Polk County, TX
How to Change Your Name in Polk County
File your adult name change petition with the District Court of Polk 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 Polk County, Texas
- Filing fee
- $350
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- Must live in Polk County to file here. File with the Polk County District Clerk.
- Court address
- 101 W Mill St Ste 216, Livingston, TX 77351
- Court phone
- Not recorded — confirm with the clerk
- Jurisdiction
- District Court
- Official forms
- www.polktx.gov/317/District-Clerk ↗
- Verification
- Verification in progress
Filing Requirements in Polk County
- Newspaper publication
- Not required
- Court hearing
- Required
- How to file
- 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 Polk County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the District Court of Polk 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 Polk 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 Polk County, Texas clerk before filing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a name change cost in Polk 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 Polk County?
File with the District Court of Polk County, Texas. Venue rule: Must live in Polk County to file here. File with the Polk County District Clerk. Accepted filing methods: in person.
Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper in Polk County?
No — this court reports no newspaper publication requirement. Confirm this with the District Court of Polk County, Texas clerk before filing.
Do I need a court hearing for a name change in Polk County?
A court hearing is required in this county — attend the date the court sets. Confirm the typical timing with the District Court of Polk County, Texas clerk.
How do I get certified copies of my name change order in Polk 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.