How to Change a Name in Missouri

A name change requires court approval.

Under Missouri Rules of Civil Procedure, state residents can take legal action to change their name. While it is not necessary to petition the court for a name change after a marriage, divorce or adoption, there may be other reasons to request a name change. In such a case, each county takes responsibility for granting or denying individual requests for adults and minors.

Instructions

1. Obtain a petition for a name change form from your county courthouse. Separate forms are available for adults and minors.

2. Complete the petition carefully and accurately. The form asks for the petitioner's current name, desired new name and the reason for the change. It also asks for the Missouri county of residence, father's name, mother's maiden name, the name of the petitioner's spouse, if applicable, and the name and ages of any children. Identify any judgments or actions for money.

3. Take the form to a notary, who verifies the petition. Missouri law requires that the petitioner sign an affidavit in front of a Missouri notary.

4. Take the completed and notarized paperwork to the courthouse. The court issues an order for name change. For minors, the petition can be filed by a guardian or next friend, someone who represents the minor if there is no legal guardian. Each known parent of the minor must give written consent.

5. Contact the local newspaper to publish the order of name change. The order must run once a week, for three consecutive weeks, in a newspaper in the county where the name change will take place. If that is not possible, the court chooses a newspaper. The petitioner has 20 days to publish the order.

6. Present proof of publication to the court. The petitioner has 10 days from the last publication date to submit the proof. Once proof is submitted, the court grants or denies the request for the name change.

7. Update important documents. If the name change is granted, the petitioner can take the certified copy of the order to get a new driver's license, Social Security card, passport and other vital documents.

References

• NewLastName.org: Missouri Legal Name Change
• Missouri Courts: Name Change

Resources

• University of Missouri Kansas City Law Library: Petition for Name Change