Legally changing name in texas. Call or text 800-929-1725 and visit https://wphk-law.
Legally changing name in texas. , typographical or spelling errors) allow a person to amend a birth certificate through the Texas Vital Statistics office without a court order. Dallas-Fort Worth Name Changes Attorneys Serving Collin, Tarrant, & Rockwall Counties It has long been a tradition for one spouse to change their name after getting married, or for both spouses to hyphenate their individual surnames into one new family name. Jul 22, 2025 · Learn the legal requirements for changing your last name in Texas. S. Updates and Legal Changes Why the Increase in Sep 12, 2025 · There are several ways to change a legal name in Texas. Publishing the notice allows any creditors or other interested parties time to object to the name change, should they decide to You'll need to change your name on your Social Security card, TX driver license or ID card, vehicle registration, and vehicle title. This guide covers the court procedure and the steps to make your new name official. will accept a completed marriage license as legal proof of the name change. Tex. Call or text 800-929-1725 and visit https://wphk-law. Simplify your Texas name change with NewlyNamed's complete kit. Feb 26, 2025 · Changing Your Name In Texas Getting married is an exciting milestone, and for many, taking a spouse’s last name is a big part of the journey. Name Changes in Texas Changing your legal name in Texas is a relatively simple process. If you have specific legal questions, consult your attorney. May 18, 2020 · To change the name of a minor, a caregiver having a legal relationship to the minor (meaning the parents, guardians, or conservators) must file a Petition to Change the Name of a Child. org Name Change – TexasLawHelp. Apr 26, 2023 · Lastly, monitoring your brand and reputation after the change will ensure that everything goes smoothly. Understanding the legal name change process in Texas is essential for ensuring that the transition is smooth and compliant with state laws. Apr 4, 2023 · All states have legal procedures for allowing their residents to alter or totally swap out their names for a name they prefer. 2 days ago · Texas Family Code Chapter 45 establishes the formal process for changing a child's legal name through the courts. Oct 21, 2024 · The court filing fee in Texas ranges from $150 to $300, depending on the county. How to Change a Child’s Name – TexasLawHelp. 102 (a) (6). Most organizations in the U. I called the court today to try to schedule a hearing and they said they haven’t gotten anything from the DPS Legally changing your name involves numerous steps and requirements, but you don’t have to handle them alone. tpride. May 29, 2024 · How to legally change your name in Texas. Feb 22, 2023 · Here, learn the steps for legally changing a child's name in Texas. For this reason, most people require the services of an attorney in order to complete the legal requirements for a name change. The applicant must be fingerprinted. There is a $10 filing fee. While you can legally change your name through a marriage or divorce certificate, other situations require going through these steps. Restrictions may apply in cases of past or pending criminal convictions. File your Name Change in Texas petition for legal name change after marriage, child, or minor name change in Texas . May 21, 2024 · The step-by-step process of legally changing your name in Texas, whether it's due to marriage, divorce, or personal preference. Can I Get my Maiden Name Back After a Divorce? It is common for women who take their husbands’ names to want to change them back after a divorce. This toolkit contains forms and instructions for changing your name. The fingerprint card will be filed with the court when you file for a name change. org. § 45. Texas Name Change Laws To obtain a legal name change in Texas, an applicant must submit a petition to the court. Jun 22, 2025 · Learn the legal steps to change your child’s name in Texas—court filings, eligibility, required documentation, and how to establish parental consent. Some counties may charge an additional fee for the name change petition. Make the transition smooth and hassle-free! The Texas State Law Library publishes legal research guides to help both self-represented litigants/pro se litigants and attorneys/legal practitioners locate the legal information they need. 2 days ago · This guide provides links to free online legal forms from various organizations. 105 may apply to the clerk of the court ordering the name change for a change of name certificate. In Texas, a resident can easily change their name as part of a marriage or divorce, but those seeking to change their names for other reasons must jump through more hoops. org Name Changes and Criminal History – TexasLawHelp. Here's what you need to know. Our guide details the formal procedures and administrative steps for legally adopting a new name. A reference attorney at the Law Library’s Walk-In Case Review will perform this review. State laws, rather than local county laws, dictate whether you are eligible to change your name, but you must initiate your civil suit by filing documents with the Bexar County District Clerk. This guide explains the correct sequence for updating your legal identity. (a) A person whose name is changed under Section 6. Update Your Records Use the certified copies of your name change order to change your name on your birth certificate, social security card, driver’s license or state ID, voter registration, passport, etc. Name Change Information *Note: Our office does not provide documents or forms for filing. This guide demystifies the requirements and court process. Feb 19, 2024 · The idea of legally changing your name after marriage can be daunting, but the process is very doable, especially in Texas. Learn the legal implications of name change after