Adult name change petition texas. 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. A sample form for the Petition can be found at TexasLawHelp. REQUIREMENTS OF PETITION. org. b. This chapter defines the formal process for changing a legal name through the courts. Select "family cases" from the list of types of filings. 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. A. The Texas state law library offers a research guide for child's name changes. Once submitted, a hearing will be scheduled for a judge to determine whether to authorize the request. The Petition to Change the Name of an Adult included a legible and complete copy of Petitioner’s fingerprints. 2 The clerk will then assign the case to a specific Aug 18, 2025 · Learn the full Texas adult name change process—from eligibility and petition filing to final order and record updates. In person: 1700 Guadalupe, Floor 3, Austin, Texas, - or - Jul 1, 2019 · Learn about methods for legally changing your name, and when it is an option to change a name. Sec. Adult name changes can be court-ordered as part of a divorce proceeding or as a separate process by itself. The forms described in the “Name Change Only” section above have no provision for correcting one’s gender marker, so for that you will need to complete your own petition and final order. Mar 21, 2023 · In Texas, the process for changing your name depends on the reason behind the change. A copy of my authorization card certifying that I am a participant in the Address Confidentiality Program is attached to this Petition to Change the Name of an Name Change Changing your legal name in Texas can be simple, but you must follow the steps and meet the requirements. Whether following a divorce, marriage, or simply wanting a fresh start, changing your legal name in Texas involves specific legal procedures and requirements. File your Petition to Change the Name of an Adult and Fingerprint Card with the Travis County District Clerk. Apr 20, 1995 · An adult may file a petition requesting a change of name in the county of the adult's place of residence. Legally change your last name in Harris County after marriage or minor name change with right forms and name change petition. This suit is brought by Keiko (name)_¢ heuee , Petitioner, who resides Additionally, a petition for the change of name of a child requires differ-ent information than a petition for an adult’s name change. Oct 1, 2025 · Texas name change forms allow residents to petition for a legal name change through their county's courthouse. Petitioner is an adult. 102. 12-2023) Page 1 of 4 Program is attached to this Petition to Change the Name of an Adult. Filing a Petition for a Change of Name The first step in obtaining a name change is to file an Original Petition for Change of Name. Complete the Petition for an Adult Name Change form and bring it to the County District Clerk at 201 Caroline, Suite 420, Houston, TX 77002. Mar 13, 2026 · Online Forms For more on name changes, see our Name Changes in Texas guide. g. The name-change process varies depending on whether you are an adult, or whether you want to change your child's name. Name Change of an Adult This information is intended for Texans seeking information about adult name changes. The reason Petitioners request to change Petitioner–Adult Adoptee’s name is because of this adoption. These guides and articles walk you through changing an adult or a child's name. Forms are available for custody (SAPCR), divorce, paternity, modification, and name change Special District Local Laws Code chevron_right Mar 14, 2025 · Get a court order changing your legal name Change your legal name during an adoption, divorce, or U. Nov 28, 2017 · The ORI number is a case number provided to you by the court upon submitting your petition for a name change. 1, eff. Nov 10, 2025 · A Texas petition to change the name of an adult is used to submit a request to the court for a legal name change. The law governing children's name changes in Texas: Texas Family Code chapter 45. Jan 22, 2026 · eFileTexas's self-help section contains an interactive interview that will help you create completed forms for an adult name change. Date of birth: o. Forms are available from the Travis County Law Library on their website (https://lawlibrary. In Texas, name changes follow specific rules that apply depending on your age, reason for the change, and legal history. Texas Name Change Law Name Change – General – Texas Note: This summary is not intended to be an all inclusive discussion of the law applicable to an action for an adult change of name in the State of Texas, but does include basic and other provisions. Change Of Name — View the full text of state laws governing name changes in Texas. The process typically involves filling out the necessary forms, paying a filing fee, and attending a court hearing. Subchapter A covers the change of name of a child while Subchapter B deals with the change of name for an adult. A copy of my authorization card certifying that I am a participant in the Address Confidentiality Program is attached to this Petition to Change the Name of an This guide contains information and resources for changing the name of an adult in Texas. (We will file stamp your copies when filing the original, one copy is to mail off to DP Visit the Boerne Police Department, off of Old San Antonio Road, and get a finger print card done. For this reason, most people require the services of an attorney in order to complete the legal requirements for a name change. ” Who Can Legally Change Their Name in Texas? Nov 22, 2025 · The state allows adults to request a legal name change through the court system, as long as the request isn’t for fraud or hiding from legal trouble. Read More. org Name Changes and Criminal History – TexasLawHelp. 