{"id":374430,"date":"2017-03-17T11:45:59","date_gmt":"2017-03-17T16:45:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/missouri-law\/how-to-change-your-name-in-missouri.html"},"modified":"2023-08-16T11:25:00","modified_gmt":"2023-08-16T16:25:00","slug":"how-to-change-your-name-in-missouri","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/missouri-law\/how-to-change-your-name-in-missouri.html","title":{"rendered":"How to Change Your Name in Missouri"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

How to Change Your Name in Missouri<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Vaishali Gaur, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Missouri allows you to change your name when getting married, or divorced, and through petitioning a court for a change of name order. Each process differs a bit, so figuring out how to change your name in Missouri depends on your situation. We’ll show you how to:<\/p>\r\n

    \r\n
  1. Identify the right process for you<\/li>\r\n
  2. Figure out what paperwork should be filed<\/li>\r\n
  3. Start using your new name<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

    A name change is a serious endeavor. You can’t change your name to escape obligations and debts, such as spousal and child support, judgments against you, or creditors. Any illegal or fraudulent purpose behind changing names is also not permitted. And the court does have some discretion, so it’s not automatic.<\/p>\r\n

    Learn more about the name change process in Missouri below.<\/p>\r\n

    1. Identify and Follow the Correct Missouri Legal Name Change Process<\/h2>\r\n

    Marriage and divorce are the two most common situations where someone changes their name. But many people, including those who are trans or nonbinary, may wish to change their name for other reasons. This can be done by a petition to your local courts.<\/p>\r\n

    Marriage<\/h3>\r\n

    Statistically speaking, most name changes occur when you get married<\/a>. A large majority of women still take their husbands’ last names. Other arrangements are made too, such as hyphenating last names, or same-sex spouses<\/a> taking the other’s name.<\/p>\r\n

    Because changing last names after marriage is so common, it’s also pretty easy. You can change your name when applying for a Missouri marriage license<\/a>. When filling out the application form, list your new last name along with your birth name. Once it’s official, the certified marriage certificate is proof of a name change<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

    Divorce<\/h3>\r\n

    Sometimes "together" doesn’t turn out to be "forever." It’s common for people who changed their last name to get married to go back to their former name after divorce<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

    While Missouri’s divorce process<\/a> can be lengthy, going back to your former name is not. When filing the petition for divorce or responding to it, you can ask the court to change your name back to a former name. Assuming there are no larger issues, this happens routinely, and the court will include the name change in the final decree of divorce.<\/p>\r\n

    Petition for Change of Name<\/h3>\r\n

    Whether you are changing your name as part of a gender transition, looking for a fresh start by changing your current name or seeking a name change for any reason, Missouri law permits anyone to change their name<\/a> via petition.<\/p>\r\n

    While this is a fairly routine legal task, it’s more complex<\/a> than the marriage license and divorce route we just covered. You will have to:<\/p>\r\n