TL;DR (How To Change Your Name in Texas)
- No Court Order Needed: In Texas, you can change your last name after marriage using a certified copy of your marriage license, without needing a court order, unless you want a non-standard name change.
- Document Updates: Key documents like your Social Security card, driver’s license, passport, and bank accounts must be updated after changing your name.
- Common Law Marriage: For informal marriages, a marriage license or verification letter from the Texas Department of State Health Services is needed for name changes.
- Court-Ordered Changes: A court petition is necessary if you want to merge names, create a new family name, or change your first name.
- Other Considerations: Be mindful of the impact on legal, financial, and professional records, and be prepared for paperwork to update various institutions.
Changing Your Name In Texas
Getting married is an exciting milestone, and for many, taking a spouse’s last name is a big part of the journey. However, contrary to popular belief, you can’t simply start using your new last name and expect it to be legally recognized in the state of Texas. To make your name change official and legal, you must go through the proper steps with the state.
At Eric M. Willie, P.C., a trusted family law and divorce attorney in Austin, we understand that navigating legal processes, no matter how unimportant they may seem, can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to guide you through how to change your last name after marriage in Texas, ensuring everything is done correctly so you can start this new chapter with confidence. Whether you need help updating your Social Security records, driver’s license, or other official documents, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about legally changing your last name in Texas.
How To Change Your Name
Changing your name after marriage in Texas is a straightforward process, but it requires following specific legal steps. While you don’t need a court order in most cases, you must use the correct documentation to update your name on official records. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your name change is legally changed and recognized.
Using Your Marriage License for a Name Change
In some states, a court order is required to change your last name, however, you can take your spouse’s last name without applying for a court order in Texas. Most government agencies and financial institutions accept a certified copy of your marriage license as proof of your new name, even if the license itself lists your original last name. This is mainly because it also lists your spouse’s last name, which is typically the one you want to change your last name to.
Under Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Rule 15.23, you can change your name on your Texas driver’s license or state ID without a court order if you:
- Take your spouse’s last name as your new last name.
- Change your last name to your spouse’s last name and use your maiden name (birth surname) as your new middle name.
- Hyphenate your maiden name with your spouse’s last name.
Name Changes After an Informal (Common Law) Marriage
Texas does not have a specific law that dictates rules on name changes after an informal (common law) marriage. If you need to update your Texas driver’s license or ID, you must provide a marriage license or a marriage verification letter from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). If you filed a Declaration of Informal Marriage with the county clerk, DSHS may issue a verification letter, which can be used to change your last name on various forms of identification. Otherwise, you may need a court order to change your name.
Court-Ordered Name Changes
If you want to change your name in a way that does not fall under the Texas Administrative Code guidelines, you may need to file a petition for a court-ordered name change. This includes situations where you want to:
- Create a merged last name that combines both spouses’ last names (this does not apply to hyphenated last names after marriage).
- Choose a family name that is different from either spouse’s last name.
- Change to an entirely new last name or modify your first name.
To obtain a certified copy of your marriage license for name change purposes, you must contact the county clerk’s office where your marriage license was filed.
By following these steps, you can exchange your name and make sure it is legally recognized in Texas. If you need legal assistance with the process or more information on how to change your last name in Texas after marriage, Eric M. Willie, P.C. is here to help guide you every step of the way.
Things To Consider When Changing Your Name In Texas
Changing your name after marriage involves more than just updating your driver’s license. It also affects multiple aspects of your personal and financial life. Before making the change, consider the following factors to make sure your name change is as smooth as possible.
Legal and Financial Implications
Your name appears on numerous legal and financial documents, including:
- Bank accounts
- Credit cards
- Insurance policies
- Property titles
Failing to update these types of records could lead to complications, such as issues accessing funds or discrepancies in legal documents.
Professional and Career Considerations
If you have built a professional reputation under your current name, consider how a name change may affect your career. Some people, such as doctors, choose to keep their maiden name for professional purposes while using their married name in their personal lives. Be sure to check with your employer about updating your name on payroll records, email addresses, and business licenses.
Timing and Documentation
Changing your name requires submitting legal documents to various agencies, which can take time. Some institutions may require a certified copy of your marriage license, while others may need additional forms. It’s best to start the process as soon as possible to avoid delays.
Places You Need to Change Your Name
Once you’ve decided to change your name after getting married, you’ll need to update it with various places, organizations, and government agencies. Here are some of the most important places to notify of your name change:
- Social Security Administration (SSA) – Update your Social Security card first, as other private and government agencies require this change before updating their records.
- Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) – Apply for a new driver’s license or state ID reflecting your new name.
- U.S. Passport Office – If you have a passport, you’ll need to update it with your new name.
- Bank Accounts and Credit Cards – Notify your financial institutions, such as your bank and credit card company to make sure your accounts reflect your new name.
- Employer and Payroll Records – Update your name with your employer for tax and direct deposit purposes.
- Health Insurance and Medical Records – Inform your health insurance provider and doctor’s office to avoid issues with billing and your ability to pick up prescriptions.
- Voter Registration – Update your voter registration to make sure your name matches official records, which will help to avoid illegal voting.
- Utility Companies and Lease/Mortgage Providers – If you rent or own a home, update your name on your lease or mortgage documents and utility bills.
Taking the time to update all necessary records will help prevent any legal or financial complications down the road. If you need guidance on the name change process, Eric M. Willie, P.C. can assist you in navigating the legal steps with ease.
Need Help Changing Your Name After Marriage In Texas?
Whether you’re newly married and ready to take your spouse’s last name or going through a divorce and want to reclaim your maiden name, Eric M. Willie, P.C. can guide you through the legal name change process with ease. While changing your name after marriage is often straightforward, there can be challenges if you need to update multiple legal documents or if your situation requires a court order due to common law marriage. Our firm can help you gather the necessary paperwork, make sure all forms are completed correctly, and assist with any legal hurdles that may arise.
If you are changing your name after a divorce, the process can be more complex. In Texas, you can typically request to restore your maiden name as part of filing for divorce, but if that was not included in your final order, you may need to file a separate petition for a name change. Our team can help you maneuver through the legal system, ensuring that your name change is properly documented and recognized by all relevant agencies. No matter your circumstances, Eric M. Willie, P.C. is here to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
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