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There is no Texas law about changing your name after an informal (common law) marriage. To change your name on a Texas driver's license or ID, you'll need to provide a marriage license or a marriage verification letter from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
Changing names after marriage may involve adopting a spouse's name or another name to reflect one's new marital status. A change of name allows new couples to alter their legal documents and personal records, including Social Security cards and driver's licenses.
If you decide to change your name after getting married, you do not need to apply for a name change with any government agency. Your completed marriage license serves as legal proof of your new name—even if it lists your old name!
There are several ways to change a legal name in Texas. Depending on the situation, you may be able to: get a court order changing your legal name; change your legal name as part of adoption, divorce, gender marker change, or U.S. naturalization; change your legal name without a court order.
Texas residents can apply for a name change under Texas Family Code Chapter 45. This chapter establishes the formal process to change an adult's legal name through the courts.
If you’re getting married in Texas, you can change your name as a part of the process if you choose your spouse’s last name or hyphenate your two last names. Additionally, you can change your middle name to your maiden name at the same time you adopt your spouse’s last name.
Fill in both your current legal name and the name you will be changing to after marriage on your Texas marriage license application. If you are hyphenating, blending or switching your middle name, you will go through a court-ordered name change process.
For minor changes to your first or middle name, get an application to amend your birth certificate from the Texas Bureau of Vital Statistics. To change your last name, you will need a court order. To file a petition for a name change, you must be at least 18 years of age.
Changing your legal name in Texas is a relatively simple process if the correct procedure is followed and all requirements are met. While most name changes are completed in conjunction with a marriage or a divorce, this pamphlet will largely address obtaining a name change as a separate, independent process.
There are several ways to change a legal name in Texas. Depending on the situation, you may be able to: Name changes for children under 18 years old must be requested by the child's parents. To learn more about these procedures, see our Name Changes in Texas guide.