How do I legally change my name in Texas?

Q: How do I legally change my name in Texas?

Texas adult name changes are governed by Texas Family Code Chapter 45, Subchapter B (§§ 45.101–.106) and filed in district or statutory county court. 1. File the Petition - File Petition for Change of Name of an Adult in the district court (or county court at law) of your county of residence. - Filing fee ranges roughly $300–$350 depending on county (Travis County: ~$314; Harris County: ~$311). - The petition must include current/proposed name, reason for change, and a sworn statement about any felony convictions or sex-offender registration. 2. Fingerprint Background Check - Texas requires fingerprint-based criminal history check from DPS and FBI for adult petitioners (Tex. Fam. Code § 45.102(b)). - Use the FAST fingerprint service (IdentoGO) and file the results with the court. 3. Hearing - Court holds a hearing; uncontested adult petitions are often granted without testimony if paperwork is complete. - Court grants the change if it is in the petitioner's interest and not contrary to the public's interest (§ 45.103). - Convicted felons and registered sex offenders face additional restrictions (§ 45.103(b)). 4. After the Decree - Get certified copies (~$5–$10 each). - File SSA Form SS-5 with Social Security (free). - Update Texas DL at DPS ($11) within 30 days. - Update passport (DS-5504/DS-82) and notify banks, voter registrar, employer. 5. Divorce-Based Name Restoration - Texas allows restoration in the divorce decree under Tex. Fam. Code § 6.706 — no separate proceeding needed. This is legal information, not legal advice.

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Texas adult name changes are governed by Texas Family Code Chapter 45, Subchapter B (§§ 45.101–.106) and filed in district or statutory county court.

1. File the Petition

File Petition for Change of Name of an Adult in the district court (or county court at law) of your county of residence.

Filing fee ranges roughly $300–$350 depending on county (Travis County: ~$314; Harris County: ~$311).

The petition must include current/proposed name, reason for change, and a sworn statement about any felony convictions or sex-offender registration.

2. Fingerprint Background Check

Texas requires fingerprint-based criminal history check from DPS and FBI for adult petitioners (Tex. Fam. Code § 45.102(b)).

Use the FAST fingerprint service (IdentoGO) and file the results with the court.

3. Hearing

Court holds a hearing; uncontested adult petitions are often granted without testimony if paperwork is complete.

Court grants the change if it is in the petitioner's interest and not contrary to the public's interest (§ 45.103).

Convicted felons and registered sex offenders face additional restrictions (§ 45.103(b)).

4. After the Decree

Get certified copies (~$5–$10 each).

File SSA Form SS-5 with Social Security (free).

Update Texas DL at DPS ($11) within 30 days.

Update passport (DS-5504/DS-82) and notify banks, voter registrar, employer.

5. Divorce-Based Name Restoration

Texas allows restoration in the divorce decree under Tex. Fam. Code § 6.706 — no separate proceeding needed.

This is legal information, not legal advice.