How to Change Your Name After Divorce in Texas

You requested your maiden name back in the divorce decree. The judge granted it. Now you need to actually update every government agency, and the order you do it in matters — get it wrong and the DPS will reject your driver's license application because SSA hasn't processed your update yet.

Here's the exact sequence, with costs and processing times.

Two Paths: Decree Restoration vs. Separate Petition

If your decree includes a name restoration: Your name change is already legally effective. You just need certified copies of the decree (or a Change of Name Certificate) to update your records. This is the simple path — no court hearing, no fingerprints, no additional filing fees.

If your decree doesn't include a name restoration — or you want a name you've never previously held — you must file a separate Petition to Change Name of an Adult. This requires:

• A civil filing fee of approximately $350
• Electronic fingerprinting through a state-approved vendor ($10–$50)
• A criminal background check through Texas DPS
• Disclosure of all Class A/B misdemeanors and felonies
• A prove-up hearing before a judge

For most people going through a divorce, the decree restoration is the right approach. Talk to your attorney before the decree is finalized if you want your prior name restored — it's far simpler than filing separately afterward.

The Agency Update Sequence

Government agencies don't notify each other about your name change. You must update them manually, and the SSA database is the master verification system that every other agency checks against. Do these out of order and you'll get rejected.

Step 1: Social Security Administration (Free)

Submit Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) along with:

• Your certified divorce decree or Change of Name Certificate
• Proof of identity (current driver's license or passport)
• Proof of citizenship (birth certificate or U.S. passport)

Visit your local SSA office or mail the application. Processing takes 2–3 weeks. You must complete this step first because Texas DPS runs a real-time verification against the SSA database — if SSA still shows your old name, DPS will reject your license update.

Step 2: Texas DPS Driver's License ($11)

After SSA processes your update, visit a DPS office in person (no online option for name changes). Bring:

• Your current driver's license
• Certified divorce decree or Change of Name Certificate
• Your new Social Security card (or the SSA receipt showing your name change is in process)
• Proof of Texas residency

You're required to notify DPS of a name change within 30 days under the Texas Transportation Code. The duplicate license fee is $11.

Wait at least 24–48 hours after SSA confirms your update before visiting DPS — the database sync isn't instantaneous.

Step 3: U.S. Passport (Varies)

Your passport update path depends on when it was issued:

• Less than 12 months ago: File Form DS-5504 by mail. No fee (unless you want expedited processing for $60).
• More than 12 months ago: File Form DS-82 by mail with a $130 renewal fee.
• Lost, damaged, or never had one: Apply in person with Form DS-11 at a passport acceptance facility.

All options require your certified divorce decree or name change certificate plus a new passport photo.

Step 4: County Voter Registration (Free)

Update your voter registration through your county voter registrar. In many cases, this happens automatically when you update your driver's license (Texas DPS forwards the change). Confirm with your county elections office to be sure.

Change of Name Certificate: When to Use It

Under Texas Family Code Section 45.106, you can request a Change of Name Certificate from the District Clerk instead of using your full decree. This document legally proves your name change without exposing the private details of your custody arrangement, support obligations, or property division.

This is particularly useful when presenting documents to employers, banks, or agencies where you don't want your full financial and custody terms on display. Typical cost is around $10 at the clerk's office.

Total Cost Summary

Total out-of-pocket for the basic sequence: $11 if your passport is under a year old; $141+ if it needs a full renewal.

Don't Forget These

After the government agencies are done, update your name with:

• Your employer's HR and payroll department (W-4 update)
• Banks, credit card companies, and investment accounts
• Insurance providers (auto, health, homeowner's)
• Your children's school and pediatrician
• Utilities and subscription services

The Texas After-Divorce Checklist includes a complete name-change tracker that sequences every update across government, financial, and personal accounts.

See more Texas guides →