Procedure for Changing Your Name in Texas
Many Texans decide that, for one reason or another, they would like to change their name. Sometimes they just don't like the name they have or they are going into a profession like acting and want something with a bit more pizazz. While there are several steps involved in the process of legally changing your name in Texas, it is not extremely complicated, and can be accomplished without the help of a lawyer. However, keep in mind that if you have a criminal record, you may not be allowed to change your name.
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Instructions
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Write up a petition asking for a change of name. There are several samples of these petitions you can reference when you write your own. This petition must list your current name and address, and the name you want to change yours to.
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Go to the Clerk of Court in your county of residence in Texas. Take three copies of your petition for name change with you. The clerk with keep two of these, stamp the third and hand it back to you. He will also give you a court date for the hearing about your request.
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Pay the required fee, which can vary depending on the county you are in.
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Call the court coordinator and get the ORI number for your case. Also ask what the current background check fee is.
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Go to a local police station of FBI office and get yourself fingerprinted. On the fingerprint cards, fill in your name, date of birth and the ORI number associated with your case.
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Mail the cards, along with the fee made out to the Department of Public Safety, to Central Cash Receiving, P. O. Box 15999, Austin, Texas, 78761.
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Go to the court on the appointed date. When your name is called, make a verbal request for the name change, giving your current name and address, and the name you want to change to. If the judge asks questions, answer the quickly and honestly. The judge should then sign the order changing your name.
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