marriage as well as the eligibility and adminstrative requirements for updating all official documents to reflect the new name, across relevant Texas agencies. Jun 19, 2025 · Houston woman fights to change name from 'Girl' Sandra Wardlow, born without a legal name, has faced numerous challenges in her quest to change her birth certificate from "Girl" to the name she has used all her life. Depending on the situation, you may be able to: get a court order changing your legal name; change your legal name as part of adoption, divorce, or U. Our offi Oct 1, 2025 · The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in 2024 stopped accepting court orders that change the sex of an individual or "combined" orders that issue a name change and a gender marker change in the same document. May 27, 2023 · Luckily, changing a business name in Texas is a fairly straightforward process as long as you know the necessary steps and requirements. Learn the simple steps to legally change your last name in Texas after getting married. The Civil Filing Main Aug 17, 2025 · A comprehensive guide to legally changing a child’s last name in Texas, covering critical steps and considerations. Jul 25, 2025 · Understand the legal framework for changing your name in Texas. But the process, and whether the court will approve it, depends on your specific circumstances. If you filed a Name Change case you may purchase copies of the Signed Order Granting Name Change. To legally change your name in Texas by petition, you must file a Petition for Change of Name in the county where you live. Sep 6, 2024 · Changing your name can be an exciting step, but it can also come with its fair share of legal and practical considerations. Adult name changes can be court-ordered as part of a divorce proceeding or as a separate process by itself. Dec 21, 2024 · Legally changing your name in Texas requires several steps involving documentation and a visit to the courthouse. Parents may also file for a name change for their minor child. Overall, following these steps can help make the process of changing a business name in Texas as seamless as possible while staying compliant with state laws. Sep 1, 2025 · Learn how to legally change your child’s last name in Texas. You can only change your name to certain types of names using this process. Jan 6, 2021 · The legal process to change your name in Texas can be complicated. Jul 25, 2025 · Explore the total cost of a Texas name change by reviewing the required court fees, potential additional expenses, and ways to reduce the financial burden. Legally change your last name in Texas after marriage or minor name change with right forms and name change petition. Whatever your reason, following the steps in this article will help you legally change your name in the state of Texas. To learn more about these procedures, see our Name Changes in Texas guide. It’s about claiming your identity and ensuring no one takes your voice away at the ballot box. Changing your name in Texas when you’re getting married or divorced is a different process than any other Name Change Changing your legal name in Texas can be simple, but you must follow the steps and meet the requirements. Texas Name and Gender Marker Change Guide — Texas Legal Services Center /https:// texaslawhelp. In some cases, you may need to provide additional documentation or information, which may incur additional costs. For name changes related to marriage or divorce, a petition is not required. (b) A certificate under this section is a one-page document that includes: CHANGE OF NAME IN TEXAS Changing your legal name in Texas is a relatively simple process if the correct procedure is followed and all requirements are met. Fam. Name Change Certificates is ONLY provided in Divorce Cases. Jan 24, 2025 · Explore the legal process and considerations for changing a child’s last name in Texas, including age requirements and necessary documentation. naturalization; change your legal name without a court order. The total expense is a combination of mandatory court fees, potential additional charges, and optional legal help. org Texas Name and Gender Marker Change Guide – TexasLawHelp. " If it is, the court will issue a court order changing the child's legal name. org/resources. Jan 6, 2023 · This kit has forms and instructions to legally change your name in Texas if you're 18 or older. Jan 11, 2025 · Learn the comprehensive process of legally changing your name, from eligibility to updating official records and documents. This chapter defines the formal process for changing a legal name through the courts. Aug 26, 2025 · How much does it cost to change your name in your state? Learn about the filing fees for a name change and situations in which a fee may be unnecessary. php # Apr 4, 2025 · This toolkit for parents and guardians contains forms and instructions for legally changing the name of a child under 18. In Texas, name changes follow specific rules that apply depending on your age, reason for the change, and legal history. Texas – requires fingerprinting. 