How to Change Your Name in Texas

People in Texas change their legal names for numerous reasons. Some common situations that may prompt a name change include:

• Getting married or divorced
• Wanting your name to match your child's name
• A desire for your legal name to align with your personal identity

Having a legal name that matches how you identify and how others know you helps avoid confusing situations. It can also be a deeply personal and affirming experience. Common questions people ask about name changes often include:

• “Do I need a court order to change my name?"
• “Can I change my first name and last name at the same time?"
• “What if I am getting married and only want to change my last name?"
• “Do I need to hire a lawyer to change my name?"
• “What do I do after I've changed my name?"

Whatever your reason for wanting to change part or all of your name, know that Texas law requires some steps to formally complete a name change. This article covers:

• What Texas law requires and how to follow the legal name change process
• How to update government agencies
• When and how to start using your new name

Keep reading to learn how to start the process of changing your name in Texas.

1. Identify and Follow the Correct Texas Legal Name Change Process

Your legal name is well known to the law. Starting with your birth certificate, your name is collected and documented throughout your life. Social Security cards, school enrollments, driver's licenses, credit cards, and financial aid applications all require your legal name.

Changing your name accordingly involves a legal process. Which process is right for you depends on your situation.

Name Change During Marriage

The Lone Star state allows people to change their names when getting married. This is the most straightforward way to legally change your last name.

Filling out and applying for a valid marriage certificate allows a person to change their name at the same time. This is done by taking a new name and listing a previous name on the application form at the county clerk's office.

However, this process usually only covers a change of last name. Changing more than just your last name, such as changing your first or middle name at the same time, usually requires more than simply applying for a marriage license and getting married.

Following the U.S. Supreme Court decision in April 2015, same-sex couples can marry in Texas and nationwide. They follow the same marriage name change process as heterosexual couples.

Name Change After Divorce

Texas law permits a person to change their name during the divorce process. Generally speaking, this will be granted if a party to the divorce suit requests it. You may have to specifically request the name change and may also need to provide a certified copy of your divorce decree.

A court can deny a change of name during divorce, but it must supply a reason for doing so. The law also prohibits a judge from denying your change of name request simply to keep the names of family members the same.

Once a name has been changed, a divorcee can apply for a change of name certificate at the county clerk's office. Just like when someone gets married, this procedure is not the standard for changing a legal first name and usually only applies to last names.

Name Changes Outside of Marriage and Divorce

More is required to change a name outside of marriage or divorce. You'll have to go to court and petition for a change of name. This is a more complex process. It involves supplying the court with the relevant information in order to receive an order granting a change of name request.

For most adults, your name change will be granted if the court finds it "in the interest or to the benefit of the petitioner" and "in the interest of the public."

There's no newspaper publication requirement in the state of Texas for name changes. But you will likely need to:

• Pay a small filing fee
• Get your fingerprints taken
• Undergo a background check

Name Changes for Children

Minor children under 18 years of age must go through a similar route to change their legal name (except in cases of adoption). A parent or guardian must file the petition containing essentially the same information as for an adult's name change.

Children 10 years of age or older must give written consent, and another parent or guardian must be notified of the action.

A court will change a minor's name if it determines doing so is in the best interest of the child.

Criminal History and Name Changes: Special Cases

Some name-change petitions aren't as straightforward. People convicted of felonies registered as sex offenders face higher hurdles. These include:

• Courts have more discretion to grant or deny a name change request.
• More documentation may be required as part of your application.
• You will need to register your name change with law enforcement agencies.

Changing a name also won't affect legal obligations or rights—you won't be able to disappear in the eyes of the law. Courts will punish any attempts to change a name for illegal purposes, such as:

• To avoid judgments
• To avoid legal action
• To avoid debts and obligations
• To defraud any person or entity

2. Update Government Agencies and Other Important Parties

When the law is satisfied, make sure your name change is reflected where it matters. You should:

• Contact the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to change the name on your driver's license or state-issued ID card.
• Contact the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to change the name on your vehicle title and registration.
• Update your voter registration information with the Texas Secretary of State's Office.
• Contact the Social Security Administration to get your name changed on your new Social Security card.

Although not government agencies, you'll also want to make sure to provide notice and documentation of your new legal name with to any:

• Banks
• Credit card or loan companies
• Landlord, lessor, or real estate mortgage servicer
• Cell phone provider
• Anyone else with who you routinely conduct business

As a general rule, if you get a monthly bill from someone, they probably need to know about your new legal name.

3. Start Using Your New Name

It's important to let family, friends, and professional contacts know about a name change. Family might want to update their wills, employers their business documents, etc. Many people also choose to update their social media and create a new email address after a name change.

It's generally a good idea to have your name consistent across different documents and areas. You might be surprised how often identity can become a legal issue in court proceedings.

How Long Does It Take and How Much Does a Texas Name Change Cost?

It depends on the jurisdiction in Texas but expect to pay between $150 and $300. Contact your county court clerk for the filing fee in your area. Some jurisdictions can waive this fee for eligible individuals who meet income qualifications.

Processing time for a change name also depends on the jurisdiction. Expect your name change to take anywhere between two weeks and up to six months. Name changes that don’t require a court order (like a marriage) typically don’t take as long.

Get More Help With Your Texas Name Change

A name change is a major event. Assembling the necessary paperwork, going to court, and filing the necessary documents with government agencies can be time-consuming and stressful. You can use Texas name change forms to get started. These forms should allow you to change your name on your own without needing to pay for a lawyer.

But, legal advice is available if needed for more complicated name changes. If you need assistance or are unsure about the process, a family law attorney in your area can help.