How Much Does It Cost to Change Your Name in Texas?
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Texas Bar verified. Reggie London (Texas Bar No. 24043514) and Njeri London (Texas Bar No. 24043266) are the co-founding partners of L and L Law Group, PLLC — based at 5899 Preston Rd, Suite 101 in Frisco, Texas (Collin County), with many 5-star Google reviews, and available 24/7 for criminal defense consultations.
Table of Contents
Filing fee — $300-$350 in most counties
The largest single cost is the district court filing fee for the Petition for Change of Name. Fees vary by county: Dallas County: approximately $315; Harris County: approximately $345; Tarrant County: approximately $310; Collin County: approximately $305; Travis County: approximately $327; Bexar County: approximately $315. Fees include clerk filing, service of process (if applicable), and case administration. Some counties charge additional "court technology fees" or "law library fees" — typically $5-$25.
Fingerprinting cost — $40-$50
Texas Family Code § 45.003 requires fingerprint submission to Texas DPS. Methods: IdentoGO (state-approved vendor) — $40-$50; available at multiple locations statewide. Local law enforcement — some sheriffs and police departments offer fingerprinting for $10-$30. Private vendors — typically $40-$60 with mobile services. Fingerprint cards are submitted to Texas DPS, which conducts the criminal history check and reports back to the court within 1-2 weeks.
Certified copies — $5-$20 per copy
You need certified copies of the court order to update agencies. Costs: $1-$2 per page typical clerk fee in Texas counties. Most orders are 1-2 pages, so $1-$5 per certified copy. Request multiple copies — typically 5-10 needed for all agency updates: Social Security, driver's license, passport, banks, employer, insurance, voter registration, property records, vehicle titles, professional licenses. Total certified copies cost: $10-$50 depending on how many you need.
Agency update fees
Some agencies charge for processing the name change: Texas driver's license update: $11 fee for new license. Passport update: Free if within 1 year of issuance (DS-5504); $130 if older (DS-82). Voter registration: Free re-registration. Birth certificate update: Texas DSHS — $25 for amended birth certificate. Vehicle title: $33 title transfer fee at Texas DMV. Property deed: recording fees $30-$60 per deed. Professional licenses: varies by board, typically $25-$100. Total agency update costs: $100-$300 depending on how many agencies you update.
Attorney fees — $750-$2,000
Attorney fees vary significantly. Simple uncontested adult name change: $750-$1,000 — attorney prepares petition, handles filing, attends hearing or waives, processes order. Complex cases: $1,200-$2,000 — criminal history complications, contested petitions, transgender name change with gender marker change, name change involving prior marriage records, multi-jurisdiction issues. Indigent representation: some legal aid organizations (Lone Star Legal Aid, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid) handle name changes for free or reduced fees for low-income clients.
Have a Texas legal question?
Call L and L Law Group for a free, confidential consultation. We handle criminal defense across Collin, Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant counties.
Call (972) 370-5060In our practice defending Texas criminal cases, we have represented clients in Collin, Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant County criminal courts on the full Texas Penal Code and Health & Safety Code spectrum. Reggie's prosecutor background in Dallas County means we know the State's evidentiary playbook; Njeri's trial-trained motion practice anchors the suppression-driven defense work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the cheapest way to change your name in Texas?
Pro se (self-represented) — total cost $400-$500. File the petition yourself using county court forms, submit your own fingerprints, attend the hearing or waive, update agencies yourself. Skips $750-$2,000 attorney fees. Works well for simple uncontested cases with clean criminal background.
Can I get a fee waiver for a Texas name change?
Yes — under Texas Government Code § 51.941, indigent petitioners can file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs (formerly affidavit of indigence). If approved, waives filing fees. Income limits typically apply; must show poverty-level income. Process available in most Texas district courts.
Does a marriage name change cost the same as other name changes?
No — marriage name change is cheaper. Marriage certificate serves as proof of name change for most purposes; no separate court order needed. Cost: marriage license $60-$80; certified copies of marriage certificate $20-$25; agency updates same as court order name change. Total: $200-$400 vs. $400-$500 for court-order name change.
Are there hidden fees in Texas name changes?
Common additional costs: court technology fees ($5-$25); law library fees ($5-$25); service of process if hearing requires service ($75-$150); publication notice if required ($50-$200 for small newspaper); enhanced fingerprint processing if first attempt rejected ($40-$50 redo). Plan for $50-$200 in potential extras beyond the base filing fee.
Why do attorneys charge $750-$2,000 for a simple name change?
Attorney fees cover: legal advice and counsel; preparation of petition and supporting documents; attendance at hearing or waiver paperwork; processing of court order and certified copies; assistance with agency updates; review for any complications (criminal history, prior records). Complex cases involving criminal history, prior marriages, or transgender legal issues often justify higher fees due to additional time required.