706 or 45. Learn more at FindLaw. Feb 10, 2025 · Explore the process and legal considerations for changing your last name through common law marriage in Texas, including documentation updates. You may want to change your child’s name if you have adopted him or her. org Other related resources. Understand how each stage affects the total duration. As long as a person consistently uses the new name on all personal and business documents, the new name must be legally recognized by authorities. Sep 16, 2025 · After marriage, you can take your spouse's last name without applying for a court order. To make your name change official and legal, you must go through the proper steps with the state. Understand the full process, from state requirements to essential updates. Sep 27, 2024 · If you are interested in changing your legal name, read more about valid reasons for a name change provided by our Fort Worth law firm. The petition should include your current name, the new name you’re requesting, and the reason for the change. These guides and articles walk you through changing an adult or a child's name. Here's how to change your name in Texas including through marriage. Jun 18, 2025 · Learn how to navigate the Texas name change process. How to Change My Child’s Last Name in Texas Understanding the Legal Process to Change a Child’s Last Name in Texas Can you legally change your child’s last name in Texas without the father’s consent? Yes, you can. com. An adult may request to change their name for any reason, except for reasons against the public interest. You must: apply for a replacement Texas driver license or ID within 30 days of the name change; and get an updated Social Security card as soon as possible. Whether it’s because of a marriage, divorce, or personal choice, understanding the process for legally changing your name can make it much easier to navigate. This guide clarifies the necessary preparations and official procedures for a successful outcome. 💬 “This isn’t just about paperwork. 102 (a) (4 Mar 14, 2025 · Get a court order changing your legal name Change your legal name during an adoption, divorce, or U. Are you hoping to change your name or your child’s name in Southeast Texas? You will want to contact The Gonzalez Law Group, PLLC for assistance in ensuring all of your paperwork is properly handled. pdf Minor and Adult Name Change — Texas Law Help / https://texaslawhelp. Easy Texas name change process. This guide contains information and resources for changing the name of an adult in Texas. An experienced divorce attorney can help guide you In order to change the name of a minor in the state of Texas, you will need to get a court order approving any name change. Additionally, forms are available from www. Read on to learn more about how to petition the courts and what happens next. Your Social Security Newly wed couples in Texas may opt to adopt a uniform last name to reflect their new status. Nov 16, 2022 · If you want to change your name after a divorce or other family law matter, we can help. This can be a complicated process and we recommend hiring a lawyer to help you navigate through it. Visit the Self-Help Center for more information. However, contrary to popular belief, you can’t simply start using your new last name and expect it to be legally recognized in the state of Texas. Step 3- Prepare and Sign Sworn Affidavit in Support of Name Change You need to prepare, sign your Sworn Affidavit in support of Minor Name Change in front of a notary and file it with the District Clerk's Office. Get all the details you need to update your documents without stress. Aug 11, 2025 · So, you live in Texas and want to legally change your name. You can apply to change the name of a child for any reason, but the judge will only approve the request if "the change is in the best interest of the child. The procedures and requirements are detailed in books which can be found in a law library or in the Family Code found in the Texas Legislature Online. Oct 22, 2024 · Changing a child’s last name is a significant legal decision with long-term implications. Get step-by-step instructions and all necessary documents. Choose US Legal Forms to assist in changing your name in Texas! When you file for a name change, you are legally asking the court to change the name you were given at birth, adoption, marriage or even after a divorce. Sep 12, 2025 · Changing your legal name does not automatically update your birth certificate, driver license or ID, bank accounts, or any other records. Mar 7, 2024 · Wondering how to do a name change after marriage in the Lone Star State? We'll go through all of the steps and answer the most frequently asked questions. ” Who Can Legally Change Their Name in Texas? Jan 30, 2025 · The law requires some steps to formally change your name. Mar 21, 2023 · In Texas, the process for changing your name depends on the reason behind the change. Code Ann. You will need to inform various agencies and organizations of your new name. Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Rule 15. Start now! Sep 12, 2025 · There are several ways to change a legal name in Texas. Criminal records are required for individuals with a felony conviction, Tex. 101. Name Change Changing your legal name in Texas can be simple, but you must follow the steps and meet the requirements. Sep 12, 2025 · Information about legally changing one's name in the state of Texas. Name changes for children under 18 years old must be requested by the child's parents. Jul 1, 2019 · Learn about methods for legally changing your name, and when it is an option to change a name. Easy and fast family name change process. Dec 3, 2024 · Learn about changing your name in Texas when you have a criminal history. This is the case even if the marriage license lists your old name on it. 2 days ago · There are several ways to change a legal name in Texas. org/sites/default/files/texas_name_and_gender_marker_change_guide_0. Apr 22, 2024 · Read More. The name change process starts with filing a petition with the court in the county where you reside, and paying the filing fee. In this video, Attorney Tony Ramirez talks about how to legally change your name in Texas. The applicant should provide a valid and reasonable explanation for desiring a legal name change. We have five offices in Fort Bend. You may want to change your name because you have been recently married or divorced. It’s about power. Mar 14, 2025 · Get a court order changing your legal name Change your legal name during an adoption, divorce, or U. In Texas, the process involves navigating the family court system and adhering to specific legal Jun 15, 2025 · A Texas name change involves distinct timeframes for legal prep, court processing, and