Changing your name in Missouri—whether after marriage, divorce, or for any other lawful reason—is a straightforward process when you have the right forms and instructions. As a legal template specialist who has drafted hundreds of name change documents for clients across the U.S., I’ve created a completely free, attorney-reviewed Missouri Petition for Change of Name template that meets current 2025 circuit court requirements.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every type of name change in Missouri, including name change after marriage, name change after divorce, minor name change in Missouri, and adult legal name changes. You’ll also get step-by-step filing instructions, exact court costs, and direct links to official sources.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the downloadable template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed Missouri attorney for your specific situation.
Missouri recognizes three primary ways to legally change your name:
This guide focuses primarily on the court petition process while also covering marriage and divorce name changes.
If you’re wondering how to change last name after marriage in Missouri, you’re in luck—Missouri is one of the most straightforward states.
When you marry, you may take your spouse’s last name, hyphenate, or keep your own name with no court involvement required. Simply present your certified marriage certificate when updating:
No petition for name change is necessary for marriage name change Missouri residents.
During divorce proceedings, you can request restoration of your former/maiden name directly in the divorce petition or judgment. Missouri Revised Statutes § 452.100 specifically authorizes this.
If your divorce is already final and the decree is silent on name restoration, you must file a separate Petition for Change of Name (the same adult petition used for any other reason).
Here’s exactly how to change your name in Missouri as an adult (18+):
Download my completely free, Missouri-specific Petition for Change of Name (Adult) template here:
Download Free Missouri Adult Name Change Petition Template (PDF)
This template includes:
Changing a child’s name in Missouri requires consent of both parents (if both have custody rights) or proper service on the non-consenting parent.
Key differences for minor name change Missouri:
Download the minor-specific template here:
Download Free Missouri Minor Name Change Petition Template (PDF)
| County | Filing Fee (Adult) | Filing Fee (Minor) | Publishes Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson County (Kansas City) | $187.50 | $187.50 | Yes (unless safety waiver) |
| St. Louis County | $198.50 | $198.50 | Yes |
| St. Louis City | $225.00 | $225.00 | Yes |
| Greene County (Springfield) | $162.50 | $162.50 | Yes |
| Clay County | $175.00 | $175.00 | Yes |
Always verify current fees with your local circuit clerk.
Under Missouri law (RSMo § 527.290), you must publish notice of your petition for change of name Missouri residents file in a qualified local newspaper once a week for three consecutive weeks.
Cost: $75–$250 depending on newspaper and county.
You can request waiver of publication if you fear domestic violence, stalking, or human trafficking (file Motion to Waive Publication with supporting documentation).
Once you receive the certified Judgment of Change of Name:
Yes. The same petition works for first, middle, or last name changes.
Typically 8–12 weeks from filing to judgment (including publication period).
No. Thousands successfully file pro se every year using proper forms.
Almost—cannot be for fraudulent purposes, cannot interfere with rights of others, cannot be confusing (e.g., numbers or symbols generally prohibited).
No. Properly notify creditors and credit bureaus to link old and new names.
Ready to start your legal name change in Missouri? Download the appropriate free template above and follow the included instructions. Thousands of Missouri residents successfully change their names every year using these exact forms.
Remember: While this process is straightforward, every situation is unique. When in doubt, consult a Missouri family law attorney.
Last updated: November 2025. Forms verified against current Missouri Revised Statutes and circuit court rules.