How to Change a Surname in Texas
If you've recently married or need to change a child's surname (last name), you must follow the proper channels to legally change your name in Texas. The county where you reside will determine the specific location you need to access to file for a name change. Texas charges a fee to change a name. You also must schedule time to report to court. A visit to your local Social Security office also may be required to reflect the changed name on a new Social Security card.
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Instructions
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Draft a petition to change your name that will be filed with the local court. A petition is a legal document that in this case will express your desire to change your name. If you have a felony conviction or are a sex offender you must contact either your probation officer or local authorities for the intended name change. The petition includes your current full name, birth date, address, Social Security number and your request for your new name, among other information (see Resources). Have the document notarized by your local notary.
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Locate the district clerk of your county in Texas. You can use your blue pages or access your county's website to locate the filing clerk. You can either mail your petition or bring it to the clerk. You may be able to find out your court date immediately if you file your petition in person. Bring three printed copies of the petition, as well as the filing fee (varies by county). Contact the court after you are issued a court date to find out the reference number (also known as an ORI number) for your case.
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Get fingerprinted. You must do a fingerprint and background check. Use the Fingerprint Applicants Service of Texas (FAST), which works in conjunction with the Texas Department of Public Safety. FAST can be reached at 888-467-2080 or Ibtfingerprint.com. Mail the fingerprint cards as well as any fees (at the time of publication about $35) and ORI number to the Texas Department of Public Safety at Central Cash Receiving, P.O. Box 15999, Austin, TX 78761-5999. Check the local court periodically (once a week for up to six weeks) to verify the safety department has provided results of the fingerprint check to the court.
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"Prove Up" your name change. Proving up your name change is a legal term for appearing before the judge and basically reading to the jurist the information listed on your petition. Your county may have a form that will serve as the Prove Up name change. The judge may ask questions before signing an order of approval for your name change. After the order is made, check with the court clerk to determine when the order will be available (the order may cost $7 to $20). Use this order, once signed, to have your driver's license, Social Security card and other legal documents changed to the new name.
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