Transgender Name Changes

For many transgender individuals, legally changing their name and gender is critical to making a complete transition. However, the process of seeking and obtaining transgender name changes can be complicated, and it is easy for people without a background in the law to become overwhelmed when they attempt to make the alterations on their own. As such, it is wise for people seeking to obtain legal name changes as part of their gender confirmation process to seek the assistance of a lawyer experienced in handling such issues. The trusted Dallas name change attorneys of McClure Law Group are mindful of the importance of name changes for transgender people, and if you hire us, we will help you obtain your desired result in an efficient manner.

Under Texas law, legal name changes must be obtained via a court order. Adult individuals seeking a name change must file a petition for a name change with a court. The petition has to include the current name and address of the petitioner, the name requested and the reason for the request, and information regarding the petitioner’s criminal history. Additionally, the petition must include the individual’s sex, date of birth, race, and driver’s license number, or an explanation for why the information is not provided. The petitioner must also include a complete set of fingerprints. The process of applying for a name change is similar for a minor, but the petition must be filed by the minor’s parents.

If the court finds that the change will benefit the petitioner and the interest of the public, it will typically issue an order granting the change. People convicted of felony crimes, however, must fulfill additional requirements before a court will consider granting the order.

In many cases, people seeking transgender name changes will wish to modify their gender markers at the same time. Texas allows adult individuals to file a petition to change their name and sex/gender identifier. Notably, at this time, Texas does not recognize non-binary, gender fluid, or third gender as acceptable gender designations on state documents. Thus, petitioners seeking to change their gender to an identity other than male or female may be denied. Like a petition for a name change, parents must file a petition for a change of gender marker on behalf of a child.

Texas does not have a statute that specifically addresses what is required to obtain a legal change of sex or gender marker. Typically, though, parties seeking to change their gender marker should obtain a letter from their doctors indicating they are undergoing appropriate medical treatment with respect to their gender identity and that it is in their best interest that their sex or gender marker is legally changed. They will likely have to disclose the same information that is required for obtaining a name change as well. As there is no law defining the evidence needed for a change of sex or gender marker, it is largely within the discretion of the court where the petition is filed to determine whether an order should be granted.

People who have obtained orders granting transgender name or gender marker changes can then use those orders to request and obtain modifications of other documents, such as their driver’s licenses, birth certificates, and social security cards.

Choosing a new name is an important part of the gender confirmation process, and transgender people are often eager to legally modify their names. If you wish to obtain a transgender name change, it is advisable to seek the help of a lawyer. The capable attorneys of McClure Law Group possess the knowledge and resources needed to help you obtain the changes you desire in a prompt manner. We regularly help people with family law matters in Dallas, Rockwall, Richardson, McKinney, Garland, Irving, Fort Worth, and Frisco. We also help people with issues in cities throughout Dallas, Grayson, Denton, Collin, Tarrant, and Rockwall Counties. You can contact us at 214.692.8200 or through the form online to set up a meeting.