How to Change Your Name with the Texas DMV (Vehicle Title and Registration)

After changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, it’s important to update your vehicle title and registration with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). This ensures that your car’s ownership and registration reflect your new legal name and avoids confusion when renewing, selling your car, or filing insurance claims.

Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

Quick side note: Click here for our complete guide on how to change your name in Texas.

Step-by-Step: Update Your Name on Your Texas Vehicle Title and Registration

1. Change Your Name with the Social Security Administration First

Before visiting the DMV, make sure your name is updated with the Social Security Administration. The DMV uses this to verify your identity when processing your documents.

2. Update Your Texas Driver’s License

You must update your name on your Texas driver’s license first, as the DMV will match your new name with your ID.

If you haven’t done this yet, check out our guide: How to Change Your Name on Your Texas Driver’s License After Marriage

3. Gather the Required Documents

Bring the following to your local county tax office (they handle title and registration updates in Texas):

• Certified copy of your name change document, such as:

   

  • Marriage certificate

     

  • Divorce decree

     

  • Court order granting name change

     

• Your updated Texas driver’s license

   

• Your current vehicle title

   

• Completed Form VTR-130U (Application for Texas Title and/or Registration)

   

Download here: TxDMV Form VTR-130U

4. Visit Your County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office

Name changes for vehicle titles must be handled in person at your local county tax office. You can find your office here: Find Your Local Office

5. Pay the Required Fee

Expect to pay a $33 title correction fee, along with any local or processing fees.

There is no separate fee for registration name updates—they’re updated automatically when you change your title.

Additional Tips

• You don’t need to wait until registration renewal—you can update your name anytime after your legal name change

   

• Be sure to update your name with your car insurance provider as well to avoid mismatched documents

   

• Keep a certified copy of your name change document in your glove box while waiting for updates to be reflected