Note The library cannot tell you what the law means for your situation.
Note Changing a legal name does not automatically update the person's birth certificate, driver's license, Social Security card, or any other records. You must update these documents individually, usually by providing evidence of the legal name change. See the page on Updating Your Documents after a Name Change.
This page contains information about changing a child's name through a court order. For name changes through adoption, see Name Changes Through Adoption.
A child's name is not automatically changed when a parent changes their legal name. If a parent gets married or divorced and wants to change their child's name, they will have to apply for a court order. Texas Family Code Chapter 45 establishes the formal process for changing a child's legal name through the courts.
You can apply to change the name of a child for any reason, but the judge will only approve the request if "the change is in the best interest of the child." If it is, the court will issue a court order changing the child's legal name. This law is in Subsection 45.004(1).
For children with certain types of criminal history, additional requirements will apply. See Subsection 45.004(2) for more information.
The process starts by filing a petition to change your child's legal name. This is usually done in a district clerk's office in the county where the child lives. Some counties may accept online applications. The exact process will vary from court to court, but common steps include:
Resources in the "Understanding the Law" section below provide more in-depth information. Contact your district clerk's office if you have questions about the filing process.
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Note The library cannot tell you what the law means for your situation.