Texas name changes go through the courts from my understanding. If you are a cis person getting a normal cis name change, it's probably no problem. I know someone who had their first and last named changed.

If you are a trans, then it's more dependent on what judge you get I think? But if you are going with normal gender neutral names, it's probably not a big deal. I haven't looked that much into it since the biggest hurdle for me would be finding a name I want. If you have a criminal history it'll also probably complicate the process.

Hey so first off, congrats! Changing your name can be an intimidating process even at the best of times and I'm proud of you for getting started!

Now some tips:

• Third party certified birth certificates are a scam, 100%, a scam. Your state board of vital records will have them available cheaper, and sometimes those certified copies are the only "real" ones.

• You do not have to navigate this alone and there are organizations that exist to help you, I found this page that might point you in the right direction. LGBT Law on the Texas State Law Library Website

• I am not a lawyer but... You probably don't need to worry about your choice of name impacting your chances of getting it approved, AFAIK the courts primary concern with name changes are fraudsters and people on the run from debt collectors. Some courts view the name change laws in the US as clunky and outdated and won't require you to have a day in court or take out a classified ad in the newspaper. Instead they would just push it through, this varies from place to place but you might get lucky in this regard.

• I would recommend that you get at least 5 or so certified copies of the court order when you get it. Most offices won't give back any of the documents you gave them and having spares is always handy for any unforeseen situations where it may be needed.

• If you fill out a form digitally make sure that you save it some place where you can retrieve it later. These offices are run by people and sometimes things get lost along the way.

• No one looks good in their ID photos but legit one of my biggest regrets about the whole process was how I didn't prepare for my drivers license photo. Looking at it makes me feel yucky ._.

Good Luck!

If you decide yo legally change your name, don't use that name in organising spaces. I'm really regretting using my chosen name in activist spaces, I've met heaps of people i wish didn't know my name lol

if youre looking for a nonbinary name, i think youre obligated to go with a noun :p science and nature?

• beaker
• flask
• rock (feminine, think iron or something)
• burn (maybe this is actually a nice name?)

Obviously Im kidding, change youre name to hammer sickle lastname

you absolutely dont have yo change your name to use your chosen name on almost any form

the thing thats stopping me is the admin :(