What you need to do to change your name on your Texas driver's license
To change your 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 card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
Your legal name change must come from one of these sources: a court order (from divorce, marriage, or name change petition), a marriage certificate, or a divorce decree. You cannot change your name on your license based on a document you created yourself or a name you straightforward prefer to use.
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, or divorce decree showing your new legal name.
- You will pay a fee (currently $16 for a standard renewal or $32 for an expedited replacement) and receive a temporary license when ready.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days under normal processing.
- If you are also renewing your license because it is expiring soon, you can combine both transactions in one visit.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Bring your current Texas driver's license and the original or certified copy of your legal name change document. A certified copy has a court seal or official stamp and comes from the court clerk's office or the vital records office that issued it. A photocopy of a marriage certificate or divorce decree is not acceptable—you need the original or certified version.
You will also need to bring proof of your current address if it has changed since your license was issued. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works for this purpose. If your address has not changed, you do not need additional proof.
How to find your nearest DPS driver license office
Visit the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov and use their office locator tool. Enter your city or zip code to find the nearest office, hours of operation, and current wait times. Many offices now show estimated wait times online, which can help you choose the best time to visit.
Some offices are busier than others. Offices in smaller towns often have shorter waits than those in major cities. If you have flexibility, visiting on a weekday morning (Tuesday through Thursday) typically means a shorter wait than Friday or Monday.
Fees and what to expect during your visit
A standard name change on your license costs $16 if your license is not expiring within the next year. If your license expires within 12 months, you will pay $32 to renew and change your name at the same time, which is often the better choice since you would need to renew anyway. Bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card—the office will accept all three.
When you arrive, you will fill out a DL-43 form (process for Texas Driver License). The DPS staff will verify your name change document, take a new photo, and process your request. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed. Keep this temporary license with you—it is valid for driving.
Timeline for receiving your new license in the mail
Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you visit the office. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need your new license faster, Texas offers expedited mail service for an additional fee, though this is not the same as getting it when ready at the office.
If you move before your new license arrives, you can update your address online through the DPS website or at your next visit to a driver license office. Do not open mail addressed to your old name if it contains your new license—the name on the envelope will be your old name, but the card inside will show your new name.
Changing your name if you also need to renew your license
If your license is expiring soon, handle both the name change and renewal in one visit. This costs $32 instead of paying separately for each transaction. Bring the same documents: your current license, proof of your legal name change, and proof of your current address if it has changed.
Combining both transactions does not speed up the process—you still receive a temporary license at the office and your new card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. However, you avoid a second trip and a second fee, and your new license will be valid for the full renewal period (typically 8 years for most Texas drivers).
What happens if your name change document is not in English
If your court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree is in another language, you must bring a certified English translation along with the original document. The translation must be certified by a professional translator or court-certified interpreter. The DPS office will not accept a translation you made yourself or one from an online translation service.
Contact the DPS office before your visit if you are unsure whether your translation meets their standards. Some offices can direct you to a local certified translator, or you can search online for "certified translator" plus your city name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license without going to an office in person?
No. Texas requires you to visit a DPS driver license office in person. You cannot change your name by mail, phone, or online. You must bring your current license and proof of your legal name change to an office location.
What if I lost my current license and need to change my name at the same time?
You can still visit a DPS office and request a replacement license with your new name. Bring your proof of name change and proof of your current address. You will pay the replacement fee plus any renewal fee if your license is expiring soon. A temporary license will be issued when ready.
Do I need to change my name with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) separately?
Texas does not have a separate DMV. The DPS handles driver licenses. However, if you own a vehicle, you will also need to update your name on your vehicle registration with the DPS. You can do this by mail or online through the DPS website, or in person at a DPS office.
How long does the temporary paper license last?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary license covers you while you wait. If your permanent card does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DPS office where you applied.
What if my legal name change came from a marriage outside of Texas?
Bring your original or certified copy of your marriage certificate. If the certificate is not in English, bring a certified English translation as well. The DPS office will verify that the certificate is valid and process your name change the same way they would for a Texas marriage certificate.