How to Change Your Name in Hidalgo County, Texas
Changing your name in Hidalgo County (county seat: Edinburg) means working through several offices in a specific order. This page lays out the exact steps, offices, and fees for Hidalgo County after marriage, divorce, or a court order.
The short answer
After a marriage: order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Hidalgo County Clerk — $16.00 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 Hidalgo 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 Hidalgo County Clerk. For divorce or a court order, you'll get certified copies from the Hidalgo County District Clerk (below).
Hidalgo County Clerk
Hidalgo County District Clerk
Phone: (956) 318-2200 · 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 San Antonio.
Fees at a glance
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copies (Hidalgo County) | $16.00 |
| Social Security card update | Free |
| Driver's license reissue | $33 |
| U.S. passport update | $0–$130 (depends on timing) |
Local note: Main office: 100 N Closner Blvd, Edinburg TX 78539. Fee confirmed from official 2024 fee schedule PDF. Note: correct URL is /161/ not /149/.
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Get my Hidalgo County guide → $24.99Frequently asked questions
- How do I change my name after marriage in Hidalgo County, TX?
- Order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Hidalgo 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 Hidalgo County?
- The Hidalgo County Clerk charges $16.00 for certified copies. Order at least three so each agency can keep one.
- Where is the Hidalgo County Clerk's office?
- Phone: (956) 318-2100. Confirm current hours before visiting.
- Do I need to go to court to change my name in Hidalgo 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: Hidalgo County Clerk · Hidalgo County District Clerk · Social Security Administration · how we verify this