Change Name Car Registration Texas
Step-by-step guide to updating your vehicle registration after a legal name change.
When You Need to Change Your Name
You'll need to update your car registration after a legal name change due to:
- Marriage
- Divorce
- Court-ordered name change
- Any other formal legal name change
Keeping your vehicle registration current with your legal name is important for vehicle sales, legal identification, insurance claims, and compliance with Texas state regulations. It also prevents confusion or problems if you're pulled over or involved in an accident.
Important: The Order Matters
You must update your name with the Social Security Administration before changing your vehicle registration or driver's license. The SSA is the foundation for all other legal name changes—the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Department of Public Safety (DPS) verify your identity through SSA records.
Trying to update your vehicle registration before updating with the SSA will likely result in delays or rejection of your application.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Update Your Name with Social Security
This is your first and most important step. You cannot complete online name changes—this must be done in person or by mail.
What you'll need:
- Completed Social Security Card Application (Form SS-5)
- Original or certified copy of your name change document:
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Court order for name change
- Proof of identity (U.S. driver's license, state ID, or passport)
How to apply:
- In person: Visit your local Social Security office (recommended for fastest processing)
- By mail: Mail your completed application and original documents to your local Social Security office (documents will be returned)
Visit SSA.gov to find your nearest office and current processing times. Allow 7-10 business days to receive your new Social Security card.
Step 2: Update Your Texas Driver's License
You must update your driver's license within 30 days of your legal name change. This must be done in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office.
What to bring:
- Your current Texas driver's license or ID card
- Original or certified copy of your name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)
- Payment: $11 fee for name change
The DPS will issue you a new driver's license with your updated name. This typically takes a few weeks to arrive by mail, but you'll receive a temporary paper license to use immediately.
Step 3: Update Your Vehicle Registration
After updating with the SSA and receiving your new driver's license, visit your local county tax assessor-collector's office in person to change your vehicle registration.
Required documents:
- Completed Application for Texas Title (Form 130-U) with your new name
- Letter explaining the reason for name change and including your vehicle information (VIN, make, model, year)
- Original or certified copy of your legal name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)
- Your original vehicle title
- Your updated driver's license or state-issued ID card
- Proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, certificate of citizenship, or certificate of naturalization)
- Payment for the title fee (varies by county, typically around $33)
Important: All documents must be original or certified copies—photocopies are not accepted.
Step 4: Receive Your Updated Registration
After processing your application, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles will issue a new vehicle title and registration with your updated name. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods.
Fees and Costs
Budget for these expenses when changing your name:
- Social Security card: Free
- Driver's license update: $11
- Vehicle title update: Approximately $33 (varies by county)
- Certified copies of name change documents: Varies (if you need additional copies)
Contact your local county tax office to confirm exact fees for your area.
Multiple Vehicles
If you own multiple vehicles, you'll need to update the registration for each one separately. Bring the title for each vehicle when you visit the county tax office, and be prepared to pay the title fee for each vehicle.
To save time, bring all vehicle titles and documents in one visit rather than making separate trips.
What to Do While Waiting
Processing your name change can take several weeks. During this time:
- Keep copies of your name change documents in your vehicle (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you're pulled over, these documents can verify your identity while your registration is being updated.
- Carry your temporary driver's license issued by the DPS if your permanent one hasn't arrived yet
- Keep your confirmation receipts from the SSA, DPS, and county tax office showing you've submitted your updates
This documentation helps avoid confusion if questions arise before your official documents arrive.
Don't Forget These Other Updates
While changing your name on your vehicle registration, remember to update:
- Auto insurance: Contact your insurance company immediately to update your policy. Mismatched names can cause problems with claims
- Vehicle loan or lease: Notify your lender or leasing company of your name change
- Parking permits or toll tags: Update any parking permits, toll transponders (TxTag, EZ TAG, etc.), or parking accounts
- Registration for other vehicles: Motorcycles, boats, trailers, or RVs you own
What Happens If You Don't Update?
Failing to update your vehicle registration after a legal name change can cause several problems:
- Legal complications: Mismatched names on your license and registration can raise questions during traffic stops
- Difficulty selling your vehicle: You'll need matching identification to transfer the title to a new owner
- Insurance claim issues: Claims may be delayed or denied if names don't match across your documents
- Non-compliance with state law: Texas requires your driver's license to be updated within 30 days of a name change
Special Situations
Recent Marriage or Divorce
If you've recently married or divorced, wait until you receive your official marriage certificate or divorce decree before starting the name change process. These documents typically take a few weeks to a few months to be finalized and issued.
Hyphenated Names
If you're taking a hyphenated name, make sure it's spelled consistently across all documents. Decide on the exact format (with or without spaces, order of names) before submitting any applications.
Out-of-State Name Change
If your name was legally changed in another state but you're a Texas resident, you can still use that state's name change documentation. The SSA and Texas agencies accept valid legal name change documents from any U.S. state.
Leased or Financed Vehicles
If your vehicle is leased or financed, notify your lender or leasing company of your name change. They may have additional requirements or forms you'll need to complete.
Timeline for Complete Name Change
Here's a realistic timeline for updating all your vehicle-related documents:
- Week 1: Update with Social Security Administration
- Week 2: Receive new Social Security card
- Week 2-3: Update driver's license at DPS (within 30 days of legal name change)
- Week 3-4: Update vehicle registration at county tax office
- Week 5-6: Receive new vehicle title and registration
Total time: Approximately 4-6 weeks from start to finish. Starting early helps ensure everything is completed smoothly.
Helpful Tips
- Order extra certified copies of your name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)—you'll need originals or certified copies for multiple agencies
- Make a checklist of everywhere you need to update your name and tackle items systematically
- Take photos or make copies of all documents before submitting them
- Call ahead to confirm which documents your county tax office requires—requirements can vary slightly by location
- Schedule appointments when possible to reduce wait times at the SSA, DPS, and county offices
- Update your name with your insurance company before or immediately after updating official documents
- Keep all confirmation receipts and reference numbers in case issues arise
Common Questions
Can I change my name online?
No. Name changes for vehicle registration, driver's licenses, and Social Security must be done in person or by mail. Online name changes are not permitted for these services.
Do I need to change my license plates?
No. Your license plates stay the same when you change your name. Only your registration documents and title are updated to reflect your new name.
How much does the entire process cost?
Expect to pay around $44 total ($11 for driver's license + approximately $33 for vehicle title). Add costs for certified copies of your name change documents if needed.
What if I have a personalized license plate?
Your personalized plate remains valid. The name change only affects your registration documents and vehicle title, not your license plates.
Can I still drive my car during the name change process?
Yes. You can continue driving as long as your registration is current. Keep copies of your name change documents in your vehicle until everything is officially updated.
What if I'm changing back to my maiden name?
The process is the same whether you're taking a married name or returning to a previous name. Use your divorce decree or court order as proof of your legal name change.
Need Help?
For assistance with your name change: