How to Change Your Name in Denton County, Texas
Changing your name in Denton County (county seat: Denton) means working through several offices in a specific order. This page lays out the exact steps, offices, and fees for Denton County after marriage, divorce, or a court order.
The short answer
After a marriage: order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Denton County Clerk — $16.00 + $1/page 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 Denton 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 Denton County Clerk. For divorce or a court order, you'll get certified copies from the Denton County District Clerk (below).
Denton County Clerk
Denton County District Clerk
Phone: (940) 349-2200 · Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 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 Dallas.
Fees at a glance
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copies (Denton County) | $16.00 + $1/page |
| Social Security card update | Free |
| Driver's license reissue | $33 |
| U.S. passport update | $0–$130 (depends on timing) |
Local note: Main office: 1450 E McKinney St Suite 1103, Denton TX 76209. Higher fee than most TX counties. VitalChek available.
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Get my Denton County guide → $24.99Frequently asked questions
- How do I change my name after marriage in Denton County, TX?
- Order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Denton 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 Denton County?
- The Denton County Clerk charges $16.00 + $1/page for certified copies. Order at least three so each agency can keep one.
- Where is the Denton County Clerk's office?
- Phone: (940) 349-2012. Confirm current hours before visiting.
- Do I need to go to court to change my name in Denton 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: Denton County Clerk · Denton County District Clerk · Social Security Administration · how we verify this