Texas Name Change — Process, Fees & Required Forms
Your Texas name change at a glance: steps, cost, forms, and timing.
Texas Name Change at a Glance
| Filing Fee | About $250 to $300 (district court filing fee; varies by county). |
|---|---|
| Required Forms |
|
| Waiting Period | Typically 4 to 8 weeks, including a newspaper publication period of about one week and a background check. |
| After Marriage | After marriage in Texas, update your surname with your marriage license, no court order needed for a surname change. A full legal name change still requires the petition. |
| After Divorce | A name can be restored in the divorce decree, or by a separate petition if the divorce is already final. |
| Key Source | Tex. Civ. Prac. and Rem. Code Sec. 71.001 to 71.103 (Change of Name). |
Step-by-Step Process
- File a Petition for Change of Name in the district court of the county where you live.
- Submit fingerprints for a criminal history check (adults).
- Publish notice of the hearing in a local newspaper as the court directs.
- Attend the hearing; the judge may ask about the reason for the change.
- The judge signs an Order Changing Name; use certified copies to update your records.
Rules for Adults and Self-Help
Texas requires a fingerprint-based background check for adult name changes. Minors need both parents consent in most cases.
What to Know Before Filing
Texas requires adult petitioners to be fingerprinted and background-checked, then publish notice and attend a hearing. Marriage-based surname changes are administrative. Re-confirm current fees and forms with the Texas district clerk.
Figures above are a general reference for Texas. Name-change fees, forms, publication rules, and waiting times differ by state and can change. Confirm current requirements with the Texas state court clerk before filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a name change cost in Texas?
In Texas, the court filing fee is typically a few hundred dollars, and some counties add local fees. If you have low income you can usually request a fee waiver. Publication and any legal help are extra.
Do I need a court order to change my name after marriage in Texas?
A surname change after marriage can usually be done with your marriage certificate through Social Security, the DMV, and your bank, without a court order. Changing your full legal name still requires the petition and court order described above.