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) office in person with proof of your legal name change and your current license. Texas does not allow name changes by mail or online. You will need a court order showing the name change, or a certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other legal document that reflects your new name. The DPS will issue a new license with your updated name, usually on the same day.

The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes at the office, but wait times vary by location. You cannot renew your license at the same time you change your name — you must handle the name change first, then renew separately if your license is expiring soon.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with your current license and legal proof of your name change.
  • Legal proof includes a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other official document showing your new name.
  • Bring your Social Security card or other document showing your Social Security number, as the DPS will verify it.
  • A new license is usually issued the same day, though you may wait several hours depending on office traffic.
  • Name changes and license renewals are separate transactions and must be done at different times.

What Legal Documents Prove Your Name Change

Texas accepts different documents depending on why your name changed. A court order from a district court is the strongest proof and works for any type of name change. If you changed your name through marriage, bring your certified marriage certificate — the certified copy with the raised seal, not a photocopy. If you changed your name through divorce, bring your certified divorce decree showing your new name.

If you are a transgender person who changed your name through a court order, bring that order. If you changed your name through adoption, bring the adoption decree. The document must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy or a document you printed yourself. If you do not have a certified copy, you can request one from the court that issued it or from the county clerk's office where the document was filed.

Documents to Bring to the DPS Office

Bring your current Texas driver's license and the legal document proving your name change. You will also need to show your Social Security card or another document that displays your Social Security number — the DPS verifies your number against Social Security Administration records. A Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return works for this purpose.

Bring a document showing your current address if it differs from the address on your license. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days will work. If you do not have one, you can use a government-issued ID with your current address, such as a passport or military ID. If your address has not changed, you do not need to bring a separate address document.

Finding a DPS Office Near You and What to Expect

The DPS operates driver's license offices across Texas. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your city or ZIP code. Some offices are busier than others — offices in large cities often have longer waits, while rural offices may move faster. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to book an appointment online or by phone. Check your local office's policy before you go.

Arrive early in the day if possible, as wait times tend to be shorter in the morning. Bring all your documents in a folder so you do not lose anything while waiting. The DPS staff will take your old license, photograph you, and issue a new one with your updated name. Your new license will have the same license number as your old one unless you also renew it.

Cost and Timeline for Your New License

A name change on your driver's license costs $16 if your license is not expiring within the next 60 days. If your license expires within 60 days, you must renew it at the same time, which costs $32 total. Payment is cash, check, or card — the office will tell you which methods they accept. You receive your new license the same day in most cases.

If the DPS needs to verify information with another agency, your new license may take a few extra days. The office will tell you if this happens and will mail your license to you. In rare cases where documents do not match Social Security records, the DPS may ask you to return with additional proof or contact Social Security directly to update your record.

What Happens If Your Name Change Document Is Not Accepted

The DPS may reject a document if it is not certified, if the name on it does not match exactly what you are requesting, or if it does not clearly show both your old and new names. A photocopy of a marriage certificate will not work — you must have the certified copy with the official seal. If your divorce decree does not show your new name clearly, the DPS may ask you to bring a certified copy of the final divorce order.

If your document is rejected, ask the DPS staff what additional proof they need. You can then obtain that document and return. Do not leave the office without understanding what is missing — this saves you a second trip. If you are unsure whether your document will be accepted, call the DPS office before you visit and describe what you have.

Updating Your Name in Other Texas Systems

Changing your driver's license name does not automatically update your name in other systems. You will need to notify your employer, bank, insurance company, and the Social Security Administration separately if you want your records updated there. The Social Security Administration requires you to visit a local office with your new driver's license and a certified copy of your name change document.

Your vehicle registration will not automatically update either. You can update your vehicle registration at the same time you renew it, or you can visit a county tax assessor's office to change it sooner. Bring your new driver's license and your vehicle registration card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my driver's license by mail?

No. Texas requires you to appear in person at a DPS office with your current license and legal proof of your name change. There is no mail-in or online option for name changes.

What if my marriage certificate does not have a raised seal?

You need a certified copy with the official seal. Contact the county clerk's office in the county where you were married and request a certified copy. It usually costs $10 to $20 and takes a few business days to arrive by mail.

Do I need to change my name with Social Security before I go to the DPS?

No. You can change your driver's license first, then use your new license to update Social Security. However, some people prefer to update Social Security first to avoid mismatches. Either order works.

What if I lost my current driver's license?

You can still change your name, but you will need to report the lost license and get a replacement at the same time. Bring your legal name change document and proof of your Social Security number. The DPS will issue a new license with your updated name.

How long does a name change take if the DPS needs to verify my information?

Verification usually takes three to five business days. The DPS will mail your new license to you once verification is complete. They will tell you on the day of your visit if verification is needed.