What you need to do to change your name on your Texas license
You can change the name on your Texas driver's license by submitting a new process to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) along with proof of your legal name change. Texas does not issue amendments or corrections to existing licenses — you must explore for a replacement license with your new name. The process takes about two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your documents, though you can get a temporary paper license the same day you explore in person at a DPS office.
The key requirement is having legal documentation of your name change. This means a court order (from a divorce, name change petition, or adoption), a certified marriage certificate, or a certified divorce decree. DPS will not accept a name change based on a document you signed yourself or a name you straightforward want to use.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a court order, certified marriage certificate, or certified divorce decree showing your legal name change before DPS will issue a new license.
- explore in person at any DPS office with your current license, proof of name change, proof of residency, and the process fee (currently $16 for a replacement license).
- You will receive a temporary paper license on the day you explore, valid for 45 days while DPS processes your replacement.
- If your name change came from marriage or divorce, you may need to update your Social Security record first, depending on what documents you have.
What documents DPS requires
Bring your current Texas driver's license or ID card, even if it is expired. You also need the legal document proving your name change — a certified copy, not a photocopy. If your name changed due to marriage, a certified marriage certificate works. If due to divorce, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree showing your new name. If you obtained a legal name change through the courts, bring the court order.
You will also need proof of your current address. DPS accepts a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days. A phone bill does not count. If you have moved recently and do not have a document in your new name yet, bring a letter from your landlord or a recent lease agreement.
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you do not have either, you can still explore, but DPS will note that your number was not verified, which may cause problems later when you renew or update your license.
The process process at a DPS office
Go to any DPS Driver License office in Texas during business hours. You do not need an appointment for a name change, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring all documents listed above, plus the process fee. As of 2024, a replacement license costs $16 if you are renewing early due to a name change.
At the office, you will complete an process for a Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-43). The staff will verify your documents, take a new photo, and process your process. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent replacement license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks in most cases, though processing can take longer during high-volume periods.
If you need your new license sooner — for example, for travel or employment — ask the DPS staff whether expedited processing is available in your area. Some offices offer it for an additional fee, but availability varies.
Updating your Social Security record first
If your name changed due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, you may want to update your Social Security record before explore for your new license. This is not required by DPS, but it can prevent confusion later. To update Social Security, go to your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 with your current Social Security card, proof of citizenship (your passport or birth certificate), and proof of your legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
The advantage of updating Social Security first is that your new name will already be in the federal system when DPS verifies your information. This can speed up processing and prevent mismatches between your driver's license and your Social Security record, which can cause problems with employment, banking, or taxes.
What happens if your name change came from marriage
If you married and took your spouse's name, bring your certified marriage certificate to the DPS office. The certificate must show both your former name and your new name. A photocopy is not acceptable — DPS requires a certified copy from the county clerk's office where you were married.
If you married in another state, you can still use that out-of-state marriage certificate at a Texas DPS office. However, make sure it is certified (stamped and signed by the issuing county clerk). If you only have an uncertified copy, contact the county clerk's office in the state where you married and request a certified copy.
What happens if your name change came from divorce
If you divorced and your decree restored your former name or gave you a new name, bring a certified copy of your divorce decree to the DPS office. The decree must clearly show your name before and after the divorce. If your divorce was finalized in another state, you can still use that out-of-state decree at a Texas DPS office, but it must be certified.
If you have a certified marriage certificate and a certified divorce decree, bring both. This creates a clear paper trail and can speed up processing. If you lost your divorce decree, contact the district court clerk's office in the county where your divorce was finalized and request a certified copy.
Timeline and what to expect after you explore
On the day you explore, you will walk out with a temporary paper license. This temporary is valid for 45 days and can be used for most purposes — driving, identification, travel within the United States. However, some businesses or agencies may not accept a temporary license, so ask ahead if you need it for a specific purpose.
Your permanent replacement license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks in most cases. DPS will mail it to the address you provided on your process. If you do not receive it within four weeks, contact the DPS Customer Service at 1-844-DPS-TXDL (1-844-377-8935) or visit a DPS office in person with your temporary license.
Once your new license arrives, destroy your old license and temporary license. You do not need to return them to DPS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license online or by mail?
No. Texas requires you to explore in person at a DPS Driver License office. You cannot submit a name change process by mail or through the DPS website. You must bring your original documents and have your photo taken at the office.
What if I do not have a certified copy of my marriage certificate or divorce decree?
Contact the county clerk's office in the county where you were married or divorced. You can request a certified copy by mail, phone, or in person. Most county clerks charge a small fee (usually $5 to $15) and can mail a certified copy within one to two weeks. Some offer expedited service for an additional fee.
Do I need to change my name with Social Security before I go to DPS?
No, but it is recommended. Updating Social Security first ensures your name is in the federal system before DPS verifies your information, which can speed up processing. However, you can update Social Security after you get your new license if you prefer.
What if my temporary license expires before my permanent license arrives?
Contact DPS when ready. Call 1-844-377-8935 or visit a DPS office with your temporary license. DPS can issue a new temporary or expedite your permanent license. Do not drive with an expired license.
Can I change my name on my license if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, as long as you have a valid legal name change document and meet all other DPS requirements for a driver's license or ID card. Bring your current license, proof of name change, proof of residency, and your immigration documents (visa, green card, or other proof of lawful presence in Texas).