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. It’s commonly used for reasons such as marriage, divorce, gender identity alignment, or personal preference. April 20, 1995. The filing fee is $262 as at the time of publication, and is due at the time of filing. Dec 21, 2024 · Legally changing your name in Texas requires several steps involving documentation and a visit to the courthouse. 20, Sec. Sign, fax and printable from PC, iPad, tablet or mobile. To change/correct a vital record by mail, you must: Be a person qualified to make a change or correction. You need to prepare the Petition for Adult Name Change and after you obtain your fingerprint card, you will attach it to the petition and file it with the District Clerk's Office. texaslawhelp. Nov 26, 2025 · From Maiden Name Back to Brand New: Your Step-by-Step Texas Name Change Checklist Life brings many changes, and sometimes a name change becomes necessary or desired. Updates and Legal Changes Why the Increase in Feb 12, 2020 · The law that governs the change of name of an adult within the state of Texas, including the requirements for a valid petition, is codified in Texas Family Code, Chapter 45, Subchapter B. Jan 22, 2026 · There are no Texas laws that specifically address changing an adult’s name through adoption. org Other related resources. To learn more about these procedures, see our Name Changes in Texas guide. 102, requires that each petition include a legible and complete set of the adult petitioner's fingerprints on a fingerprint card format acceptable to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Additionally, forms are available from www. Each step includes a link to the form or forms needed for that step. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg. This article about name changes was written by Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, and updated by TexasLawHelp. Adults filing for a name change need to supply detailed information and go through a legal process that ends in a court hearing. Forms Travis County Law Library Forms / https://lawlibrary. Child Name Change Name Change for a Child (TexasLawHelp. The steps are as followed: File an Original Petition requesting a legal name change. , typographical or spelling errors) allow a person to amend a birth certificate through the Texas Vital Statistics office without a court order. For name changes related to marriage or divorce, a petition is not required. A court order is often unnecessary if you just got married or divorced. Log onto texaslawhelp. Parents adopting an adult may ask the judge to change the adult's name in the original petition for adoption. org contains several research articles about Name Change in Texas. Learn more about petition requirements, waiver of citation, and liabilities and rights that are unaffected. Apr 22, 2024 · General Information Texaslawhelp. How to Complete a Texas Name Change Petition To complete a name change petition, you’ll need to Jan 22, 2026 · The process starts by filing a petition to change your child's legal name. Petitioner’s change of name is in Petitioner’s interest or benefit and is in the interest of the public. You must pay the filing fee at the time of filing your petition with the District Clerk’s office. The steps are mostly paperwork, a filing fee, fingerprints and a short hearing with a judge. The requested name change is in the Petitioner–Adult Adoptee’s best interest or benefit and in the interest of the public. Answer — Family Law Case (TexasLawHelp. SUBMISSION OF FINGERPRINT CARDS TO DPS/FBI FOR ADULT LEGAL NAME CHANGE The Texas Family Code, Section 45. This petition will be filed with a family law court in the county of your residence. p. Easy Harris County name change process. e, make two copies of this petition. Provide a photocopy of acceptable ID with your mail-in application. Jan 22, 2026 · An adult may request to change their name for any reason, except for reasons against the public interest. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. May 18, 2020 · You must file a Petition to Change the Name and Sex/Gender Identifier of an Adult. gov/). Petitioner’s change of name is in the interest or to the benefit of Petitioner and is in the interest of the public. Know the required documents, how to file, and what happens during the court process. Try Now! We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Parents can request to change a child's legal name. SUBMISSION OF FINGERPRINT CARDS TO DPSIFBI FOR LEGAL NAME CHANGE The Texas Family Code, Section 45. Apr 4, 2025 · Research Tips First, read How to Change a Child's Name. Requirements to File for a Change of Name for a Minor in Texas Texas law requires certain things before you can file for a name change (for a minor) and/or during the name change process in Texas. An adult may