How to Change Your Name in Missouri Without a Lawyer

Court Process, Filing Fees, Timeline, and Total Cost Explained

Introduction

In Missouri, changing your legal name is handled through the county circuit court system. While the process involves paperwork and a short court appearance, most adults can complete it on their own without hiring an attorney.

This guide explains how the Missouri name change process actually works, including filing steps, court fees, publication rules, total cost, and common mistakes that slow things down.

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice.

Who Can Legally Change a Name in Missouri?

You may apply for a legal name change in Missouri if:

You are 18 years or older

You are a Missouri resident

Your request is not for fraud or illegal purposes

You are not trying to avoid debts, judgments, or criminal charges

Minors must follow a separate legal process.

Which Court Handles Name Changes in Missouri?

All adult name change cases are handled by the:

🏛️ Missouri Circuit Court

You must file in the county where you live, such as:

St. Louis County Circuit Court

Jackson County Circuit Court

Greene County Circuit Court

Municipal courts do not handle name changes.

Step-by-Step: Missouri Name Change Process (Adults)

✅ Step 1: Prepare the Petition for Change of Name

Missouri requires a document commonly titled:

“Petition for Change of Name”

You’ll need to include:

Your current legal name

The new name you are requesting

Date and place of birth

County of residence

Reason for the name change (simple explanation is enough)

You must sign the petition under oath.

✅ Step 2: File the Petition with the Circuit Court Clerk

You can file:

In person at the courthouse, or

By mail (e-filing available in some counties)

At filing, submit:

Completed petition

Government-issued photo ID

Filing fee payment

💰 Missouri Name Change Cost (Detailed Breakdown)

Item

Cost

Court filing fee

$150 – $165

Certified copies (each)

$5 – $10

Publication notice

$40 – $150

Background check (if ordered)

$30 – $45

👉 Average Total Cost

$200 – $350

Missouri is considered a moderate-cost state.

✅ Step 3: Publication Requirement (Missouri-Specific)

Missouri generally requires:

Publishing notice of the name change in a local newspaper

Notice runs once a week for 3 consecutive weeks

You may request a publication waiver if:

You have safety concerns

You are a victim of abuse or harassment

Proof of publication must be filed with the court.

✅ Step 4: Court Hearing (Very Common in Missouri)

Most Missouri counties schedule:

A brief court hearing

During the hearing, the judge may:

Confirm your identity

Ask basic questions about the request

Ensure no fraudulent intent

Hearings are usually short and straightforward.

✅ Step 5: Judge Issues the Name Change Judgment

If approved:

The judge signs a Judgment of Name Change

Request multiple certified copies immediately

⏱️ Typical Timeline:
4–6 weeks from filing to approval

What to Do After Your Missouri Name Change Is Approved

🔹 Social Security Administration

Free update

Must be completed first

🔹 Missouri Department of Revenue (DMV)

License update fee: $7 – $25

New ID mailed within 10–14 days

🔹 Passport, Banks, Employer

Certified court order required

Common Missouri Name Change Mistakes

❌ Filing in the wrong county
❌ Publishing in an incorrect newspaper
❌ Missing proof of publication
❌ Not attending the court hearing
❌ Ordering too few certified copies

These mistakes usually cause delays, not denial.

Do You Need a Lawyer in Missouri?

No.
Most adults in Missouri complete the name change process without hiring a lawyer. Legal help is only necessary for complex or contested cases.

How Long Does the Missouri Process Take?

Stage

Time

Filing & publication

3–4 weeks

Hearing & approval

1–2 weeks

ID updates

2–4 weeks

FAQs – Missouri Name Change

1️⃣ Can I change my name in Missouri without a lawyer?

Yes. Self-representation is common.

2️⃣ Is publication mandatory?

Usually yes, unless the judge grants a waiver.

3️⃣ How much does it cost?

Most adults spend $200–$350 total.

4️⃣ Is a court hearing required?

Yes, in most counties.

5️⃣ Can the judge deny my request?

Only if it appears fraudulent or incomplete.

Final Summary

Missouri offers a clear and manageable process for adult name changes. By filing correctly, completing publication, and attending a short hearing, most residents can legally change their name without professional legal help.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Court procedures and fees may change. Always verify details with your local Missouri Circuit Court.