How To Change Your Name In Texas

For whatever reason, you’re interested in changing your name. The reasons one might want to change their name are plentiful. Maybe you just got married and want to take on your spouse’s last name. Perhaps you’ve always gone by a different name than what appears on your birth certificate. Or maybe you’ve just been divorced and you’d like to return to your maiden name. Whatever the reason, the process to change your name in Texas is fairly simple. Let’s take a look.

What is the process to change your name in Texas?

Regardless of the reason, you will most likely need a court order to change your name. There are two potential exceptions to this rule. If you were recently married you may be able to change your name by providing proof of your marriage to both the Social Security office and the driver’s license office. 

If you do need a court order, however, you’ll want to fill out and submit the Petition to Change the Name of an Adult document as well as the Order Changing the Name of an Adult document. 

The first form is your request to the judge to change your name. It also provides the judge with vital information like if you have a criminal record. The second form is signed by the judge, and that’s what effectively, legally changes your name. Go ahead and fill this form out, just be sure to leave the space for the judge’s signature blank.

*It is a crime to lie on the Petition to Change the Name of an Adult form.

What are the requirements for changing your name in Texas?

There are only a handful of reasons you might find your request to change your name has been denied. You can ask the court to change your name if you meet the following criteria: 

• You are 18 or older

• You properly file your request to change your name in the county in which you live

• All information regarding felonies, Class A or B misdemeanors for which you have been charged has been provided to the court

• Either you’ve never been convicted of a felony or you’re able to provide proof that the conviction has been pardoned or if two years have passed since you were released from prison or completed probation.

• You are not required to register as a sex offender. If you are required to register as a sex offender, you may still be able to request a name change provided you are able to prove that you’ve notified the local authorities about your request to change your name.

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