After Marriage Name Change in Texas Step by Step 2026 Guide with Costs
After Marriage Name Change in Texas – Step by Step 2026 Guide with Costs
Changing your name after marriage is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with paperwork, legal procedures, and fees. If you’re in Texas and want to change your last name after marriage without hiring a lawyer, this guide is for you. We’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions, costs, forms, timelines, and tips to avoid common mistakes. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to update your name on all important documents efficiently.
Why Change Your Name After Marriage?
Many people choose to adopt a new last name after marriage to reflect their new family identity. While some spouses take each other’s last name, others prefer hyphenating, creating a new last name, or keeping their original name. Regardless of your choice, you need to make sure your new name is updated legally on Social Security, driver’s license, passport, bank accounts, and more.
Eligibility to Change Your Name After Marriage in Texas
Before starting the process, make sure you meet these requirements:
You must be legally married in Texas.
You must have a marriage certificate issued by the state.
You must be at least 18 years old.
You should not be changing your name to commit fraud or avoid debt.
Tip: Keep multiple certified copies of your marriage certificate. These will be needed for various agencies.
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
To change your name after marriage in Texas, you will need:
Certified Marriage Certificate
Government-issued ID (Driver’s License, Passport)
Social Security Number card
Completed application forms (varies by agency)
Proof of Texas residency (Driver’s License or utility bill)
Step 2: Update Your Social Security Card
Updating your Social Security card should be your first step, as other agencies rely on this information.
Process:
Fill out the Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card).
Submit original documents: marriage certificate, ID, proof of residency.
Visit your local Social Security Administration office or mail the documents.
You will receive your new Social Security card within 2–4 weeks.
Cost: Free
Tip: Make sure your name matches exactly with your marriage certificate.
Step 3: Update Your Driver’s License or State ID
Once your Social Security is updated, you can update your Texas Driver’s License or ID.
Process:
Visit your local Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office.
Bring your updated Social Security card, current ID, and marriage certificate.
Fill out the Driver License/ID Change form.
Pay the fee and receive your new license or ID.
Cost: Around $11–$25, depending on the type of ID.
Tip: Schedule an appointment at DPS to avoid long wait times.
Step 4: Update Your Passport
If you have a U.S. passport, you will need to update your name for international travel.
Process:
Use Form DS-82 (for renewal) or DS-5504 (if your passport is less than a year old).
Include a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
Submit your current passport, completed form, and a new passport photo.
Mail or submit in-person at a passport acceptance facility.
Cost: $0–$130 depending on form and processing speed
Tip: Apply for your new passport as soon as your Social Security update is complete.
Step 5: Update Bank Accounts and Financial Records
After legal documents, update your financial accounts:
Bank accounts
Credit cards
Loans and mortgages
Retirement accounts
Process:
Visit the bank branch with new ID and Social Security card.
Fill out name change request forms.
Request new checks and debit/credit cards.
Cost: Usually free, but some banks may charge a small fee for new checks.
Step 6: Update Other Important Documents
Make sure your new name is updated everywhere, including:
Utility bills and service providers
Insurance policies (health, auto, life)
Employer records and paychecks
Medical records and pharmacy accounts
Voter registration
Tip: Keep a checklist of all accounts and agencies to avoid missing any updates.
Estimated Total Costs for Texas After Marriage Name Change
Item
Estimated Cost
Social Security Update
Free
Driver’s License / ID
$11–$25
Passport Update
$0–$130
Bank Updates
Usually Free
Miscellaneous Fees (notary, copies)
$10–$20
Total
$21–$175
Note: Costs vary depending on processing speed and agency requirements.
Timeline for Name Change in Texas
Social Security Card: 2–4 weeks
Driver’s License / ID: 1–2 weeks after SSA update
Passport: 6–8 weeks standard, 2–3 weeks expedited
Banks / Employer / Other: 1–2 weeks
Tip: Start with SSA → then DPS → then passport → financial updates. This order avoids document mismatch issues.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not updating Social Security first
Using unverified online forms
Forgetting to update banks and employer
Misspelling your name compared to marriage certificate
Delaying updates → may cause legal and financial issues
FAQs
Q1: Do I need a lawyer to change my name after marriage in Texas?
A: No, if you are changing your name using your marriage certificate, you don’t need a lawyer.
Q2: Can I hyphenate my last name?
A: Yes, you can hyphenate or combine last names legally after marriage. Ensure your new name matches SSA and DPS forms.
Q3: How long does it take to change your name after marriage in Texas?
A: Typically 2–4 weeks for SSA, 1–2 weeks for driver’s license, and 6–8 weeks for passport.
Q4: Can I change my first name too?
A: No, the standard “after marriage” process only changes your last name. First name changes require a court petition.
Q5: Do I need to update my name everywhere immediately?
A: It’s recommended to update Social Security, driver’s license, and bank accounts first to avoid issues.
Conclusion
Changing your name after marriage in Texas is straightforward if you follow the right steps and keep all documents ready. Start with your Social Security update, then proceed to your driver’s license, passport, banks, and other important accounts. By following this guide, you’ll complete your after-marriage name change efficiently, avoid common mistakes, and save money on unnecessary legal fees.
