Matagorda County, TX
How to Change Your Name in Matagorda County
File your adult name change petition with the District Court of Matagorda 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 Matagorda County, Texas
- Filing fee
- $350
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- Must live in Matagorda County to file here. File with the Matagorda County District Clerk.
- Court address
- 1700 7th Street, Room 307, Bay City, TX 77414-5092
- Court phone
- (979) 244-7621
- Jurisdiction
- District Court
- Official forms
- www.co.matagorda.tx.us/page/District.Clerk ↗
- Verification
- Verified· Nov 10, 2026
Filing Requirements in Matagorda County
- Newspaper publication
- Not required
- Court hearing
- Required
- How to file
- in person
Getting Certified Copies
available
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 Matagorda County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the District Court of Matagorda 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 in person with the District Court of Matagorda County, Texas
- Attend the hearing the court schedules
- If approved, get certified copies of the court order — available.
- 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 Matagorda County, Texas clerk before filing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a name change cost in Matagorda 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 Matagorda County?
File with the District Court of Matagorda County, Texas. Venue rule: Must live in Matagorda County to file here. File with the Matagorda County District Clerk. Accepted filing methods: in person.
Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper in Matagorda County?
No — this court reports no newspaper publication requirement. Confirm this with the District Court of Matagorda County, Texas clerk before filing.
Do I need a court hearing for a name change in Matagorda County?
A court hearing is required in this county — attend the date the court sets. Confirm the typical timing with the District Court of Matagorda County, Texas clerk.
How do I get certified copies of my name change order in Matagorda County?
Available. You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport and financial institutions, so request more than one.