How to Change Your Name in Missouri

The Basic Process for Changing Your Name in Missouri

To change your name in Missouri, you file a petition in the circuit court of the county where you live, attend a brief hearing, and receive a court order. The judge almost always approves the request unless you are trying to change your name to commit fraud or evade a legal obligation. The whole process takes four to eight weeks from filing to final order, though you can use the order when ready after the judge signs it—you do not have to wait for paperwork to arrive by mail.

You do not need a lawyer, though one can help if your situation is complicated (for example, if you have an outstanding child support obligation or a criminal record). The filing fee is typically $150 to $250, depending on your county, and you may be able to ask the court to waive it if you cannot afford it.

Key Takeaways

File a petition for name change in the circuit court of your home county; the form is available free from the court clerk's office or online.
You must publish a notice of your petition in a local newspaper for two consecutive weeks before the hearing, which costs $50 to $150 depending on the paper.
Attend a brief court hearing where the judge will ask why you want to change your name; most requests are approved the same day.
After the judge signs the order, take certified copies to the Missouri Department of Revenue to update your driver's license or ID card.
Update your Social Security record by visiting your local Social Security office with the court order and your current ID.

Where to File and What Forms You Need

Start at the circuit court clerk's office in the county where you live. You can visit in person, call, or check the court's website—most Missouri counties now post the name change petition form online. The form is called a "Petition for Change of Name" and is free to read or pick up.

The petition asks for your current legal name, the name you want, your date of birth, your address, and your reason for the change. You do not need to give a detailed reason—"personal preference" is acceptable. If you have been convicted of a felony or owe child support, you must disclose that on the form, but it does not automatically block your request.

Fill out the petition in duplicate (one for the court, one for you), sign both copies, and bring them to the clerk's office along with your filing fee. Some counties accept mail filings; ask the clerk whether yours does.

The Newspaper Publication Requirement

Missouri law requires you to publish a notice of your name change petition in a newspaper in your county for two consecutive weeks. This is not optional, and the court will not schedule your hearing until you have done it. The newspaper does not have to be the largest one in the county—a legal newspaper or community paper counts.

Call newspapers in your area and ask about their legal notice rates. Most charge $50 to $150 for a two-week run. Once you choose a paper, they will handle the publication and give you an affidavit (a signed statement) proving the notice ran on the correct dates. Bring this affidavit to your hearing.

The publication window gives people a chance to object if they believe you are changing your name to commit fraud or harm someone. In practice, objections are rare, and judges approve name changes even when they occur.

Preparing for and Attending Your Court Hearing

The court clerk will schedule your hearing after you have filed the petition and the newspaper has published the notice. You will receive a notice in the mail with the date and time. Hearings are usually brief—often just five to ten minutes—and take place in a courtroom or judge's chambers.

Bring the affidavit from the newspaper, your filed petition, a photo ID, and your Social Security card or birth certificate. The judge will ask you your current name, the name you want, and why you want to change it. Answer honestly and directly. You do not need to give an elaborate reason; "I prefer this name" or "It reflects my identity" is sufficient.

If you have a criminal record or owe child support, the judge may ask about that. Be truthful. Courts rarely deny name changes for these reasons alone unless the change appears designed to evade a specific legal obligation (for example, hiding from a child support enforcement action).

Getting Your Court Order and Certified Copies

If the judge approves your petition, they will sign an order right away. You can ask the clerk for certified copies on the spot or request them by mail. Order at least three to five certified copies—you will need them to update your ID, Social Security record, and possibly other documents. Each certified copy costs $1 to $3.

A certified copy is a photocopy of the court order with the clerk's official seal and signature. Government agencies and banks will not accept a regular photocopy or a photo of the order on your phone. Keep the certified copies in a safe place; you may need them years later if you lose your ID or change banks.

Updating Your Driver's License and ID

Take a certified copy of your court order to the Missouri Department of Revenue to update your driver's license or state ID card. You can visit any driver's license office in the state. Bring the certified copy, your current license, and proof of your new name (the court order itself serves this purpose).

The fee to replace your license is $11.50. The new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. You can request a temporary paper license to use while you wait. Your old license becomes invalid once you receive the new one.

Updating Your Social Security Record

Visit your local Social Security office with a certified copy of your court order and a photo ID (your old driver's license is fine). Social Security will update your record and issue a new Social Security card with your new name. There is no fee for this change.

The new card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You do not need to do anything else with Social Security—they will not ask you to reapply for benefits or change your number. Your Social Security number stays the same; only the name on the record changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name if I owe child support or have a criminal record?

Yes. Missouri law does not automatically deny name changes based on criminal history or unpaid child support. However, you must disclose these facts on your petition. A judge may deny your request only if they believe the change is specifically designed to evade a legal obligation—for example, hiding from child support enforcement. If your reason is genuine, the request is usually approved.

How long does the whole process take?

From filing to receiving your final court order typically takes four to eight weeks. The newspaper publication alone takes two weeks, and scheduling the hearing adds another two to four weeks. Once the judge signs the order, you have it when ready and can begin updating your documents the same day.

Do I need a lawyer to change my name in Missouri?

No. The process is straightforward enough that most people handle it without legal help. A lawyer is useful only if your situation is unusual—for example, if you expect someone to object to your name change or if you have complex legal obligations. Many legal aid organizations offer free or low-cost help if you cannot afford a lawyer.

What if someone objects to my name change at the hearing?

Objections are rare. If someone does object, the judge will hear their reason and then ask you to respond. You do not need to prove your reason is valid—the burden is on the person objecting to show that your change would cause them harm or that you are changing your name to commit fraud. Most objections fail.

Can I change my child's name using this process?

Yes, but with an additional requirement: you must have the consent of both parents, or you must have a custody order giving you the authority to make decisions about the child's name. If the other parent does not consent and you do not have sole custody, you will need to file a separate custody or guardianship petition first. The court clerk can explain your options based on your specific situation.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.