How to Change a Name on a Texas Driver License

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: May 22, 2021 References

Your Texas driver’s license is an official form of personal identification. For this reason, it should accurately reflect your current name. Gather supporting documentation and visit your nearest Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You may also change your name by mail if you currently live outside Texas.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Gathering Proof of Your Name Change

1
Find proof of marriage. You might want to change your name because you are married. For example, you might want to take your spouse’s last name, or you may want to use your husband’s last name and use your maiden name as your middle name. In this situation, find proof of the marriage, such as the following:^{[1]
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- Marriage license
- Department of State Health Services marriage verification letter
2
Collect documents showing a divorce. You might want to go back and use your maiden name after your marriage ends. If so, collect information, such as the following:^{[2]
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- Divorce decree
- Annulment
- Spouse’s death certificate
3
Gather other proof of a name change. You might have changed your name for a reason unrelated to marriage or divorce. If so, find the following documents:^{[3]
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- Certified court order
- Amended birth certificate

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Changing Your Name

1
Visit a DPS office. Within 30 days of changing your name, you should stop into any state driver license office.^{[4]
X
Research source} You can find your nearest DPS office at http://www.dps.texas.gov/administration/driver_licensing_control/rolodex/search.asp. Enter your zip code.
- You can also call DPS headquarters Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. Call 512-424-2600 (English) or 512-424-7181 (Spanish).^{[5]
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2
Complete the necessary paperwork. Take your proof of name change and complete the application at the DPS office. You can also download the application ahead of time if you want.
3
Prove your identity. You’ll need to submit sufficient documentation to prove your identity, such as the following:^{[6]
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- Your driver’s license, if it hasn’t been expired for more than two years
- An unexpired passport
- Your certificate of naturalization, if you are a naturalized citizen
- Your permanent resident card, if you are a green card holder
4
Pay your fee. A name change costs $11. You can pay using credit card, cash, personal check, or money order.^{[7]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Changing Your Name Out of State

1
Obtain the application. If you currently aren’t in Texas, you should contact DPS and have them mail a packet of information to you. You may also download the packet: http://www.dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-16P.pdf.
2
Collect your proof of name change. You’ll need a copy of your marriage or divorce certificate, or a court order. Provide certified English translations of any documents in a different language.^{[8]
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3
Gather your proof of residency. You can still have a Texas driver’s license if you are currently living outside Texas. However, you must maintain Texas as your place of residency. Submit two documents that show your name and Texas address from two different companies. Acceptable documents include the following:^{[9]
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- Current deed or mortgage
- Valid Texas voter registration card
- Texas concealed handgun license
- Texas motor vehicle title or registration
- W-2 or 1099 tax form for the current year
- Mail from a government agency within the last 90 days
- Other documents (see application)
4
Submit proof of your Social Security Number. You must submit a copy of one of the following that shows your Social Security Number:^{[10]
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- Social Security card
- Pay stub
- Form 1099-MISC
- W-2 form and tax statement
- Military identification
- Medicaid or Medicare card
5
Submit your application. Send your completed application and supporting documents to the address provided on the application. You’ll need to pay $10. Make your check or money order payable to “Texas Department of Public Safety.”^{[11]
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Community Q&A

Question

Can I change my name on my Florida drivers license in Texas?

Community Answer

No. You will need to contact Florida's Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Question

I changed my name to my boyfriend's last name. How do I change it back to my maiden name, since I was never married?

Community Answer

You can change it back the same way you changed it in the first place. See How to Change Your Name.
Question

Is there a fine for waiting a few months before getting a name change on my TX DL?

Community Answer

Not really, as long as you don't get stopped. But don't wait too long, you may be fined after 120 days.
Question

How long before I get my new license?

Community Answer

It will likely take between 2-3 weeks, but it could depend on how quickly your DMV processes things and how busy they are.
Question

My name was misspelled on my driver license and I don't know why. How do I get the Driver's License Bureau to correct their mistake?

Community Answer

Go back to the DMV and have them correct the mistake and issue you a new license.