If you have a library account in good standing, you can check out an OverDrive e-book or access our remote databases. Don't have a library account? Texas residents can register for a library account from home! Learn more about how to register from home.
Below is an e-book that may help you with your research on name changes in Texas.
Volume 5 of this set contains "Objective Z: Changing Name" with information about changing the name of a child or an adult along with forms that may be used.
Listed below are some of the library resources that can provide further guidance on this topic. Please call us at (512) 463-1722 if you have any questions about these materials.
There are many reasons why an individual would want to change his/her name or the name of a child. This guide is intended for Texans who are seeking information about name changes. Though most name changes require a court order, there are certain instances (e.g., typographical or spelling errors) when you can amend a birth certificate through the Texas Vital Statistics office without a court order.
Below you will find references to areas of Texas law that govern name changes. If you find these statutes difficult to understand, you may want to look at the "plain English" resources on this page or speak to an attorney.
Because the law may not be easy to understand, below you'll find a collection of resources that help to explain the law on name changes in "plain English."
See the resources below if you are also seeking to change the gender marker on official personal documents. For related information, see our LGBT Law guide.
Information & FAQs
Forms (Travis County)
Get Help
Apart from Texas Vital Statistics -- which amends birth certificates and other vital records in case of errors -- there is no state agency that handles a request for a name change. The process is handled by the courts.
The Texas State Law Library reference librarians have compiled legal research guides for specific areas of the law. These guides contain resources that can help you research a legal issue. The American Association of Law Libraries has a guide for Non-Lawyers on How to Research a Legal Problem [PDF]. If you have any questions, please contact us at (512) 463-1722 or at library@sll.texas.gov.
Important:
The information provided on this page has been prepared for general information purposes only and should not be construed as, nor substituted for, legal advice. It is strongly recommended that you contact an attorney for advice specific to your fact situation. Your local bar association or the State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Information Service (1-800-252-9690) can assist you with locating an attorney.
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