How do I change my name after marriage in Fort Bend County, TX?

Order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Fort Bend 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 Fort Bend County?

The Fort Bend County Clerk charges $7.00 for certified copies. Order at least three so each agency can keep one.

Where is the Fort Bend County Clerk's office?

Phone: (281) 341-8685. Confirm current hours before visiting.

Do I need to go to court to change my name in Fort Bend 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.

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How to Change Your Name in Fort Bend County, Texas

Changing your name in Fort Bend County (county seat: Richmond) means working through several offices in a specific order. This page lays out the exact steps, offices, and fees for Fort Bend County after marriage, divorce, or a court order.

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 Fort Bend County Clerk. For divorce or a court order, you'll get certified copies from the District Clerk (below).

Fort Bend County Clerk

Phone: (281) 341-8685

Certified copy fee: $7.00

www.fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/county-clerk

Fort Bend County District Clerk

301 Jackson St, Richmond TX 77469

Phone: (281) 341-4500 · Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Certified copy fee: $1 per page + $5 certification fee

www.fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/district-clerk

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

Sugar Land

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

Richmond

Certified copy 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 Houston.

Fees at a glance

Item	Cost
Certified copies (Fort Bend 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: 301 Jackson St Suite 101, Richmond TX 77469. $7 if cert number known; $21 if search required. Fee confirmed from April 2025 fee schedule PDF.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I change my name after marriage in Fort Bend County, TX?: Order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Fort Bend 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 Fort Bend County?: The Fort Bend County Clerk charges $7.00 for certified copies. Order at least three so each agency can keep one.
Where is the Fort Bend County Clerk's office?: Phone: (281) 341-8685. Confirm current hours before visiting.
Do I need to go to court to change my name in Fort Bend 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.