How to Legally Change Your Name in Texas — Complete Process
Co-Founding Partners
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
Step 1 — file the petition for name change
Texas Family Code § 45.002 governs adult name changes. You file a "Petition for Change of Name of an Adult" in district court in the county where you reside. The petition must include: (1) your current full legal name; (2) the name you want changed to; (3) your full date and place of birth; (4) your residence and mailing address; (5) any prior criminal convictions (felony, sex offense registration, or pending warrants must be disclosed); (6) reason for the name change. Filing fees: typically $300-$350 in district court (varies by county). The clerk assigns a case number and case is set for hearing.
Step 2 — fingerprinting and criminal history check
Texas Family Code § 45.003 requires fingerprint submission to Texas Department of Public Safety. The DPS searches criminal databases and reports back to the court whether you have prior convictions or pending charges. Fingerprinting is done at IdentoGO locations (state-approved fingerprint vendors) for approximately $40-$50. Some counties allow law enforcement agency fingerprinting at lower cost. DPS returns the criminal history report to the court within 1-2 weeks. The court reviews to determine if the name change is sought to defraud creditors, avoid criminal prosecution, or other improper purpose.
Step 3 — court hearing or waiver
For uncontested adult name changes with clean criminal background, many Texas counties allow the petitioner to waive the hearing by submitting an affidavit. If hearing is required: typically brief (5-10 minutes); judge asks basic questions about identity, reason for change, no improper purpose; petitioner testifies under oath. If the court denies the name change: typical reasons include creditor avoidance, criminal prosecution avoidance, sex offender registration evasion, public safety concerns. Most uncontested petitions with clean background are granted. The court issues an Order Granting Change of Name.
Step 4 — get certified copies and update agencies
Once the order is signed, request multiple certified copies from the clerk (typically $1-2 per copy). You'll need certified copies to update: Social Security Administration — Form SS-5; new card issued in 2 weeks. Driver's license (Texas DPS) — appointment required; bring certified order; new license issued. Passport (U.S. State Department) — Form DS-82 or DS-11 depending on existing passport. Bank accounts — each bank requires certified copy. Employer payroll/HR. Insurance policies. Voter registration — re-register under new name. Property deeds, vehicle titles. Each agency has its own process; allow 4-8 weeks for all updates.
Total cost and timeline
Approximate costs: filing fee $300-$350; fingerprinting $40-$50; certified copies $5-$20; agency update fees vary. Total typical out-of-pocket: $400-$500 if you handle the process yourself. With an attorney: $750-$2,000 depending on complexity. Timeline: filing to order typically 6-12 weeks. Agency updates after order: 2-3 months for all major agencies. Complex cases (with criminal history disclosure, contested petitions, transgender name changes with associated gender marker changes) may take longer and benefit from attorney representation.
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
How long does a Texas name change take?
Approximately 6-12 weeks from filing to court order in most cases. Agency updates after the order typically take 2-3 months total. Counties with backlogs (Harris, Bexar, Dallas) may run longer; smaller counties faster.
How much does a Texas name change cost?
Total typical out-of-pocket: $400-$500 for self-represented petitioners (filing fee $300-$350, fingerprinting $40-$50, certified copies $5-$20). With attorney: $750-$2,000 depending on complexity. Indigent petitioners can request fee waiver under Family Code § 45.002.
Can my Texas name change be denied?
Yes — under Family Code § 45.005, the court can deny if the change is sought to defraud creditors, avoid criminal prosecution, or evade sex offender registration. Pending warrants or open criminal cases generally support denial. Clean petitioners with legitimate reasons (preference, marriage-related, transgender identity) are typically granted.
Do I need a lawyer for a Texas name change?
Not required for simple uncontested adult name changes — many petitioners handle the process pro se using county court forms. Lawyer recommended for: criminal history disclosure complications, contested petitions, transgender name changes with gender marker changes, minor name changes (especially over a parent's objection).
Does a name change erase my criminal record?
No — a name change does not seal or expunge criminal records. The court order is filed in public court records and Texas DPS criminal history is linked by fingerprint regardless of name. To remove or seal criminal records, you need separate expunction (CCP Chapter 55) or nondisclosure (Government Code § 411.0735) proceedings.
