Bell County, TX
How to Change Your Name in Bell County
File your adult name change petition with the District Court of Bell County, Texas. The filing fee is $350. No newspaper publication is required.
Get the full Texas checklist
The court step is one of many — the free state guide maps SSA, DMV, passport and the records that come after.
Court Information
- Court
- District Court of Bell County, Texas
- Filing fee
- $350
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- Must live in Bell County to file here. File with the Bell County District Clerk.
- Court address
- Bell County District Clerk, P.O. Box 909, Belton, TX 76513-0909
- Court phone
- (254) 933-5197
- Jurisdiction
- District Court
- Official forms
- www.bellcountytx.com/district_clerk/index.php ↗
- Verification
- Verified· Nov 10, 2026
Filing Requirements in Bell County
- Newspaper publication
- Not required
- Court hearing
- Required
- How to file
- online (e-filing), by mail or in person
Getting Certified Copies
available ($5 per copy)
You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport, and your banks — order more than one.
Step-by-Step Process
- Gather documents: certified birth certificate, photo ID, and proof of residency in Bell County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the District Court of Bell County, Texas clerk or its website)
- If you cannot afford the filing fee, complete a fee waiver form and file it alongside your petition
- File your petition online (e-filing), by mail or in person with the District Court of Bell County, Texas
- Attend the hearing the court schedules
- If approved, get certified copies of the court order — available ($5 per copy).
- Update SSA first, then DMV, then passport, then all other records
Check what you are missing before you file
The free readiness score checks documents, forms, fees and privacy across four dimensions — and links the gaps to the same Texas guide.
Not legal advice: Court rules, fees, and procedures vary by county and change over time. Verify current requirements with the District Court of Bell County, Texas clerk before filing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a name change cost in Bell County, Texas?
The court filing fee is $350. A fee waiver is available for petitioners who qualify by income; file the waiver request together with your petition. Certified copies may cost extra; ask the clerk for the current copy fee.
Where and how do I file a name change in Bell County?
File with the District Court of Bell County, Texas. Venue rule: Must live in Bell County to file here. File with the Bell County District Clerk. Accepted filing methods: online (e-filing), by mail or in person.
Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper in Bell County?
No — this court reports no newspaper publication requirement. Confirm this with the District Court of Bell County, Texas clerk before filing.
Do I need a court hearing for a name change in Bell County?
A court hearing is required in this county — attend the date the court sets. Confirm the typical timing with the District Court of Bell County, Texas clerk.
How do I get certified copies of my name change order in Bell County?
Available ($5 per copy). You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport and financial institutions, so request more than one.