If you decide to change your name after getting married, you do not need to apply for a name change with any government agency. Your completed marriage license serves as legal proof of your new name—even if it lists your old name!

Is there a form I can fill out that will change my name? 

There is no single form to fill out that will change your name after marriage. In most cases, you do not need a court order to change your name after marriage. Your completed marriage license is legal proof of your new name. You can use your completed marriage license to update your identification documents.

How do I update my documents with my new married name?

You will need to provide your completed marriage license as proof to each government agency responsible for issuing your identification documents. You may need to change your name on a driver’s license, Social Security card, voter registration card, and other records. See the Updating Your Documents page of our Name Changes in Texas guide for links to various government agencies that issue IDs.

Are there rules on what my new married name can be?

Yes, you can only change your name in certain ways under this process. Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Rule 15.23 states that a person does not need a court order to change their name on Texas driver's licenses and IDs for the following types of name changes:  

• Changing your last name to your spouse’s last name;  
• Changing your last name to your spouse’s last name and your middle name to your current last name; or 
• Hyphenating your last name and your spouse’s last name. 

If you want to change your name to a different name than is listed above, you may need a court-ordered name change. See the Name Changes for Adults page of our Name Changes in Texas guide for more info.  

Related FAQs, Guides, & Videos 

FAQs 

• How do I change my name? 
• How do I change my child’s name? 

Guides

• Name Changes in Texas 
• Marriage in Texas 

Videos 

• How do I change my name after getting married?