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Legal Name Change Guide & Checklist, Texas
How do I legally change names in Texas?
Please see our separate pages if your name change is from marriage or divorce. For all other name changes, you are required to complete 2 forms;
- Petition for Change of Name of an Adult, which is the document you first file with the court to begin the name change process.
- Order Granting Change of Name of an Adult, which is what the judge signs at your hearing.
Complete both forms, except for the signatures. Only sign the petition when you are in the presence of a notary. We recommend contacting the county clerk where you reside for the latest forms as these can change between counties and copies found online may be dated. Some counties do not provide forms and you are requested to draft your own. You may find sample name change petition templates on the Texas Bar website.
Fingerprinting & criminal history
All name changes in Texas must be accompanied by a fingerprint check with additional fees are payable to these third party agencies. The exact process for fingerprinting changes between counties, so check ahead before filing. You may be required to submit your fingerprint record with your petition, or you may be required to file this separately and wait for results to be returned before filing your petition.
File your name change with the District Clerk
File the original signed and notarized with the district clerk in the county where you reside. Filing fees are subject to change without notice, but at the time of writing was $262.
You may be required to summit up to three copies of all documents before filing. Also make an extra copy for yourself. Ask the clerk to stamp your photocopy and keep it along with the Order Granting Name Change.
After paying the filing fee, the clerk will issue you with a hearing date and further instructions for your documents and fingerprints, if necessary. You should attend your hearing with the copy of your Petition for a Change of name of an Adult and Order Granting Name Change.
Your Hearing
Attend the hearing as you will be requested to provide testimony in open court. If your name change is found to be in both personal and public best interest, and is not intended to defraud or deceive anyone your name change should be granted. Once successful the judge signs your Order Granting Change of Name of an Adult. After the hearing return to the clerk where your paperwork will be processed and your name change order is issued.
Update your records
Once your name change order has been issued your name is considered legally changed, but it is your responsibility to arrange all identity and account records to be updated. We recommend purchasing an Easy Name Change kit to help manage the process and receive all the ready to send forms you require.
Always update your name with Social Security first, and form SS5 should be filed within 10 days. Next, update your Texas driver license or non-driver ID card. You can then go onto change names everywhere else. Banks, credit cards, utilities, loyalty clubs, professional bodies. The list is quite extensive!
Get ready to send name change paperwork
Get ready to send forms, letters and faxes for all the organizations that need your name change in writing. We also provide step by step instructions for all companies with different procedures, which may include visiting a branch, calling or emailing. Our documents take just minutes to create and will save you hours.
More information
Texas Bar association sample name change templates and guide
