What You Need to Do to Change Your Name on Your Texas License
To change the name on your Texas driver's license, you need a court order showing the name change, or a certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other legal document that proves your new name. You then take that document to a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, fill out an process, pay a fee, and have your photo taken. The whole process takes about 30 minutes at the office, though you may wait depending on how busy the location is.
Texas does not allow name changes by mail or online. You must appear in person with your current license and the legal document that supports the change.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring a legal document proving your name change—a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other certified vital record—to a DPS office.
- Your current Texas driver's license or ID card is required; if you do not have one, you will need to bring additional identity documents instead.
- The fee for a name change on a standard driver's license is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license; Real ID licenses cost more.
- You must explore in person at a DPS office; the change is processed on the spot and your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
What Legal Documents Prove a Name Change
Texas accepts several types of documents as proof of a name change. A court order from a name change petition is the most straightforward. A certified marriage certificate showing your new married name works if you took your spouse's last name. A divorce decree or court order from a divorce that shows your name after the divorce is also acceptable. If you changed your name through adoption, a certified adoption decree will work.
The document must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy or a document you printed yourself. If you have a marriage certificate from another state, it must be certified by the state that issued it. Bring the original certified document to the DPS office—they will not accept a photograph or scan of it.
Which DPS Office to Visit and What to Bring
Find your nearest DPS Driver License office on the Texas DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Most cities have at least one office; larger cities have several. Hours vary by location, so check the office hours before you go. Some offices are busier than others—early morning or mid-week visits often mean shorter waits.
Bring your current Texas driver's license or ID card, your certified legal document proving the name change, and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If you do not have a current Texas license, bring a passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID instead. You will also need to bring proof of your current address—a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.
The process and Fee
At the DPS office, you will fill out Form DL-43, the process for a Texas Driver License or Identification Card. The staff will help you if you have questions. You will declare that the information on the form is correct and sign it.
The fee depends on the type of license you want. A standard four-year driver's license costs $16. An eight-year driver's license costs $32. A Real ID-compliant license (which you may need for federal travel or to enter federal buildings) costs $28 for four years or $56 for eight years. You can pay by cash, check, or card at most offices. The fee is non-refundable even if you change your mind after paying.
Your Photo and the New License
The DPS office will take a new photo of you for your license. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in; the photo will be on your license for the length of the license term. You cannot use a photo you bring yourself.
Your new license is mailed to the address you provided on the process within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to use it. If your new license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied.
If You Need a Real ID License
A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings. If you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal facility, you will need a Real ID license or another form of federal ID. The process is the same as a regular name change, except you pay a higher fee and may need to bring additional documents.
For a Real ID license, you must bring proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and proof of your identity—the same documents as for a regular license. You also need to bring a certified birth certificate or passport. The Real ID fee is $28 for four years or $56 for eight years.
What Happens If Your Legal Document Is From Another State
If your marriage, divorce, or name change happened in another state, you need a certified copy of that document from the state where it occurred. You cannot use a certified copy from Texas if the event happened elsewhere. Contact the vital records office or court clerk in the state where the event happened and request a certified copy. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to three weeks by mail.
Once you have the certified copy, bring it to a Texas DPS office just as you would with a Texas document. The DPS office will not contact the other state to verify the document—they will accept the certified copy as proof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a court order or marriage certificate?
No. Texas requires a legal document that proves the name change. If you changed your name informally or by common usage, you will need to file a name change petition in district court first. Contact your county district court clerk for the forms and filing fee, which varies by county.
What if I lost my certified marriage certificate or divorce decree?
Contact the vital records office or court clerk in the county or state where the marriage or divorce happened and request a certified copy. This usually takes one to three weeks and costs $10 to $25. You cannot proceed with the DPS name change until you have the certified document in hand.
Do I need to renew my license at the same time I change my name?
No. You can change your name without renewing your license. However, if your license is expiring soon, you may want to renew it at the same time to avoid a second trip to the DPS office. The fee for renewal plus a name change is the same as the fee for a new license.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives.
Can I use my old license with my new name on it while I wait for the new one?
Your old license is still valid and shows your old name. Most businesses and government offices will accept it as ID, but some may ask why the name does not match. You can explain that you have applied for a new license. Once your new license arrives, use that instead.