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Name change after marriage in Texas: checklist and DMV steps
The order to change your name after marriage in Texas, and what the Texas Department of Public Safety asks for, from its own pages. Each step links its source.
How to change your name after marriage in Texas
Get certified copies of your marriage certificate first. Then change your name with Social Security, then at the Texas Department of Public Safety for your license or ID, then on your passport, then with your bank, employer and everything else.
The steps, in order
- Certified copies of your marriage certificate. Certified or plain copies are made in person at any Harris County Clerk location; by mail, email or fax, contact the Public Records Department. (Source: cclerk.hctx.net, checked October 30, 2026)
- Social Security. You change your name with Social Security by requesting a replacement card. Depending on your situation you may be able to request it online; if not, you make an appointment at a local office. (Source: ssa.gov, checked October 26, 2026)
- Your Texas driver's license or ID. The Texas Department of Public Safety: what its pages say is below.
- Your passport. The U.S. Department of State handles passports. Its site did not let us read it automatically when we checked, so open its passport pages for the form that fits your passport.
- Everything else. Bank and credit accounts, your employer, insurance, voter registration and the rest: the name change after marriage checklist lists them in order.
USAGov lists the agencies to tell after a name change, including Social Security, your state driver license office and the U.S. passport office, and says to use certified copies of documents such as a marriage certificate as proof. (Source: usa.gov, checked October 26, 2026)
Changing your name at the Texas Department of Public Safety
From the agency’s own pages, last checked October 30, 2026. Open the Texas Department of Public Safety page. Fees and rules change: confirm on that page before you go.
- What to do
- Visit any driver license office within 30 days of the change with an original document verifying the name change, and pay for a replacement. (Source: dps.texas.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
- Documents accepted as proof of the new name
- Marriage-related: marriage license, divorce decree, annulment or DSHS verification letter. Other: certified court order, amended birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. Originals only. (Source: dps.texas.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
- Fee
- $11 for a replacement driver license (name change requires a replacement). (Source: dps.texas.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
- In person or online
- Visit any driver license office; the online option on the page is for address changes. (Source: dps.texas.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
- Social Security first
- Not stated on the pages we read. Check the agency page. Official page
- Deadline
- Visit a driver license office within 30 days of the name change. (Source: dps.texas.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Common questions
How do I change my name on my Texas driver's license after marriage?
Visit any driver license office within 30 days of the change with an original document verifying the name change, and pay for a replacement.
How much does it cost to change the name on a Texas license?
$11 for a replacement driver license (name change requires a replacement).
What documents do I need to change my name at the Texas DMV?
Marriage-related: marriage license, divorce decree, annulment or DSHS verification letter. Other: certified court order, amended birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. Originals only.
Is there a deadline to change my name on my Texas license?
Visit a driver license office within 30 days of the name change.
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