How to Change Your Name in Texas

If you’re planning to change your name in Texas after getting married, the process usually starts when you apply for your marriage license. That said, it’s a good idea to double-check with your local county clerk, since requirements can vary slightly depending on where you live.

Once you’re officially married, your marriage certificate serves as the key legal document for updating your name. After your marriage license is filed with the county courthouse, you’ll typically receive a certified copy by mail within a couple of weeks. You’ll use this document to update your name with government agencies, financial institutions, and other important records.

In Texas, reclaiming your former name after a divorce is usually a simple process. You can request the name change as part of your divorce proceedings, and if approved by the judge, it becomes official once the divorce decree is signed.

Afterward, you’ll need to notify key agencies—like the Social Security Administration, Texas DPS, and the U.S. Passport Office—to ensure your updated name appears on all identification and legal records.

Be sure to get certified copies of your divorce decree, as they’ll serve as your legal proof of the name change. This will help ensure your transition is seamless and that all your accounts and documents are consistent with your new legal name.

To legally change your name in Texas by petition, you must file a Petition for Change of Name in the county where you live. The petition should include your current name, the new name you’re requesting, and the reason for the change. A background check may also be required.

Once submitted, the court will schedule a hearing, where a judge will review your petition. If approved, the judge will sign an Order Granting Name Change, which serves as your legal proof.

You’ll use this order to update your Social Security card, driver’s license, passport, and other official records.

To change a child’s name in Texas, a parent or legal guardian must file a Petition for Change of Name of a Child in the county where the child lives. The petition should include the child’s current name, the new name being requested, and the reason for the change.

In most cases, both parents must consent. If one parent objects, the court will decide based on the child’s best interest. A hearing will be scheduled, and if the judge approves, they’ll issue an Order Granting Name Change.

This court order is used to update the child’s legal documents, including identification and school records.

Here is the process for changing your name on your Texas Driver’s License:

1. Update Your Name with the Social Security Administration (SSA)

• Before updating your driver’s license, you must notify the SSA about your name change. This is a crucial step as the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) verifies your new name with the SSA.

2. Prepare the Required Documents

Gather the following documents to present at the DPS:

• Your current Texas driver’s license or ID.
• An original or certified copy of your legal name change document, such as: Marriage certificate, Divorce decree, Certified court order, and Certificate of Naturalization.

Note: All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation.

3. Visit a Texas DPS Office

• You must visit a DPS office in person to complete the name change. This cannot be done online or by mail.
• Bring all the necessary documents with you. There is a fee for updating your driver’s license, but it can vary, so check with your local DPS office for the most current fee information.

4. Receive Your Updated License

• After submitting your documents and paying the required fee, you will receive a temporary card. Your updated driver’s license will be mailed to you within 45 days.

Here is the process for changing your name on your Vehicle and Title Registration in Texas:

1. Prepare the Required Documents

Gather the following:

• Your current title or other acceptable proof of ownership.
• A completed Application for Texas Title (Form 130-U).
• An original or certified copy of your legal name change document (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order).
• A letter stating your vehicle information and the reason for your name change.
• Your current Texas driver’s license or ID card.

2. Visit a Texas County Tax Assessor-Collector Office

• You must visit a local County Tax Assessor-Collector office in person to complete the name change on your vehicle title and registration. This process cannot be completed online or by mail.
• Bring all necessary documents. Note that there may be fees for updating your vehicle title, which vary by county.

3. Receive Your Updated Documents

• After submitting your documents and paying the required fees, your vehicle registration records will be updated. You do not need to purchase new registration documents unless you want new ones issued.

Here is the process for changing your name on your Voter Registration in Texas:

Prepare the Required Information

• To update your voter registration, you will need your Texas Driver’s License or ID card number, Social Security number (last four digits), and your Voter Unique Identifier (VUID). The VUID can be found on your voter registration certificate.

Online Update

• Use the Texas Secretary of State’s Voter Name and Address Changes website to update your name online. This service allows you to update your voter registration information quickly and easily.

