How to Change a Name on a Car Title in Texas
Change your vehicle title after marriage, divorce, or a court-ordered name change in Texas. No lawyer required — the process uses standard Texas DMV / County Tax Office forms.
When You Can Change the Name on a Texas Car Title
Texas processes name changes on vehicle titles as a correction or update transaction. Texas requires the change to be initiated at the county tax-assessor-collector office, not the state DMV directly.
Step-by-Step Process in Texas
Update your Texas driver's license or state ID to your new name before going to Texas DMV / County Tax Office. You'll need the new-name ID to complete the vehicle title change.
Get a certified copy of your marriage certificate (from the county clerk), divorce decree (from the court clerk), or court order. Standard photocopies are not accepted.
Texas uses Form 130-U for all title transactions including name changes. The form captures the reason for the transaction. Available at county tax offices or downloadable from txdmv.gov.
Bring all documents in one trip: completed form, current title, certified name change document, and your new-name ID. Texas requires certified copies of legal name change documents. Original documents are preferred. Standard color photocopies are not accepted. The county tax office may retain copies — bring extra certified copies if needed.
Pay the $28–$33 title fee. Your new title will arrive by mail in 20–45 days. Keep your receipt as proof of the transaction.
Required Documents in Texas
- 1Application for Texas Title (Form 130-U)
- 2Current Texas title
- 3Legal name change document (certified copy of marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)
- 4Valid Texas driver's license or ID in the new name
- 5Proof of Texas insurance
Court order is NOT required for marriage or divorce name changes in Texas. A certified marriage certificate or divorce decree is sufficient. Court orders are required for other types of legal name changes.
Texas title name changes are processed at the county tax-assessor-collector office — not at a state DMV location. Find your specific county office at txdmv.gov. Bring all documents in one visit — missing a certified copy means returning a second time.
Texas Car Title Name Change FAQ
How do I change my name on my car title in Texas after marriage?
In Texas, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate plus Form 130-U (Application for Texas Title) to Texas DMV / County Tax Office. Texas requires certified copies of legal name change documents. Original documents are preferred. Standard color photocopies are not accepted. The county tax office may retain copies — bring extra certified copies if needed.
How do I change my name on a car title after divorce in Texas?
After a divorce, bring a certified copy of your final divorce decree (with judge's signature and court seal) to Texas DMV / County Tax Office along with Form 130-U (Application for Texas Title). Texas uses Form 130-U for all title transactions including name changes. The form captures the reason for the transaction. Available at county tax offices or downloadable from txdmv.gov.
Does Texas require a court order to change a name on a car title?
No. Court order is NOT required for marriage or divorce name changes in Texas. A certified marriage certificate or divorce decree is sufficient. Court orders are required for other types of legal name changes.
How much does it cost to change a name on a car title in Texas?
$28–$33. Standard Texas title fee applies ($28 most counties; $33 in high-population counties). No additional name change fee.
How long does a car title name change take in Texas?
Texas titles are processed at the county level. Same-day in-person service is typically available for the transaction itself. The new title arrives by mail in 20–45 days from the state.
What documents are needed to change a name on a car title in Texas?
Required documents in Texas: Application for Texas Title (Form 130-U); Current Texas title; Legal name change document (certified copy of marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order); Valid Texas driver's license or ID in the new name; Proof of Texas insurance.