How to Change Your Name Legally in Texas

In Texas there are a few different forms for each situation your in. There's one for if you need to correct a birth certificate or death certificate, there's one for specifically court ordering a name change, and there is just a general name change form for you or your child. If you making a correction to a document, your going to need supporting evidence to prove that. In Texas they charge fifteen dollars for a correction to your birth/death certificate, then another twenty-two dollars for a new copy once it is corrected. This is all done through the Department of State Health Services. As of 1/06/08 the address for the Department of State Health Services is:Texas Vital StatisticsDepartment of State Health ServicesP.O. Box 12040Austin, TX 78711-2040If you’re changing your last name or your child's last name on a birth certificate to the last name of the biological father then that can be done much easily. You don't need a certified copy of a court-ordered name change if you go that route. If your changing your name to something other than the last name of the biological father then you will need to file a legal name change amendment with has an additional fee of twenty-two dollars and includes a new copy of the birth certificate.To get a court order for a legal name change, you can download an up-to-date Texas legal name change form online and file it with your county's court. This form can be done on your own but legal assistance is always advised if you want it done right the first time.To change the name on a death certificate you will need a VS271 Application for Disinterment Permit, which needs to be signed by a licensed funeral director. You will also need to get a VS271.1 Three Part Consent Form, which will need to be signed by the sexton of the cemetery where the body is currently interred, the plot owner, and the next of kin of the deceased being moved. The permit will cost you twenty-five dollars.