How do I legally change my name in Missouri?

Q: How do I legally change my name in Missouri?

Missouri adult name changes are governed by RSMo §§ 527.270 through 527.290 and filed in the circuit court of the petitioner's county of residence. 1. File the Petition - Complete a Petition for Change of Name with reasons for the change. - File with the circuit court clerk ; filing fee is approximately $50–$200 (St. Louis County: ~$162; Jackson County: ~$143). - Must be a Missouri resident (no fixed minimum). 2. Publication - Publish notice once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county (RSMo § 527.290). - The last publication must occur at least 20 days before the order is entered. - Cost: $50–$200. - Waiver available where publication would put the petitioner at risk (RSMo § 527.290.2). 3. Disclosures - Petition must disclose sex-offender registration, felonies, and child-support obligations. 4. Hearing - Many Missouri circuit courts grant uncontested adult petitions on the papers without requiring appearance. - Judge enters a Judgment of Name Change . 5. After the Decree - Certified copies ($1.50 each). - File SSA Form SS-5 (free). - Update Missouri DL at DOR ($7.50), passport, voter registration, banks. 6. Divorce-Based Restoration - RSMo § 452.380 allows restoration of a former name in the divorce decree without separate proceeding. This is legal information, not legal advice.

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Missouri adult name changes are governed by RSMo §§ 527.270 through 527.290 and filed in the circuit court of the petitioner's county of residence.

1. File the Petition

Complete a Petition for Change of Name with reasons for the change.

File with the circuit court clerk; filing fee is approximately $50–$200 (St. Louis County: ~$162; Jackson County: ~$143).

Must be a Missouri resident (no fixed minimum).

2. Publication

Publish notice once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county (RSMo § 527.290).

The last publication must occur at least 20 days before the order is entered.

Cost: $50–$200.

Waiver available where publication would put the petitioner at risk (RSMo § 527.290.2).

3. Disclosures

Petition must disclose sex-offender registration, felonies, and child-support obligations.

4. Hearing

Many Missouri circuit courts grant uncontested adult petitions on the papers without requiring appearance.

Judge enters a Judgment of Name Change.

5. After the Decree

Certified copies ($1.50 each).

File SSA Form SS-5 (free).

Update Missouri DL at DOR ($7.50), passport, voter registration, banks.

6. Divorce-Based Restoration

RSMo § 452.380 allows restoration of a former name in the divorce decree without separate proceeding.

This is legal information, not legal advice.