How to Change Your Last Name in Fannin County, Texas

In Texas, a legal name change requires a court order.

In Texas, any resident who is at least 21 years old can petition the court in the city or county where she resides for a legal name change. Therefore, residents of Fannin County must apply for a name change with the Fannin County District Court. Courts are obliged to honor name-change requests unless the proposed name change is detrimental to the public. For instance, the court can deny the request if the name change is intended to evade tax liability or defraud another person.

Instructions

1. Draft a petition for name change. Include in the petition your present name and address, the full name requested, the reason for the requested change and whether you have ever been convicted of a felony.

2. File the petition in the clerk's office at the Fannin County District Court. The courthouse is located at 101 E. Sam Rayburn Drive, Bonham, Texas, and is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Pay the filing fee for a name change, which is $227 at the time of publication.

3. Attend a hearing, if the court requires a hearing on the matter. The court may waive the hearing if you are requesting the name change for reasons such as marriage or divorce and you provide a certificate of marriage or divorce when you file the petition. At the hearing, formally present your request to the court and verify that you are not requesting the name change to evade the law or to defraud another person.

4. Request a certificate of name change, once the court orders the name change. A certificate of name change is a one-page formal document that certifies your prior name, your new name, your Social Security number and driver's license number, the name of the court, the date on which the change was made and the signature of the court clerk. You must provide this certificate to the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Social Security Administration to have your legal name changed on official documents.

References

• Name Change Law: Texas Name Change Center
• Texas Vital Statistics: Amendements: Frequently Asked Questions
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Fingerprinting Services
• Fannin County: District Clerk
• Fannin County District Court: Civil Fees