How to Change a Name to a Maiden Name in Houston, Texas

A U.S. Passport is an acceptable form of identity.

If your divorce has been finalized and the judge has authorized the change of your last name, the only step to take is to officially change your last name. If your name changes for any reason, you must notify your local U.S. Social Security office to prevent the delay of your tax refund and prevent the incorrect application of your wages on your Social Security record. The process to revert back your maiden name in Houston, Texas, is the same throughout the state of Texas.

Things You'll Need

• Divorce decree
• Birth certificate
• Passport
• Driver's license
• State-issued identification

Instructions

Social Security Card

1. Fill out an "Application for A Social Security Card." You can obtain a Form SS-5, the application for a Social Security Card, from the Social Security Administration's website or by visiting a local Social Security office in Houston.

2. Provide the original divorce decree or any documentation authorizing the name change. You must also provide proof of citizenship and identity. Acceptable proofs of citizenship include a U.S. birth certificate or passport; U.S. driver's license, state-issued identification or a U.S. passport.

3. Provide a copy of a document showing your previous name. The document does not have to be current, but it must contain a photograph or other identifying information. Any proof of name change, citizenship and identity must be the original copies. The Social Security Administration will not accept notarized or photocopies of documentation.

4. Mail or turn in your application to your local social security office.

Texas Drivers License

1. Visit one of the seven Texas Department of Public Safety offices in Houston within 30 days of the name change. You must complete your name change process in person.

2. Provide a copy of your divorce decree. The divorce decree must be written in English or if not in English, accompanied by a certified English translation.

3. Pay the required fee to change your name. As of November 2010, the fee for a replacement drivers license with your new last name is $11. Changing your name on your drivers license or Texas-issued identification card will not affect the expiration date.

References

• Social Security Administration: Your Social Security Number and Card
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Replace or Change a Driver License/ID Card
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Texas Driver License Office Map
• Social Security Administration: Changing Your Name on Your Social Security Card
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Replace or Change a Driver License/ID Card
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Driver License Division Fees

Resources

• Texas Department of Public Safety: Telephone
• Application for a Social Security Card
• Social Security Online: Local Office Search Results