request to change their name for any reason, except for reasons against the public interest. Dec 22, 2025 · Through a Court Order All Texas residents can apply for a name change under Texas Family Code Chapter 45. Easy and fast family name change process. o. Texas Family Code | Chapter 45. Please see our Fees section for more information. Visit the Self-Help Center for more information. Discovery in this case is intended to be conducted under level 2 of rule 190 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, 2. File your Name Change in Texas petition for legal name change after marriage, child, or minor name change in Texas . Jan 30, 2025 · The law requires some steps to formally change your name. Additionally, it outlines necessary attachments and verification requirements for the petition to be processed. A petition to change the name of an adult must be verified and include, the present name and place of residence of… Jun 18, 2025 · Learn how to navigate the Texas name change process. Mar 20, 2025 · What is a Texas Name Change Petition and Order? This Petition is used to get a court order for an adult legal name change in Texas. gov (See ‘Other’ for forms for Adult and Minor Gender Identifier and Name Change) We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Fill TX Pro Se Original Petition for Change instantly, Edit online. Social Security Number: Instructions & Forms for an Adult Adoption in Texas with a Name Change (Set B) These instructions explain the steps to adopt an adult in Texas. Sign the application in front of a notary and get a notary seal. Complete the amendment form, with no cross outs, no white out, and no correction tape. Jan 22, 2026 · This chapter establishes the formal process to change an adult's legal name through the courts. Though most name changes require a court order, certain instances (e. Sep 11, 2012 · If you are an adult in the State of Texas and desire to legally change your current name, there are procedural steps that must be taken before a court will sign an order granting a legal name change. org) Change your child's name. Feb 8, 2024 · At Simple Texas Divorce, we offer a range of flat fee legal services, in addition to Divorce, for Texans, who have an agreed, or in the case of a name change for an adult, uncontested matter for the Courts. You must be an adult, 18 years of age or older. Name Change of: In the District Court of Court Number Travis County, Texas Print current full legal name of person asking for name change TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY CRIME RECORDS DIVISION Access & Dissemination Bureau SUBMISSION OF FINGERPRINT CARDS TO DPS/FBI FOR ADULT LEGAL NAME CHANGE The Texas Family Code, Section 45. 2 The clerk will then assign the case to a specific 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. n. Here's how to change your name in Texas including through marriage. For applicants with certain types of criminal history, additional requirements will apply. Filing Name Change Petition is a step within Texas Name Change - Step by Step A Texas Name Change Petition is a legal document submitted to the court to request an official name change. . The Petition must be filed with the district clerk of the county where the person requesting the name change, known as the Petitioner, resides. Our guide details the formal procedures and administrative steps for legally adopting a new name. (a) A petition to change the name of an adult must be verified and include: (1) the present name and place of residence of the petitioner; (2) the full name requested for the petitioner; (3) the reason the change in name is requested; (4) whether the petitioner has been the subject of a final felony conviction; (5) whether the petitioner is subject to the I attached a copy of my authorization card certifying that I am a participant in the Address Confidentiality Program to my Petition to Change the Name of an Adult. To change your name, you will need to get a court order signed by a judge. County, Texas Or I am not required to provide the reason I want to change my name, because I am a participant in the Office of the Attorney General’s Address Confidentiality Program. Minors can also change their names with the consent of their parents or legal guardians. The I want to change my name toolkit includes instructions and forms that adults can file to change their names. Changing your name in Texas when you’re getting married or divorced is a different process than any other Texas Adult Name Change Petition Form This document is a petition form for an adult seeking to change their legal name in Texas. In this document you Sep 19, 2024 · Read this guide before filing a petition for adult name change in Texas. I will have a sheriff, constable, process server, or clerk serve Respondent B with this Petition to Change the Name of a Child at this address: Street Address City State Zip ask the clerk to issue Citation of Service (the form necessary to provide legal notice to Respondent B by “Official Service of Process). A copy of my authorization card certifying that I am a participant in the Address Confidentiality Program is attached to this Petition to Change the Name of an Adult. Petitioner is required to register as a sex offender under Chapter 62 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. In