive the new license when ready and can use it right away.
If your name change document is from outside Texas
If you were married, divorced, or received a court order in another state or country, your document must be certified by the issuing authority in that jurisdiction. A photocopy or notarized copy is not sufficient — DPS requires an official certified copy.
To get a certified copy, contact the county clerk or court in the state or country where the document was issued. Many clerks' offices can mail certified copies for a fee (usually $5 to $25). Some allow you to order online. Plan for this step to take one to two weeks, so do not wait until the last minute if your license is expiring soon.
If you have questions about whether your specific document will be accepted, call the DPS office where you plan to visit before you travel. Having the office verify the document type in advance can save you a trip.
What to do if your name change document is lost or damaged
If you cannot locate your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, you can request a replacement from the issuing authority. For a marriage certificate, contact the county clerk in the county where you were married. For a divorce decree, contact the district court in the county where the divorce was finalized. For a court order, contact the district court that issued it.
Request a certified copy, not just a regular copy. Certified copies cost more but are the only version DPS will accept. Most offices can issue a certified copy within a few business days if you visit in person, or within one to two weeks if you request by mail or online.
If your document is damaged but still readable, bring it to the DPS office anyway. The clerk can assess whether it is acceptable. If DPS rejects it, you will need to get a replacement certified copy from the issuing authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a certified copy of my marriage certificate?
No. DPS requires an original or certified copy. A photocopy, notarized copy, or uncertified copy will not work. You must request a certified copy from the county clerk where you were married. This usually costs $5 to $25 and takes one to two weeks by mail.
Do I have to change my name on my license if I get married or divorced?
No, changing your name on your license is optional. However, if you want your license to match your legal name, you must go through the process described here. Your legal name and your license name can be different, though this may cause confusion with other government agencies.
What if I changed my name years ago and do not remember where I got married or divorced?
You can search for your marriage or divorce record online through the county clerk's website in the county where you believe it occurred. If you are unsure which county, the Texas vital records office can help you locate the record. Once you find it, request a certified copy from that county clerk.
Can someone else go to the DPS office and change my name on my license for me?
No. You must be present in person. DPS requires you to pass a vision test and have a new photo taken, and the clerk must verify your identity matches your current license. No one can do this on your behalf.
How long does it take to get a new license after I change my name?
You receive the new license the same day you visit the DPS office, assuming you pass the vision test and the name change document is accepted. There is no waiting period. You can use the new license when ready.