How to Change Your Name on a Texas Driver's License

What You Need to Do to Change Your Name on Your Texas License

To change your name on your Texas driver's license, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) 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 15 minutes at the office, though wait times vary by location. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your new plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

The key requirement is having official documentation that shows your name has legally changed. This is usually a court order (from a name change petition, marriage, or divorce), a marriage certificate, or a divorce decree. Without one of these documents, DPS will not process your request.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a DPS office in person with your current license and proof of your legal name change—mail and online requests are not accepted.
Acceptable proof includes a court order for a name change, a certified marriage certificate, or a divorce decree showing your new name.
Bring your Social Security card or other document showing your SSN, because DPS will verify your identity against Social Security records.
You will pay a $16 fee for a standard five-year license or $32 for a Real ID-compliant license, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready.
Your new plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; do not discard the temporary paper version until it arrives.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

Bring your current Texas driver's license or ID card, even if it is expired. You also need the original or certified copy of the document proving your name change. A certified copy has a raised seal or stamp from the issuing court or government office; photocopies and notarized copies are not accepted.

If your name change came from marriage, bring your certified marriage certificate. If it came from divorce, bring the certified divorce decree or the certified final decree showing your new name. If you petitioned the court for a name change directly, bring the certified court order granting the change. Some people have multiple documents—for example, a marriage certificate and a later divorce decree—and either one is sufficient on its own.

You must also bring proof of your Social Security number. A Social Security card works best. If you do not have your card, bring a document that shows your SSN, such as a W-2, tax return, or bank statement. DPS cross-checks your name and SSN against Social Security Administration records, so this step is required.

Bring a document showing your current address if it differs from what is on your license. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. If your address on the license is current, you do not need this.

Step-by-Step Process at the DPS Office

Walk into your nearest DPS office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. You can find your local office and check hours at the Texas DPS website. Some offices accept walk-ins; others use an online appointment system. Check ahead, because some locations fill up weeks in advance.

Tell the clerk you are changing your name on your license. Hand over your current license, your certified name-change document, and your Social Security proof. The clerk will scan your documents and take a new photo if your appearance has changed significantly. Answer questions about your address and any other information that needs updating.

Pay the fee. A standard five-year license costs $16. A Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 2025) costs $32. You can pay by cash, check, or card, depending on the office.

The clerk will print a temporary paper license on the spot. This is valid when ready and looks like a receipt. Keep it with you—it is your legal proof of licensure until your plastic card arrives. Your new plastic license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Do not throw away the paper version until the plastic card arrives.

Finding Your Nearest DPS Office and Checking Wait Times

The Texas DPS office locator is at the official Texas DPS website. Enter your city or zip code to see all nearby offices, their hours, and whether they accept appointments. Some offices are in standalone DPS buildings; others are in county courthouses or tax assessor offices.

Wait times vary widely. Rural offices often have no wait. Urban offices in Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio can have waits of 30 minutes to two hours, especially on Fridays and near the end of the month. If your office uses an online appointment system, book ahead. If it takes walk-ins, arriving early in the morning or mid-week usually means a shorter wait.

If you cannot reach your local office by phone, use the online appointment system or visit in person to ask about current wait times. Some offices post estimated wait times on their websites or social media pages.

What Happens If Your Name Change Document Is Not Certified

DPS will not accept a photocopy, a notarized copy, or an uncertified original. If your document does not have the raised seal or official stamp of the court or government office that issued it, you must request a certified copy before you visit DPS.

If your name change came from marriage or divorce, contact the county clerk's office in the county where the marriage or divorce was recorded. You can request a certified copy by mail, in person, or sometimes online. There is usually a small fee, between $5 and $25. If your name change came from a court petition, contact the district court clerk in the county where the order was issued.

Getting a certified copy usually takes 5 to 10 business days by mail, though some offices offer same-day service if you visit in person. Plan ahead so you have the document before your DPS appointment.

Real ID Compliance and Your New License

When you change your name, you can choose between a standard Texas driver's license and a Real ID-compliant license. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for entering federal buildings, military bases, and domestic flights. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID or a passport to board a domestic flight.

If you already have a Real ID license, your new license will automatically be Real ID-compliant when you renew it with a name change. If you have a standard license and want to upgrade to Real ID, tell the clerk at the DPS office. The fee is $32 instead of $16. You do not need any additional documents beyond what you are already bringing.

If you are not sure whether your current license is Real ID-compliant, look for the gold star. If it is not there and you do not plan to fly or enter federal buildings, you can stick with the standard license.

Timeline and What to Expect After You Leave the Office

You leave the DPS office with a temporary paper license valid when ready. This is your legal license until your plastic card arrives. Carry it with you if you drive. Some police officers and businesses may be unfamiliar with the paper format, but it is valid.

Your new plastic license is mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it after 12 business days, contact DPS to check the status. Have your temporary paper license number ready.

Once your plastic license arrives, destroy the paper version. Your old license with your former name is no longer valid and should also be destroyed or returned to DPS if you prefer.

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 with an official seal. Contact the county clerk in the county where you were married and request a certified copy. This usually costs $5 to $25 and takes 5 to 10 business days by mail, though some offices offer same-day service if you visit in person.

What if I lost my Social Security card and do not have another document with my SSN?

You can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before your DPS visit, or bring another document that shows your SSN, such as a tax return, W-2, or bank statement. If you have none of these, contact your local Social Security office to discuss your options.

Do I need to change my name on my vehicle registration too?

Yes, but that is a separate process handled by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not DPS. You can change your vehicle registration by mail, in person at a county tax assessor's office, or online through the Texas DMV website. Bring your vehicle title and proof of your name change.

What if my address changed at the same time as my name?

Tell the clerk at the DPS office about both changes. Bring a document showing your current address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease. The clerk will update both your name and address on your new license at the same visit.

Can someone else go to DPS and change my name on my license for me?

No. You must appear in person. DPS requires a photo and identity verification, which only you can provide. Plan to visit the office yourself.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.