Instructions - br The Texas name change for an adult as described in the State Code 45.106 is done by filing a petition to the county's civil court where you are a resident. It is easier, if you were just married, to have your certified marriage license with the raised seal or if you were recently divorced to have your divorce decree. Typically, you will not have a court hearing in Texas but it depends on the circumstances of the name change.br br REQUIREMENTSbr Must be a resident for at least 6 monthsbr If just married, must have your original marriage certificate.br If just divorced, must have your divorce decree.br Step 1 - Fill-Out the Original Name Change Petition For an Adult. The Petition must be notarized with the Texas Verification Form. Also, you will need to go to the Texas Department of Public Safety Location in order to get your fingerprints scanned and onto a card. You will attach this card to your name change petition.br br Step 2 - Make 2 copies of each.br br Step 3 - File the Petition to the County Court Clerk's office in the County where your live (See County List Below). Pay the filing fee and you will be given a case number.br br Step 4 - Upon showing up to your hearing or uncontested docket, make sure you fill-out a Texas Order Granting Name Change.br br Step 5 - Take your case to an uncontested docket at the court. This is the time where the Judge may be available. Give your file to the clerk in the court, the Judge will then review your file and upon approval, authorize your name change order which will allow you to change your name at your bank, Social Security Office, Passport Agency, and any other institution where you may want to let them know of your name change.