By Mail

• Download and complete the Voter Registration Application from the Texas Secretary of State website. Be sure to check the “Change” box on the form.
• Mail the completed application to your local County Voter Registrar’s office.

In Person

• Visit your local County Voter Registrar’s office to submit the name change in person. You can find the office locations on the Texas Secretary of State’s website.

Important Deadlines

• Ensure your updated registration is submitted at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote with your new name.

• Social Security Administration
• Passport 
• Postal Service

Changing your name in Texas may seem straightforward, but small errors can lead to frustrating delays—or even a denial of your petition. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Filing in the Wrong County
  Your name change petition must be filed in the Texas county where you currently live. Filing elsewhere can result in rejection.

• Skipping the Fingerprint or Background Check
  If you’re changing your name as an adult through the court, a fingerprint-based background check is usually required. Skipping this step will hold up your petition.

• Inconsistent Information Across Documents
  After your name change, all identifying documents (like your Social Security card, driver’s license, and passport) must match exactly. Using variations of your name can cause issues.

• Not Requesting Enough Certified Copies
  You’ll need certified copies of your court order to update your name with various agencies. Ordering too few can delay your updates with banks, insurance, and government offices.

• Missing Your Court Hearing
  If you’re required to appear in court and don’t show up, your name change request may be postponed or denied entirely.

• Forgetting to Notify Important Parties
  After your name is officially changed, make sure to update your name with:

  • Social Security Administration

  • Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)

  • Passport Office

  • Banks and credit card companies

  • Insurance providers

  • Employers and payroll

  • Schools and healthcare providers

Using our Name Change Kit helps ensure nothing falls through the cracks—we guide you step-by-step so your name change is smooth, fast, and fully compliant.

Do You Have to Publish a Name Change in Texas?

In most cases, yes. Texas law requires adults filing a name change petition to publish a notice in a court-approved newspaper—unless the court waives this requirement for safety reasons, such as cases involving domestic violence or identity protection.

This publication usually must appear once a week for a set number of weeks. Afterward, you’ll need to file proof of publication with the court.

Note: Name changes after marriage or divorce typically do not require publication.

How Long Does It Take to Change Your Name in Texas?

It depends on how you’re changing your name:

• Marriage or Divorce: The name change is effective once your marriage license or divorce decree is finalized—generally within 2–4 weeks.

• Court Petition: The court process usually takes 6 to 12 weeks, including:

  • Filing the petition

  • Completing a background check (if needed)

  • Publishing notice (if required)

  • Attending a court hearing

  • Receiving your signed court order

After that, allow a few more weeks to update your name with state and federal agencies.

How Much Does It Cost to Change Your Name in Texas?

Costs can vary slightly by county, but here’s a typical breakdown:

• Court Filing Fee: $250–$350

• Fingerprinting and Background Check: $10–$40

• Newspaper Publication: $30–$100

• Certified Copies of Court Order: Around $20–$25 each

• Name Change Kit (Optional): [Insert your price or link] – Includes pre-filled forms, instructions, and support

Name changes after marriage or divorce usually only require the cost of obtaining certified copies of your license or decree.

Who Cannot Change Their Name in Texas?

While most people can legally change their name in Texas, there are some restrictions. The court may deny your request if:

• You have a felony conviction (unless specific conditions are met, such as a full pardon or release from all supervision for two years)

• The name change appears to be an attempt to avoid legal obligations, such as debt or criminal prosecution

• You have fraudulent intent, such as impersonating another person

• You have pending criminal charges, which may delay or prevent approval

The court has full discretion, so honesty and transparency are essential when filing your petition.

When Should You Start the Name Change Process in Texas?

The best time to begin depends on your situation:

• After Marriage: You can request your new name when applying for your marriage license. Once the marriage certificate is issued, you can begin updating your documents.

• After Divorce: You should request the name change as part of your divorce decree to avoid having to file a separate petition.

• Via Petition: If you’re changing your name outside of marriage or divorce, start the court process at least 2–3 months in advance—especially if you have travel, job paperwork, or other deadlines where your ID must be updated.

Planning ahead will help you avoid complications with your Social Security, license, or upcoming obligations.