Texas, any adult (18 years or older) can change their name by filing a petition in the district court of the county where they reside. If you need a criminal background check, mail your fingerprint card to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) with a file-stamped copy of your Petition to Change the Name of an Adult with the court. A copy of my authorization card certifying that I am a participant in the Address Confidentiality Petition to Change the Name of an Adult (Rev. Travis, Bexar, Harris, Dallas Counties. Restrictions may apply in cases of past or pending criminal convictions. , ch. Social Security Number: c. ORIGINAL PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME OF ADULT Discovery in this case is intended to be conducted under level 2 of rule 190 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. Understanding the process can help you navigate this important decision ORIGINAL PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME OF ADULT WITH GENDER MARKER CORRECTION/SEX ON BIRTH CERTIFICATE TO THE HONORABLE JUDGE OF THIS COURT: This suit is brought by [ Full Current Name ], Petitioner, who resides at [ Street, City, County ], Texas. org Name Change – TexasLawHelp. 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. In Texas, the procedure to legally change an adult's name starts by filing a Verified Petition to the Probate Court in the county where the petitioner lives. While name changes are often combined with a marriage or a divorce, this section addresses a name change as its own process. org) Respond to a law suit in a family law case. S. Jan 6, 2023 · This kit has forms and instructions to legally change your name in Texas if you're 18 or older. A copy of my authorization card certifying that I am a participant in the Address Confidentiality Program is attached to this Petition to Change the Name of an Jan 6, 2023 · This kit has forms and instructions to legally change your name in Texas if you're 18 or older. It lists the petitioner’s information, criminal history, and reasons for changing their name. com. The TX Original Petition for Change of Name of Adult is a legal document filed in Texas to request a name change for an adult individual. Petitioner has not been finally convicted of a felony and is not subject to the regis-tration requirements of chapter 62 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. While you can legally change your name through a marriage or divorce certificate, other situations require going through these steps. 45. traviscountytx. 💬 “This isn’t just about paperwork. org Texas Name and Gender Marker Change Guide – TexasLawHelp. 3 pages 23 DCV - 303638 PETID 1 oo : Petition 6873640 0-2 pygee cover PDI § IMT RICT COURT IN RE § § JUDICIAL DISTRICT , An Adult § § OF COUNTY, TEXAS ORIGINAL PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME OF ADULT 1. org (see attached document), search Adult Name Change. 106, Family Code, the undersigned person applies to the District Clerk for a change of name certificate. The judge will consider the best interests of the applicant and the public when making the decision. Nov 6, 2025 · In Texas, you can change your name, but not your gender, on state ID’s and driver’s license or birth certificates. Learn more at FindLaw. It requires personal information, reasons for the name change, and details regarding any criminal history. Petitioner has notified the appropriate law enforcement authority of Petitioner’s proposed name change. 102, requires that each petition include a legible and complete set of the petitioners fingerprints on a fmgerprint card fonnat acceptable to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Federal Bureau ofInvestigation (FBI). How to Change a Child’s Name – TexasLawHelp. 102, requires that each petition include a legible and complete set of the adult petitioner's fingerprints on a fingerprint card format acceptable to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Federal Dec 3, 2024 · Name Changes and Criminal History Name Change of an Adult Learn about changing your name in Texas when you have a criminal history. Mar 14, 2025 · Get a court order changing your legal name Change your legal name during an adoption, divorce, or U. Name Change Changing your legal name in Texas can be simple, but you must follow the steps and meet the requirements. It’s about power. This petition outlines the individual's current name, the desired new name, and the reasons for the change. m. It’s about claiming your identity and ensuring no one takes your voice away at the ballot box. You must attach a complete set of your fingerprints to your petition at time of filing. If you want a Legal Name Change After Marriage in Texas, You will legally change your name in Texas according to the Name Change Laws in Texas. For more information regarding name changes in Texas, please see chapter 45 of the Texas Family Code. They can also happen because of a marriage, which does not require a court order to register the change if done within the required timeframes. A judge may allow the name change if it is in the child's best interest. As provided in Section 45. This is usually done in a district clerk's office in the county where the child lives. fku teabop cwq iynzq bjl qbgddzd ecj rgxhxiqr ycpq ael