How to Change Your Name
in Mississippi
Court requirements, required documents, filing fees, and a step-by-step process for legally changing your name in Mississippi.
Filing Fee
$50-$200
Court fee
Timeline
4-8 weeks
To court order
Court
Chancery Court
Where you file
Mississippi Name Change — Key Facts
Filing Court
Chancery Court
Where to File
File in the Chancery Court in the county where you reside
Filing Fee
$50-$200
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Newspaper Publication
Required
Publication Required in Mississippi
Mississippi requires publication of the name change petition in a newspaper of general circulation in the county once a week for three consecutive weeks.
Mississippi-Specific Rule
Mississippi uses the Chancery Court for name changes, which is uncommon. Publication in a local newspaper is required, and Mississippi is one of the more traditional states in its name change process.
Required Documents in Mississippi
Petition for Change of Name
Birth certificate (certified copy)
Government-issued photo ID
Filing fee payment
Proof of Mississippi residency
Affidavit of publication
6-Step Name Change Process in Mississippi
Complete the Name Change Petition
File your petition in File in the Chancery Court in the county where you reside. The petition includes your current name, requested new name, and reason for the change.
Gather Required Documents
Collect: Petition for Change of Name, Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of Mississippi residency, Affidavit of publication.
Pay the Filing Fee
The filing fee in Mississippi is approximately $50-$200. Ask the clerk if fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners.
Complete Newspaper Publication
Mississippi requires publication of the name change petition in a newspaper of general circulation in the county once a week for three consecutive weeks.
Attend Your Court Hearing (if required)
Some Mississippi courts hold brief hearings for name change petitions. Others issue orders without a hearing if no one objects. The process typically takes 4-8 weeks total.
Update Your Records
After receiving your court order, update your Social Security card (SSA.gov), driver's license (DMV), passport, bank accounts, employer records, voter registration, and other official documents.
Frequently Asked Questions — Mississippi Name Change
Where do I file for a name change in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, you file in the Chancery Court. File in the Chancery Court in the county where you reside. Make sure to bring all required documents and payment for the filing fee.
How much does a name change cost in Mississippi?
The filing fee in Mississippi is approximately $50-$200. If publication is required, add $50–$200 for newspaper fees. You'll also want 2–3 certified copies of your court order ($5–$20 each) to update your records.
Do I need to publish my name change in a newspaper in Mississippi?
Mississippi requires publication of the name change petition in a newspaper of general circulation in the county once a week for three consecutive weeks.
How long does a name change take in Mississippi?
From filing to receiving your court order, expect 4-8 weeks in Mississippi. After you receive the order, updating all your identification documents (SSA, DMV, passport, bank) typically takes another 2–4 weeks.
What documents do I need to change my name in Mississippi?
For your name change petition in Mississippi, gather: Petition for Change of Name, Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of Mississippi residency, Affidavit of publication. JustiPal™ provides a complete Mississippi-specific document checklist.
Related Resources
Free Check
Name Change Readiness
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Name Change Intake Package
Guided intake with Mississippi-specific checklist, court forms, and your complete filing packet.
- Guided intake workflow
- Mississippi document checklist
- Court form preparation
- Post-order update checklist
Document preparation · Not a law firm
JustiPal™ prepares documents — we don't provide legal advice. For complex situations (criminal history, minor name changes, etc.), consult an attorney in Mississippi.
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