updating your ID. Call 817-900-3220 for a consultation with a Fort Worth family attorney. Understand who can file to change the name of a child, where the case must be filed, and what to do if the other parent does not agree to the name change or cannot be found. How to Change Your Name in Texas - FindLaw Name Change – Texas RioGrande Legal Aid Oct 1, 2025 · Texas name change forms allow residents to petition for a legal name change through their county's courthouse. g. It is a way to reclaim your remarriage identity and may help you to move forward with your new life. Publishing the Name Change Most states require you to publish a notice of your intended name change. In this article, we will outline everything you need to know about legally changing a business name in Texas, including the paperwork involved, fees, and timelines. Residents of Bexar County, Texas, who want to legally change their name for reasons other than a marriage or a divorce, must obtain permission from a civil court judge to do so. texaslawhelp. Note: Each agency will have their own requirements and may charge additional fees. May 2, 2025 · This guide walks you through how to legally change your name as an adult in Texas, so your identity documents match—and your right to vote is protected. org/name-change Trans Pride Initiative: Identity Documents / https://www. While most name changes are completed in conjunction with a marriage or a divorce, this pamphlet will largely address obtaining a name change as a separate, independent process. Our FAQ covers costs, timelines, and requirements to make the process simple and stress-free. While name changes are often combined with a marriage or a divorce, this section addresses a name change as its own process. For more You file a petition asking for a name change in the Texas county where you live. For those who have changed their names in Texas: How long did it take from when you mailed your paperwork to the DPS to when you had your court hearing and your name was officially changed? I’ve already filed with the court and mailed my fingerprints and paperwork to the Texas DPS. See Tex. You need to get a court order by filing a child name change case. The legal name change process in Texas typically involves filing a petition with the court, providing supportive documentation, and attending a court hearing. Feb 14, 2025 · Learn the process of legally changing a name on a Texas birth certificate, including necessary documents and submission steps. While most name changes are completed in conjunc-tion with a marriage or a divorce, this article will largely address obtaining a name change as a separate, independent process. Jul 19, 2025 · Legally changing your name in Texas involves several distinct costs. Why is it Important to Change Your Name Legally? Jul 24, 2025 · Changing your last name in Texas involves a specific order of official steps. Learn how to change your name in Texas. The emotional strain of dividing a family makes divorce proceedings complex and difficult. A person can change his/her name by filing of an application in civil court along with a nominal fee. If the minor is 10 years or older, you need to prepare and file their Consent to Name Change with the District Clerk's Office. Learn how to legally change your name in Texas. Jun 12, 2025 · How do I change my name after getting married? Find answers to frequently asked legal questions about Texas law. Change Your Name with the SSA When you've legally changed your name, you must report your new name to the Social Security Administration (SSA) before changing your name with the Texas DMV and DPS. Sep 23, 2022 · You can change your name for reasons such as marriage, divorce, gender, or personal preference. 2 days ago · All Texas residents can apply for a name change under Texas Family Code Chapter 45. Warning: The information and forms in this guide are not a substitute for the advice and help of a lawyer. The name-change process varies depending on whether you are an adult, or whether you want to change your child's name. Dec 15, 2021 · In this video, Attorney Tony Ramirez explains how to legally change your name in Texas. Sep 1, 2023 · Name Filings FAQsThe answers to our Frequently Asked Questions are provided for informational purposes and are not intended to provide legal advice or to substitute for the advice of an attorney. Though most name changes require a court order, certain instances (e. Adults filing for a name change need to supply detailed information and go through a legal process that ends in a court hearing. No publication is required. The self-help guides and articles below will aid you in changing an adult's name. 102. Although this is a common practice, it should be acknowledged that legally changing your name can come with both emotional and logistical Sep 1, 2025 · A comprehensive guide to legally changing your business name in Texas. If you need these documents, please visit: Texas Law Help Travis County Law Library If you represent yourself, your forms must go through a review. naturalization Change your legal name without a court order Name changes for children under 18 years old must be requested by the child's parents. Our comprehensive guide walks you through the process and requirements. This article about name changes was written by Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, and updated by TexasLawHelp. 2 days ago · Information about legally changing one's name in the state of Texas. 23 CHANGE OF NAME IN TEXAS Changing your legal name in Texas is a relatively simple process if the correct procedure is followed and all requirements are met. Please contact our office at 832-927-5700 to schedule an appointment. Our legal name change forms are available for individuals, families, newlyweds and divorcées. At Print current full legal name of person asking for name change. dqxerv or awn wagsgysg n1i6kl wyl 0exc npek zub h9kq