File a Petition: To begin the name change process in Texas, you must file a Petition for Change of Name in the district court of your county of residence.
- You can obtain the necessary forms from the Texas Judicial Branch website or your local court.
- You will need to provide:
  - A completed petition form.
  - A certified copy of your current ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport).
  - Your birth certificate (sometimes requested).
  - A statement that the name change is not for fraudulent or criminal purposes.
Background Check: You may be required to submit a background check. This can be done through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Court Hearing: After filing your petition, you may be required to attend a hearing. The judge will review your petition and decide whether to grant the name change.
Fees: The filing fee typically ranges from $250 to $350, depending on your county. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for a fee waiver by filing an Affidavit of Inability to Pay.

Social Security Card: After the court grants your name change, submit your court order and the SS-5 form (for a new card) to the Social Security Administration (SSA) to update your name.
Driver’s License/State ID: To update your name on your driver’s license or state ID, visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You will need to bring the court order along with your current driver’s license or ID.
Birth Certificate: If you were born in Texas, you can update your name on your birth certificate by submitting a Petition for Change of Name to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). There will be a processing fee of about $25.

Requirements: Texas allows individuals to update the gender marker on their driver’s license or state ID. The state requires a physician’s letter for gender marker changes.
Process:
- Obtain a letter from a physician or psychologist confirming that you have undergone appropriate treatment for gender transition. The letter must be from a licensed provider and confirm that gender transition is in progress or has been completed.
- Submit the physician’s letter, along with the Gender Designation Change Form, to the Texas DPS.
- Select the gender marker (M, F, or X) you wish to use on your ID.
Fees: The fee to change your gender marker on your Texas driver’s license or state ID is typically around $11–$25 depending on whether you're renewing or changing the card.

Requirements: To update the gender marker on your Texas birth certificate, you need to submit the following:
- A certified copy of your court order (showing a gender marker change, if applicable).
- A physician’s letter verifying your gender identity and treatment for gender transition (as required by the Texas DSHS).
Process:
- Submit the request for a gender marker change to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) along with the required documentation.
- Once approved, you will receive an updated birth certificate reflecting the new gender marker.
Fees: There is typically a $15–$20 fee for updating a birth certificate in Texas.

U.S. Passport: After updating your name and/or gender marker in Texas, you may want to update your passport. For gender marker changes, the U.S. Department of State requires a physician’s letter to confirm gender transition.
Social Security: The Social Security Administration requires a physician’s letter to update the gender marker. For name changes, only a court order is needed.
Other Legal Documents: It’s a good idea to update all your records with the new name and gender marker, including financial institutions, healthcare providers, and any other legal documents.

Name Change:
1. File a Petition for Change of Name in your local district court.
2. Attend a court hearing (if required) and receive the name change order.
3. Update your name with the Social Security Administration, DPS, and other records.
Gender Marker Change:
1. Obtain a physician’s letter for gender transition.
2. Submit the letter along with the Gender Designation Change Form to the Texas DPS to update your driver’s license or ID.
3. Submit the physician’s letter and court order to the Texas DSHS for an updated birth certificate.