How to Change Your Name
in Texas
Court requirements, required documents, filing fees, and a step-by-step process for legally changing your name in Texas.
Filing Fee
$250-$350
Court fee
Timeline
4-8 weeks
To court order
Court
District Court
Where you file
Texas Name Change — Key Facts
Filing Court
District Court
Where to File
File in the District Court in the county where you reside
Filing Fee
$250-$350
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Newspaper Publication
Required
Publication Required in Texas
Texas requires publication of the name change order once in a newspaper of general circulation in the county after the court grants the name change.
Texas-Specific Rule
Texas requires publication of the name change notice once in a newspaper of general circulation in the county. Additionally, Texas requires a background check (fingerprints) for all adult petitioners.
Required Documents in Texas
Original Petition for Change of Name of Adult
Birth certificate (certified copy)
Government-issued photo ID
Filing fee payment
Fingerprint card for background check
Final Decree of Change of Name
6-Step Name Change Process in Texas
Complete the Name Change Petition
File your petition in File in the District Court in the county where you reside. The petition includes your current name, requested new name, and reason for the change.
Gather Required Documents
Collect: Original Petition for Change of Name of Adult, Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Fingerprint card for background check, Final Decree of Change of Name.
Pay the Filing Fee
The filing fee in Texas is approximately $250-$350. Ask the clerk if fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners.
Complete Newspaper Publication
Texas requires publication of the name change order once in a newspaper of general circulation in the county after the court grants the name change.
Attend Your Court Hearing (if required)
Some Texas courts hold brief hearings for name change petitions. Others issue orders without a hearing if no one objects. The process typically takes 4-8 weeks total.
Update Your Records
After receiving your court order, update your Social Security card (SSA.gov), driver's license (DMV), passport, bank accounts, employer records, voter registration, and other official documents.
Frequently Asked Questions — Texas Name Change
Where do I file for a name change in Texas?
In Texas, you file in the District Court. File in the District Court in the county where you reside. Make sure to bring all required documents and payment for the filing fee.
How much does a name change cost in Texas?
The filing fee in Texas is approximately $250-$350. If publication is required, add $50–$200 for newspaper fees. You'll also want 2–3 certified copies of your court order ($5–$20 each) to update your records.
Do I need to publish my name change in a newspaper in Texas?
Texas requires publication of the name change order once in a newspaper of general circulation in the county after the court grants the name change.
How long does a name change take in Texas?
From filing to receiving your court order, expect 4-8 weeks in Texas. After you receive the order, updating all your identification documents (SSA, DMV, passport, bank) typically takes another 2–4 weeks.
What documents do I need to change my name in Texas?
For your name change petition in Texas, gather: Original Petition for Change of Name of Adult, Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Fingerprint card for background check, Final Decree of Change of Name. JustiPal™ provides a complete Texas-specific document checklist.
Related Resources
Free Check
Name Change Readiness
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Name Change Intake Package
Guided intake with Texas-specific checklist, court forms, and your complete filing packet.
- Guided intake workflow
- Texas document checklist
- Court form preparation
- Post-order update checklist
Document preparation · Not a law firm
JustiPal™ prepares documents — we don't provide legal advice. For complex situations (criminal history, minor name changes, etc.), consult an attorney in Texas.
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