Adult Name Change in Texas: Complete Step-by-Step Guide Travis, Bexar, Harris, Dallas, etc.
Changing your legal name in Texas involves more than just deciding on a new name. It’s a multi-step legal procedure requiring some documentation, a court petition, fingerprints, and compliance with statutory requirements. This guide walks you through each stage—from gathering information to obtaining your court order.
The Mendez Law Group makes the process of changing your name as streamline and easy as possible and offers this service for $2000 plus applicable filing fees. From filing the petition, signing forms, to submitting your order to the Court - everything is completed from the comfort of your own home and on your computer.
Step 1 – Confirm Eligibility & Residency
Before starting, you must meet these foundational requirements:
Be 18 years or older, a Texas resident for at least 6 months.
Not be a convicted felon or a registered sex offender.
Ensure the name change is not intended to evade creditors, legal liability, or for fraudulent purposes.
Step 2 – Complete Our Intake Form
This intake form captures all essential data we will need to complete your paperwork, such as:
Current legal name, contact details, residency
Requested new name
Reason for the change
Acknowledgment of your understanding that the process must not involve fraud or evasion
Once this form is completed. We will reach out to you with any additional question, if necessary.
Step 3 – Prepare all Forms
Under Texas Family Code Chapter 45, the Petition for Adult Name Change must include: All the information obtained from our previous intake form.
After your intake is complete. The Mendez Law Group will schedule a virtual appointment with you to have the remaining forms signed and notarized by an electronic notary. This includes: your affidavit of prove up, etc.
We will also generate a Final Order for you to review. Which will later be submitted to a Judge for signatures.
Step 4 – Fingerprinting
This is the only step of the process where we can’t help you entirely. Adult name change petitions require fingerprints from a Texas approved vendor called Identigo. They have locations everywhere, and the appointment takes less than 30 minutes and can be scheduled online by visiting their website here.
Obtain your fingerprint card.
Scan a copy of your cards to our office or mail them, whichever you prefer!
Step 5 – File your Paperwork
The Mendez Law Group compiles all your information and files your petition, then submits your affidavit and fingerprints, and finally delivers an Order for Change of Name, matching the petition information, to the court.
From Petition to signed order, the turnaround time is around 3 weeks.
The attorneys appear before the Judge when required in your absence.
A signed order is delivered to the Mendez Law Group from the Court via email. Yay congrats! Your new name is official. It’s that simple.
Below are some additional steps you might want to take:
Step 6 – Obtain Certified Copies
After the judge signs your order:
We can obtain certified copies from the District Clerk and deliver them to your address via USPS for a small charge.
Step 7 – Update All Records
Use certified copies to update:
Social Security and driver’s license
Passport and voter registration
Bank accounts and credit cards
Insurance policies, employer payroll, academic records
Need Help Filing Your Name Change Petition?
Changing your name is personal, important, and legally significant. With so many documents, deadlines, and county-specific rules, having an experienced attorney streamlines the process and protects your rights. Contact The Mendez Law Group for your consultation—or fill out the intake form right now! Let us help you start a new chapter with confidence!
