Name Change in Texas

Changing Your Name in Texas

Whether you've recently been married, divorced, or adopted, if you've legally changed your name, you'll need to report your new name to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

You'll need to change your name on your Social Security card, TX driver license or ID card, vehicle registration, and vehicle title.

Change Your Name with the SSA

When you've legally changed your name, you must report your new name to the Social Security Administration (SSA) before changing your name with the Texas DMV and DPS.

You can only change your name in person or by mail. You cannot change your name online.

You will need:

  • A completed Application for a Social Security Card (form SS-5).
  • Your certified name change document, such as your:
    • Marriage certificate.
    • Divorce decree.
    • Court order.
  • Proof of your identity, such as your:
    • U.S. driver's license.
    • U.S. passport.
    • State-issued ID card.
  • Proof of your U.S. citizenship, such as your:
    • U.S. birth certificate.
    • Certificate of citizenship.
    • Certificate of naturalization.

All documents must be originals or certified copies. Visit the SSA website for a complete list of accepted documents.

You can mail or submit the above documents in person to your local SSA office. All mailed documents will be sent back to you after your name change has been processed.

Your Social Security number (SSN) will not change.

TX Driver License/ID Name Change

When you've legally changed your name, you must get a new Texas driver's license or identification card within 30 days.

Name changes must be completed in person. You cannot change your name online or by mail.

Visit your local Texas DMV office and bring:

  • Your current driver's license or ID.
  • Original or certified copies of your legal name change documents, such as your:
    • Marriage certificate.
    • Divorce decree.
    • Court order.
  • Payment for the $11 fee.

You will be given a temporary card until you receive your permanent TX driver's license or ID card in the mail within 45 days.

Texas Vehicle Title/Registration Name Change

After a legal name change, you'll also need to change your name on your Texas DMV vehicle records. When you change your name on your certificate of title, your vehicle registration records will also be updated.

You do not need to purchase new registration documents.

To change your name on your vehicle title, visit your local county tax assessor-collector.

in person and bring:

  • A completed Application for Texas Title (Form 130-U) with your new name.
  • A letter that includes:
    • Your vehicle information.
    • The reason for your name change.
  • Your legal name change document, such as your:
    • Marriage certificate.
    • Divorce decree.
    • Court order.
  • Your original vehicle title.
  • Payment for the title fee. Fees vary depending on your county. Contact your local Texas DMV office for exact fees.

TX Voter Registration Name Change

When you change your name, you also need to update your voter registration information with the Texas Secretary of State.

You'll be able to change your name on your voter registration when you change your name on your driver's license or ID. See the “TX Driver's License/ID Name Change" section above for steps.

If you want to change your name on your voter registration separately to your TX driver license/ID, you can do this either online, in person, or by mail.

If you aren't registered to vote in Texas, visit our Voter Registration in Texas page.

Online

To change your name online, visit the Texas SOS Voter Name and Address Changes website. You'll need to provide your:

  • Driver license or ID card number.
  • Date of birth.
  • Audit number.
  • Social Security number (SSN).
  • Voter registration certificate number.
  • County.

In Person or By Mail

To change your voter registration in person or by mail, you can either:

Take or mail your documents to your local TX county clerk office.

Changing Your Address in Texas

If you're new to Texas or have moved within the state, you need to report your new address to the TX DPS and DMV to update your drivers license/ID and vehicle registration and title.

For more information, please see our Changing Your Address in Texas page.

Forms

SS-5
Application for a Social Security Card
Application for a Social Security card. Completed form must be submitted to a Social Security office.
130-U
Application for Texas Certificate of Title
Use this TX DMV form to apply for a title OR registration for your vehicle
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