How to Change Your Last Name After Marriage in Texas

Texas Marriage Name Change 101

Changing your last name after marriage in Texas takes a few stops: the county clerk, the Social Security Administration, a Texas DPS driver license office, and the passport agency. Each one wants its own form and its own proof.

Good news: if you're taking your spouse's last name, your marriage license is all the legal proof you need. You don't need a court order.

This guide walks you through each step in order, with the current Texas fees and deadlines. Or, if you'd rather skip the paperwork, our name change kits fill out every form for you.

You can also skip to the section you need with the links below.

1. The Texas Process at a Glance
2. How to Change Your Name After Marriage in Texas
3. After Your Name Change
4. FAQ

The Texas Process at a Glance

Here's what changing your name after marriage in Texas costs and what you'll need.

• Proof of your new name: A certified copy of your recorded Texas marriage license from the county clerk
• Social Security card: Free. Apply with Form SS-5.
• Texas driver license: $11 replacement fee at a DPS office, within 30 days of your name change
• Passport: Free if your passport is less than a year old; otherwise the standard renewal fee
• Total time: Most people finish the government steps in 4 to 8 weeks

Fees change from time to time, so confirm the current amount with each agency before you go.

How to Change Your Name After Marriage in Texas

Step 1: Get certified copies of your marriage license

In Texas, the document you sign at the wedding is your marriage license. Your officiant must return it to the county clerk within 30 days of the ceremony. Once the clerk records it, it becomes your proof of marriage.

Order at least two or three certified copies from the county clerk in the county that issued your license. Fees vary by county. Photocopies are not accepted anywhere you'll need them.

Taking a brand-new last name, or a combination that isn't your spouse's or your own? A marriage license won't cover that. You'll need a court-ordered legal name change instead.

Step 2: Update your name with Social Security

The Social Security Administration comes first. Texas DPS checks your name against Social Security records, so the DPS visit goes smoothly only after this step is done.

Fill out Form SS-5. Then bring it to a Social Security office, or mail it, with a certified copy of your marriage license and proof of identity, like your current Texas driver license. Check ssa.gov first to see if you can start online.

There's no fee. Your number stays the same; only the name changes. Your new card usually arrives by mail in about two weeks. The SSA record typically updates within a few days, and that's what DPS needs.

More detail: Social Security name change guide.

Step 3: Update your Texas driver license at DPS

In Texas, driver licenses come from the Department of Public Safety, not a DMV. Texas requires you to update your license within 30 days of your name change, and you must go in person. DPS does not offer name changes online.

Bring your original or certified marriage license (or a DSHS marriage verification letter) and your current license. The replacement fee is $11 for a standard license. Book an appointment online to avoid a long wait.

Have a REAL ID? Your new license keeps the gold star as long as your documents link your old and new names. Your marriage license does that.

More detail: driver's license name change guide.

Step 4: Update your passport

If you travel, the name on your ticket must match your ID. Update your passport before you book a trip in your new name.

If your passport was issued less than a year ago, use Form DS-5504; there's no fee. Otherwise, most people can renew by mail with Form DS-82. Include a certified copy of your marriage license either way.

More detail: passport name change guide.

Step 5: Update your vehicle title and voter registration

Update the name on your vehicle title and registration at your county tax assessor-collector's office. Bring your updated license and marriage license.

You can update your voter registration when you visit DPS. Otherwise, send an updated application to your county voter registrar.

After Your Name Change

Once Social Security, the DPS and your passport show your new name, the government side is done. Next come all the private accounts and records that still have your old name:

• Your employer and payroll (and your W-4)
• Banks, credit unions and credit cards
• Insurance: health, auto, home, renters and life
• Your mortgage, lease or landlord
• The U.S. Postal Service and any mail forwarding
• Utilities, phone and internet providers
• Doctors, dentists and pharmacies
• TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and airline loyalty programs
• Retirement and investment accounts
• Professional licenses, unions and associations
• Your will, trust, beneficiary forms and property titles

It's easy to let one of these slip, and a mismatch can hold up a paycheck, a loan or a flight. Our name change kits include the forms and a checklist so nothing gets missed.

Not in Texas? See our guides for California and Florida, or the general marriage name change guide.

FAQ

How long do I have to change my name after marriage in Texas?

There's no deadline to start. But once Social Security has your new name, Texas expects you to update your driver license within 30 days.

Do I need a court order to change my name after marriage in Texas?

No, not if you're taking your spouse's last name. A certified copy of your recorded marriage license is enough. A brand-new or hyphenated name that isn't on either spouse's record may need a court order.

How much does it cost to change your name after marriage in Texas?

Social Security is free. A replacement Texas driver license is $11. Certified marriage license copies cost a few dollars each, depending on the county. A passport update is free within a year of issue; after that, the standard renewal fee applies.

Can I change my name on my Texas driver license online?

No. Texas DPS requires an in-person visit for a name change. Online services cover renewals and address changes only.