How to Change Your Name in Nueces County, Texas
Changing your name in Nueces County (county seat: Corpus Christi) means working through several offices in a specific order. This page lays out the exact steps, offices, and fees for Nueces County after marriage, divorce, or a court order.
The short answer
After a marriage: order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Nueces County Clerk — $7.00 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 Nueces 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 Nueces County Clerk. For divorce or a court order, you'll get certified copies from the Nueces County District Clerk (below).
Nueces County Clerk
Phone: (361) 888-0580
Certified copy fee: $7.00
www.nuecesco.com/county-services/county-clerk/filing-department/marriage-license
Nueces County District Clerk
Phone: (361) 888-0450 · 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 (Nueces County) | $7.00 |
| Social Security card update | Free |
| Driver's license reissue | $33 |
| U.S. passport update | $0–$130 (depends on timing) |
Local note: Main office: 901 Leopard St Room 201, Corpus Christi TX 78401. CASH ONLY for in-person visits. County Clerk: Kara Sands.
You have the addresses. Here is what still goes wrong.
This page has to work for everyone — marriage, divorce and court order alike. Your guide is built for one of them. The exact forms for your reason, what to bring to each counter so you are not sent home to come back, the order that avoids a second trip, and a tracker you fill in as you go.
Built for Nueces County · Emailed in minutes · Find anything wrong in it and I will fix it and refund you the same day.
Get my Nueces County guide → $24.99Frequently asked questions
- How do I change my name after marriage in Nueces County, TX?
- Order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Nueces 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 Nueces County?
- The Nueces County Clerk charges $7.00 for certified copies. Order at least three so each agency can keep one.
- Where is the Nueces County Clerk's office?
- Phone: (361) 888-0580. Confirm current hours before visiting.
- Do I need to go to court to change my name in Nueces 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: Nueces County Clerk · Nueces County District Clerk · Social Security Administration · how we verify this