How to Change Your Name in Texas
Written by Olivia Alen
How to Change Your Name in Texas (Marriage, Divorce, Court Petition, and Minors)
Thinking about changing your name in Texas? Whether it’s due to marriage, divorce, or simply embracing a new identity, the legal process can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to figure out which forms you need, where to file, and what must be updated afterward.
You’re not alone. Many people discover that the hardest part isn’t the legal name change itself—it’s making sure every agency and institution updates your name correctly, quickly, and without mistakes.
That’s why our guided Name Change Kit exists: it helps you complete your Texas name change faster, with fewer errors, and with a clear checklist for all the places you’ll need to update next.
What Gets Updated After a Texas Name Change
Most people need to update their name in 20+ places. In Texas, the most common updates include:
- Texas Driver’s License (Texas DPS)
- U.S. Passport
- Social Security
- Texas Vehicle Title & Registration
- Professional Licenses
- IRS and tax records
- Banks, insurance providers, employers, and other relevant institutions
- And more
How the NameChange.com Kit Works
Our kit streamlines the name change process into a clear, guided workflow—designed to reduce delays and avoid common mistakes.
- Choose Your Kit: Select either the Name Change Kit (Box), or our Digital Kit.
- Fill a Quick Form: Provide your basic details—no sensitive data is required.
- Kit Creation: Our platform generates your personalized name change kit.
- Receive Your Kit: Access your personalized kit online or have it delivered to your door.
- Make It Official: Review, sign, and submit to update your name everywhere.
How to Get a Name Change in Texas
In Texas, the right path depends on why you’re changing your name and who the change is for. Below are the most common scenarios and what to expect.
Texas Name Change After Marriage
Many Texans change their last name after marriage using their marriage certificate as legal proof. Once your marriage documents are finalized, your next steps usually include updating your Social Security record, then your Texas driver’s license (Texas DPS), and then everything else (passport, banks, payroll, insurance, and more).
The easiest way to avoid errors is to follow a consistent, step-by-step order—so your name matches across agencies and you don’t get stuck with mismatched records.
Texas Name Change After Divorce
In Texas, reclaiming your former name after a divorce is often a straightforward 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.
Get Certified Copies of Your Divorce Decree
Be sure to request certified copies of your divorce decree, as they serve as legal proof of your name change. Many agencies and institutions require certified copies, and having multiple copies can prevent delays.
Texas Name Change by Court Petition
If you’re changing your name for reasons outside of marriage or divorce, you’ll typically file a court petition in Texas. This process usually includes filing in the correct county, completing required steps (which may include a background check and/or publication), and attending a court hearing if scheduled.
This is where many people make avoidable mistakes—wrong county, missing requirements, inconsistent information, or not ordering enough certified copies. A guided kit can help keep everything organized and consistent from the start.
Texas Name Change for Minors
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 may be scheduled, and if the judge approves, they’ll issue an Order Granting Name Change.
This court order is then used to update the child’s legal documents, including identification, school records, and other accounts.
Texas Documents to Update After Your Name Change
Once your Texas name change is official, your next step is updating documents and accounts in the right sequence so your identity records match.
Texas-Specific Updates
- Texas Driver’s License / ID (Texas DPS)
- Texas Vehicle Title & Registration
- Voter Registration
National Updates
- Social Security Administration
- U.S. Passport
- USPS / Postal Service (name on addresses and deliveries)
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Changing Your Name in Texas
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 often required. Skipping this step can delay 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. Even small variations can cause issues.
Not Requesting Enough Certified Copies
You’ll need certified copies of your court order to update your name with various agencies and institutions. Ordering too few can slow down 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.
Forgetting to Notify Important Parties
After your name is official, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Texas Name Change Process
These FAQs cover common questions about changing your name in Texas—publication rules, timing, costs, eligibility, and when to start.
Do you have to publish a name change in Texas?
In many cases, yes. Texas law may require 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 identity protection or domestic violence concerns). Name changes after marriage or divorce typically do not require publication.
How long does it take to change your name in Texas?
Timing depends on the method. Marriage or divorce name changes are typically effective once the marriage license or divorce decree is finalized. Court petition name changes often take several weeks and may involve filing, completing required steps, and receiving a signed court order. After that, allow additional time to update Social Security, Texas DPS, and other agencies.
How much does it cost to change your name in Texas?
Costs vary by county and situation. Court petition name changes often include a filing fee, possible fingerprinting/background check costs, possible publication costs, and certified copy fees for your court order. Marriage or divorce name changes usually only require the cost of certified copies of your marriage certificate or divorce decree.
Who cannot change their name in Texas?
Most people can change their name in Texas, but courts may deny requests tied to fraud or avoiding legal obligations. Certain criminal histories or pending charges can also affect approval. The court has discretion, so accuracy and honesty matter.
When should you start the name change process in Texas?
The best time depends on your situation. After marriage, many people begin updates once they have certified copies of the marriage certificate. After divorce, it’s best to request the name change in the divorce decree. For court petitions, start at least 2–3 months ahead of deadlines (travel, employment paperwork, or other ID requirements).
How can NameChange.com help with a Texas name change?
The NameChange.com Name Change Kit helps you move faster and avoid mistakes by providing a guided, personalized workflow and a clear checklist of what to update next. It’s designed to reduce delays caused by missing steps, inconsistent records, or incomplete paperwork.
Final Thoughts: A Faster, Clearer Texas Name Change Process
A Texas name change can be simple when you follow the right path for your situation—marriage, divorce, court petition, or a minor’s name change—and then update your documents in a consistent order.
If you want to avoid delays, confusion, and common mistakes, the Name Change Kit provides a guided, step-by-step solution to help you change your name more easily, faster, and mistake-free.
Ready to get started? Choose your kit at namechange.com/pages/name-change-kits.
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