How to Change Your Name
in Missouri
Court requirements, required documents, filing fees, and a step-by-step process for legally changing your name in Missouri.
Filing Fee
$150-$200
Court fee
Timeline
4-8 weeks
To court order
Court
Circuit Court
Where you file
Missouri Name Change — Key Facts
Filing Court
Circuit Court
Where to File
File in the Circuit Court in the county where you reside
Filing Fee
$150-$200
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Newspaper Publication
Required
Publication Required in Missouri
Missouri requires publication of the name change notice once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.
Missouri-Specific Rule
Missouri requires publication once a week for three weeks in a newspaper in the county. Additionally, the petitioner must certify they have not been convicted of a felony involving fraud.
Required Documents in Missouri
Petition for Change of Name
Birth certificate (certified copy)
Government-issued photo ID
Filing fee payment
Proof of Missouri residency
Affidavit of publication
6-Step Name Change Process in Missouri
Complete the Name Change Petition
File your petition in File in the Circuit 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 Missouri residency, Affidavit of publication.
Pay the Filing Fee
The filing fee in Missouri is approximately $150-$200. Ask the clerk if fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners.
Complete Newspaper Publication
Missouri requires publication of the name change notice once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.
Attend Your Court Hearing (if required)
Some Missouri 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 — Missouri Name Change
Where do I file for a name change in Missouri?
In Missouri, you file in the Circuit Court. File in the Circuit 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 Missouri?
The filing fee in Missouri is approximately $150-$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 Missouri?
Missouri requires publication of the name change notice once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.
How long does a name change take in Missouri?
From filing to receiving your court order, expect 4-8 weeks in Missouri. 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 Missouri?
For your name change petition in Missouri, gather: Petition for Change of Name, Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of Missouri residency, Affidavit of publication. JustiPal™ provides a complete Missouri-specific document checklist.
Related Resources
Free Check
Name Change Readiness
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Name Change Intake Package
Guided intake with Missouri-specific checklist, court forms, and your complete filing packet.
- Guided intake workflow
- Missouri 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 Missouri.
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