How to Change Your Name in Bell County, Texas
Changing your name in Bell County (county seat: Belton) means working through several offices in a specific order. This page lays out the exact steps, offices, and fees for Bell County after marriage, divorce, or a court order.
The short answer
After a marriage: order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Bell County Clerk — $3.00 each. Then update Social Security, then your Texas DPS license, then your passport, in that order. No court filing is required.
After a divorce or a court order: your certified copies come from the Bell County District Clerk instead. The rest of the sequence is identical.
Order matters. Social Security has to be updated before the Texas DPS — the license office checks your SSA record, and if it still shows your old name they will turn you away.
Step 1 — Get your certified copies
Every agency needs to see an original certified document. For a marriage name change, order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Bell County Clerk. For divorce or a court order, you'll get certified copies from the Bell County District Clerk (below).
Bell County Clerk
Phone: (254) 933-5165
Certified copy fee: $3.00
www.bellcountytx.com/county_government/county_clerk/marriage_licenses.php
Bell County District Clerk
Phone: (254) 933-5215 · Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Certified copy fee: $1 per page + $5 certification fee
Step 2 — Update Social Security
Update your Social Security record first — it must come before your driver's license. It's free, but bring your certified document and a current photo ID.
Local Social Security office
Step 3 — Update your Texas DPS license
Once your Social Security record is updated, visit the Texas DPS to reissue your driver's license or state ID with your new name.
Texas DPS office
Driver's license / ID fee: $33
Step 4 — Update your passport
Submit the correct passport form with a certified copy of your name-change document. Passport services are available in Austin.
Fees at a glance
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copies (Bell County) | $3.00 |
| Social Security card update | Free |
| Driver's license reissue | $33 |
| U.S. passport update | $0–$130 (depends on timing) |
Local note: LOWEST FEE in TX Tier 1 at $3.00. Main office: 1201 Huey Rd, Belton TX 76513. Also Killeen (301 Priest Dr) and Temple (205 E Central Ave). Hours: 8am-4:30pm M-F.
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Get my Bell County guide → $24.99Frequently asked questions
- How do I change my name after marriage in Bell County, TX?
- Order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Bell County Clerk, then update your Social Security record, your Texas DPS driver's license, and your passport — in that order.
- How much does a certified copy cost in Bell County?
- The Bell County Clerk charges $3.00 for certified copies. Order at least three so each agency can keep one.
- Where is the Bell County Clerk's office?
- Phone: (254) 933-5165. Confirm current hours before visiting.
- Do I need to go to court to change my name in Bell County?
- No for a marriage or divorce name change — your certificate or decree is your legal document. A court-order name change requires filing a petition with the District Clerk and attending a hearing.
Sources: Bell County Clerk · Bell County District Clerk · Social Security Administration · how we verify this