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 temporary paper license on the spot while your new plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot straightforward request a name change—Texas requires legal documentation showing the name change was official. This means a court order (from divorce, legal name change petition, or adoption), a marriage certificate, or an annulment decree. Without one of these documents, the DPS will not process your request.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with your current license and a court order, marriage certificate, or annulment decree proving your legal name change.
  • Texas does not process name changes by mail, online, or by phone—an in-person visit is required.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your new plastic license within 7 to 10 business days.
  • The fee for a name change is the same as renewing your license, which varies based on the type and length of license you hold.
  • If your license has expired, you can renew it and change your name at the same visit.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Bring your current Texas driver's license and one of the following documents that proves your legal name change: a certified copy of a court order (for a legal name change petition), a certified marriage certificate, a certified divorce decree showing your new name, or a certified adoption decree. "Certified" means the document has an official seal or stamp from the court or vital records office that issued it. A photocopy or uncertified version will not be accepted.

You will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security statement. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a document issued by a federal, state, or local government agency that shows your name and date of birth, such as a passport or military ID.

Bring proof of your current address as well. This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days and showing your name and address. A cell phone bill typically does not count unless it is from a company that also provides internet or other utilities.

Where to find a DPS driver license office near you

The Texas DPS operates driver license offices across the state. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov. Search for "driver license office" and enter your city or zip code. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, though some have limited Saturday hours. A few offices in major cities operate on extended schedules.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in rural areas typically have shorter waits than those in cities. Early morning visits (right when the office opens) and mid-week visits (Tuesday through Thursday) usually mean shorter lines than Friday afternoons or the first of the month.

What happens if your name change came from marriage or divorce

If you changed your name through marriage, bring your certified marriage certificate. If you changed your name through divorce, bring the certified divorce decree. Some divorce decrees do not explicitly state your new name—if yours does not, you will also need to bring a certified marriage certificate to show what your married name was, so the DPS can confirm the name change is legal.

If you were married in another state or country, your marriage certificate is still valid as long as it is certified. The same applies to divorce decrees from other states. If you were married outside the United States and do not have a certified English translation of your marriage certificate, contact the DPS office before you visit to ask what additional documents you may need.

Fees and how long the new license takes to arrive

The fee for changing your name on your license is the same as the fee for renewing your license. As of 2024, a standard five-year driver's license costs $45, and a commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more. Fees are subject to change, so confirm the current amount when you call or visit the office. The DPS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most offices, though a few rural locations may accept cash only.

You will receive a temporary paper license (valid for 45 days) when ready after you complete your visit. Your new plastic license will be mailed to the address you provide at the office within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DPS to check the status of your card.

If your license has expired or is about to expire

You can renew your license and change your name at the same visit. Bring the same documents you would bring for a name change, plus your expired or expiring license. You will pay only one fee—the renewal fee—not separate fees for renewal and name change. This is the most efficient time to update your name if your license is already due for renewal.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you may be required to pass a vision test or written knowledge test before the DPS will renew it. Call your local DPS office ahead of time to confirm what you will need to bring.

What to do if you do not have the required legal documents

If you do not have a certified copy of your court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree, you can request one from the court or vital records office that issued it. For a marriage certificate, contact the vital records office in the county or state where you were married. For a divorce decree or legal name change order, contact the district court clerk's office in the county where the case was filed. These offices charge a fee (usually $10 to $25) for a certified copy and may mail it to you or allow you to pick it up in person.

If you changed your name through a court order but cannot locate the original order, ask the court clerk's office to search their records by your old name and the approximate date of the order. Most courts can provide a certified copy if the case is still in their system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You must have a valid Texas driver's license and the same legal documentation (court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree) that a U.S. citizen would need. Your immigration status does not affect your ability to change your name on your license.

What if my name change came from a court order but I lost the original document?

Contact the district court clerk's office in the county where the name change was granted. They can search their records and provide you with a certified copy. Bring the case number if you have it, or provide your old name and the approximate year of the order.

Do I have to change my name on my license if I got married or divorced?

No, changing your name on your license is optional. However, your license must match the name you use for official purposes. If you use your married name for work, banking, or other legal matters, it is practical to update your license to match.

Can someone else go to the DPS office and change my name for me?

No. You must appear in person at the DPS office to change your name on your license. The DPS requires you to sign the process yourself.

What if the DPS office says my court order or marriage certificate is not certified?

Ask the clerk at the DPS office what specific seal or stamp they need to see. If your document does not have it, contact the court or vital records office that issued it and request a certified copy with the official seal. Some offices issue documents with a raised seal, while others use a stamp—both are acceptable.