Restoring Your Name After a Texas Divorce

The simplest path is to ask the court to include a name-restoration order in your Final Decree of Divorce. Once the decree is entered, you use certified copies to update your records. DivorceReady includes a name-restoration option in the Texas questionnaire.

Texas lets you restore a prior name, typically your birth name or a name from a previous marriage. You cannot adopt a brand-new name through the divorce process; a completely different name requires a separate name-change proceeding.

After the judge signs the decree, request certified copies from the District Clerk (about $10 to $25 each). Get at least two or three, because most agencies require an official certified copy, not a photocopy.

Update your name with the Social Security Administration before other agencies, using a certified copy of the decree and current ID. Apply at your local office or online at ssa.gov. Your new card typically arrives within about two weeks.

Visit the Texas Department of Public Safety with your new Social Security card, a certified copy of the decree, and your current license. There is a fee, and you receive an updated license showing your restored name.

After SSA and DPS, update your passport, banks, credit cards, employer and payroll, voter registration, health insurance, vehicle title and registration, deeds, and utilities. Keep certified copies handy.

For the full step-by-step and agency order, see our Texas name change topic page. DivorceReady includes the name-restoration order in the decree; updating each agency is done separately by you.