Transcending Gender Denton
Resources

Name Change Proceedure - UNT Students

Please note that the following guide is for UNT students who have residency in Denton County, Texas. If you have been at UNT for a semester and can vote in Denton County, you can change your name here.

Step 0: Choosing a name. This is an important decision. A name is a very personal thing, while being immensely private as well. You should talk to your friends or family if you have a hard time deciding on a name.

Step 1: Introductory proceedure. Go to the Student Legal Services office in the Union (either during walk-in hours or schedule an appointment) and talk to the legal staff there. They will have you fill out a form to start your case.

Step 2: Fingerprinting. Because of new legislation set in late 2003, you will have to get fingerprinted for a background check. Fingerprints are taken at the Denton County Sheriff's Office (aka the jail - it's a bit scary) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-3pm. The fingerprint card is $10 in cash (no change will be made). I suggest taking an large envelope of some kind, or at the least, a plastic bag from the convenience store. You'll have to know your height and weight if you don't already. The fingerprint people are nice, so don't worry too much. Drop off the fingerprint card at the SLS office when you're done.

Step 3: Money. The name change proceedure costs $160. The office staff will probably remind you to give them the money, but you could go ahead and get the money order beforehand. The easiest thing to do is to get the money order from the post office downstairs on the 2nd floor of the Union. (It's 75 cents.) When you get it, turn it in to the SLS office.

Step 4: Waiting around. There is a 30 day wait period from the day they file the request. Just sit tight.

Step 5: Court appearance. You'll have to go to court to have the judge sign off on your paperwork. (Judge Collins is a nice guy.) You can do this from Tuesday through Friday between 8:30 and 9am on the 3rd floor of the Denton County Courthouse (the one on McKinney near the Sheriff's office - directions later.) This is very short. Simply read off the itemed list and you're done. If you don't want to tell the judge you are trans, simply state common use.

Step 6: Change it. The above is actually very easy. Changing everything else is much harder. First, if you are a student, go to the Records department in the ESSC (2nd floor) and fill out a change-of-information form. Afterwards, go downstairs and make a new ID. You'll also need to change the following: