Harris County, TX
How to Change Your Name in Harris County
Court Information
- Court
- Harris County District Courts (Civil)
- Filing fee
- $350
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- county of residence
- Jurisdiction
- District Court, county of residence (TX Family Code Ch 45)
- Official forms
- texaslawhelp.org/guide/i-want-to-change-my-name ↗
- Last verified
- August 17, 2026
Filing Requirements in Harris County
- Newspaper publication
- Not required
- Court hearing
- Required
- How to file
- online (e-filing), by mail, in person or by drop box
Getting Certified Copies
online/ in-person Civil Intake / Records Center
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 Harris County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Harris County District Courts (Civil) clerk or website)
- If you cannot afford the filing fee ($350), complete a fee waiver form and file it alongside your petition
- File your petition online (e-filing), by mail, in person or by drop box with the Harris County District Courts (Civil)
- Attend your hearing if the court schedules one
- If approved, get certified copies of the court order — online/ in-person civil intake / records center
- Update SSA first, then DMV, then passport, then all other records
Not legal advice: Court rules, fees, and procedures vary by county and change over time. Verify current requirements with the Harris County District Courts (Civil) clerk before filing.