How to Change Your Name in Texas

The Texas name change process starts in district court, not at the vital records office

To change your name in Texas, you file a petition in the district court of the county where you live, attend a brief hearing, and receive a court order. The court order is what legally changes your name—not a form sent to the state. Once you have the order, you use it to update your driver's license, Social Security record, and other documents. The whole process usually takes four to eight weeks from filing to court date.

You do not need a lawyer, though some people hire one. The filing fee is typically $300 to $500 depending on your county. If you cannot afford the fee, you can ask the court to waive it by filing a separate form stating your income.

Key Takeaways

You file your petition in the district court of your home county, not online or by mail to a state office.
The court will set a hearing date, usually four to six weeks after you file, and you must attend in person.
After the judge signs your order, take certified copies to the Department of Public Safety to update your driver's license and ID card.
You will also need to update your Social Security record separately using your court order and a form at your local Social Security office.
Name changes for minors require consent from both parents or a court finding that the change is in the child's best interest.

Where to file your petition

Find the district court in the county where you currently live. In Texas, each county has at least one district court, and larger counties have several. You can search for your county court's website by typing "[your county name] Texas district court" into a search engine, or call the county clerk's office directly.

Go to the courthouse in person or call the civil division of the district clerk's office. Ask for the name change petition form—it is usually called a "Petition for Change of Name" or "process for Change of Name." Some courts have the form on their website; others will give you one when you arrive. The form asks for your current name, the name you want, your reason for the change (you can write "personal preference"), and your address.

Fill out the form completely and legibly. Bring a photo ID and proof of residence (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days). Pay the filing fee when you submit the petition. If the fee is a hardship, ask the clerk for a "Pauper's Affidavit" form to request a fee waiver.

What happens at the hearing

The court will mail you a hearing date, usually four to six weeks after you file. You must appear in person at the district courthouse on that date. Bring your photo ID and any documents you filed with your petition.

The hearing is brief—often just a few minutes. The judge will ask you your current name, the name you want, and why you want to change it. You can say "personal preference" or give any honest reason. The judge will ask if you are changing your name to avoid legal responsibility or to defraud someone; if you say no, the judge almost always grants the change. You do not need a lawyer present, though you may bring one if you wish.

After the hearing, the judge signs an order granting your name change. The clerk will give you certified copies of the order—ask for at least three or four, because you will need them to update multiple documents. Certified copies cost a few dollars each.

Updating your driver's license and ID card

Take your certified court order and current driver's license or ID card to any Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You can find the nearest office on the DPS website or by calling 1-888-589-6556. Bring your court order, your current ID, and proof of residence (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

Tell the clerk you are updating your name based on a court order. They will take your old ID, issue a new one with your new name, and charge a replacement fee (usually around $16 for a driver's license). Your new ID will be mailed to your address within one to two weeks. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask for a temporary paper ID at the DPS office.

Updating your Social Security record

Visit your local Social Security office in person. Bring your certified court order, your current Social Security card, and a photo ID. You can find your nearest office on the Social Security Administration website or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Tell the clerk you are updating your name based on a court order. They will file the change and issue you a new Social Security card with your new name, usually within one to two weeks. The card is free. You do not need to fill out an process form—the clerk will handle it.

Name changes for minors

If you are changing a child's name, the process is similar but requires additional steps. Both parents must consent to the change, or you must show the court that the change is in the child's best interest. If one parent does not consent, you will need to prove at the hearing why the change should happen anyway—for example, if the other parent has abandoned the child or if the child has been adopted by a stepparent.

File the petition in the same way, but include a notarized statement of consent from the other parent, or a copy of a custody order showing you have sole managing conservatorship. If the other parent does not consent and you do not have sole custody, the judge may require that parent to appear at the hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name if I have a criminal record?

Yes. A criminal record does not prevent you from changing your name in Texas. However, if you are changing your name to avoid legal responsibility or to defraud someone, the judge will deny your petition. The judge will ask you directly at the hearing whether you are changing your name for that reason.

What if I want to change my name back to my maiden name after a divorce?

You can file a name change petition in district court the same way as any other name change. Alternatively, some divorce decrees include a provision restoring your maiden name as part of the divorce order. If your divorce decree already restores your name, you can use that order instead of filing a separate petition—take it to DPS and Social Security just as you would a name change order.

How long does it take from filing to getting my new driver's license?

The court hearing usually happens four to six weeks after you file. After the hearing, you can go to DPS the same day or the next day to update your ID. DPS will issue a temporary paper ID on the spot, and your new plastic card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. Total time from filing to having a new ID in hand is usually six to eight weeks.

Do I need to publish my name change in a newspaper?

Texas does not require you to publish your name change in a newspaper. Some other states do, but Texas does not. Your court order is the only public record of your name change.

What if the court denies my petition?

The judge rarely denies a name change petition unless you admit you are changing your name to avoid legal responsibility or to defraud someone. If your petition is denied, the judge will explain why. You can file a new petition after addressing the judge's concerns, or you can appeal the decision—ask the district clerk how to file an appeal in your county.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.