Texas Legal Name Change: Cost & Process
Researched by the LawLintel Data Team · Sources verified 2026-08-24
- Filing fee
- ≈$150–$350county-set — check your district clerk
- Publication
- Not required
- Fingerprints
- RequiredDPS/FBI card filed with the petition (Fam. Code § 45.102)
- Court
- District Court
Texas adult name changes are filed in the district court of your county, with county-set fees typically running $150–$350. There is no newspaper publication requirement — but Texas is one of the few states that requires fingerprints: a complete DPS/FBI fingerprint card accompanies the petition so the Department of Public Safety can run a criminal-history check.
After the background check returns, the court holds a short uncontested hearing (many counties allow Zoom) and signs the order if the change serves the petitioner's interest and isn't sought to evade creditors or criminal consequences.
Costs & fees
| Item | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Petition filing fee | ≈$150–$350 (by county) | Official fee |
| Fingerprinting (IdentoGO/FAST pass) | ≈$10–$40 | Estimate |
| Certified copies | $5–$15 each | Official fee |
Requirements
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Fingerprints | Complete legible set on a DPS/FBI-approved card, filed with the petition (§ 45.102) |
| Disclosures | Petition must state any criminal history, offender-registration status and reasons for the change |
| Hearing | Short uncontested hearing typical (in person or remote) |
| Fee waiver | Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs |
The process, step by step
- Get fingerprinted. Obtain the DPS/FBI card (IdentoGO is standard); results route to the court.
- File the petition. Verified Petition to Change the Name of an Adult in your county's district court; pay the fee or file the fee-waiver statement.
- Attend the hearing. Brief prove-up; bring ID and your proposed order.
- Update records. Certified copies to SSA, DPS (driver license), passport, banks.
Forms & where to file
District Court of your county of residence (file with the District Clerk).
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Texas name change cost?
County filing fees typically run $150–$350, plus a small fingerprinting charge. Fee waivers are available for those who can't afford court costs.
Are fingerprints really required?
Yes — Texas Family Code § 45.102 requires a complete set of fingerprints with an adult petition, and DPS runs state and FBI checks before the court rules.
Do I have to publish notice in a newspaper?
No — Texas has no publication requirement for adult name changes.
Related information
Sources & verification
Official fees and statutory rules above are traceable to the listed authorities; figures marked as estimates are LawLintel editorial estimates, not government fees. Laws and fees change — last verified 2026-08-24. See our methodology and legal disclaimer.
LawLintel provides general legal information, not legal advice. Laws, rules, procedures and fees change and can depend on your specific facts and county. Verify important information with the applicable court or a qualified attorney before acting.