How to Change Your Name in Harris County, Texas
Changing your name in Harris County (county seat: Houston) means working through several offices in a specific order. This page lays out the exact steps, offices, and fees for Harris County after marriage, divorce, or a court order.
The short answer
After a marriage: order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Harris County Clerk, 201 Caroline St, Suite 320, Houston, TX 77002 — $6.00 (~$5 cert + $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 Harris 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 Harris County Clerk. For divorce or a court order, you'll get certified copies from the Harris County District Clerk (below).
Harris County Clerk
Phone: 713-274-8686 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm
Certified copy fee: $6.00 (~$5 cert + $1/page)
Harris County District Clerk
Phone: (713) 274-4500 · 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
Phone: (866) 593-2846 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm; Wed 9am-12pm
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
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm (Tue until 6pm)
Driver's license / ID fee: $11
Step 4 — Update your passport
Submit the correct passport form with a certified copy of your name-change document. Passport services are available in Houston.
Fees at a glance
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copies (Harris County) | $6.00 (~$5 cert + $1/page) |
| Social Security card update | Free |
| Driver's license reissue | $11 |
| U.S. passport update | $0–$130 (depends on timing) |
Local note: 11 clerk locations; online certified copy ordering available; Twogether in Texas counseling course waives 72hr wait and reduces license fee by up to $60. SSA phone: (866) 593-2846
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Get my Harris County guide → $24.99Frequently asked questions
- How do I change my name after marriage in Harris County, TX?
- Order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Harris County Clerk (201 Caroline St, Suite 320, Houston, TX 77002), 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 Harris County?
- The Harris County Clerk charges $6.00 (~$5 cert + $1/page) for certified copies. Order at least three so each agency can keep one.
- Where is the Harris County Clerk's office?
- 201 Caroline St, Suite 320, Houston, TX 77002. Phone: 713-274-8686. Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm. Confirm current hours before visiting.
- Do I need to go to court to change my name in Harris 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: Harris County Clerk · Harris County District Clerk · Social Security Administration · how we verify this