Whether you’re changing your name after a divorce, marriage, adoption, or personal reasons, we’re here to help you through the legal process—start to finish.
Changing your name can be an empowering step—whether you’re reclaiming your maiden name after divorce, transitioning to align with your gender identity, or updating your child’s surname. However, one of the most common questions is: “How long does a name change take in Missouri?”
Step 1: Preparing Your Petition (1–2 Weeks)
The first step in legally changing your name in Missouri is completing and filing a Petition for Change of Name in your county’s circuit court.
What’s involved:
- Gathering required documents (e.g., ID, birth certificate)
- Filling out the petition
- Having it notarized
- Paying the filing fee (varies by county, typically $100–$200)
Tip from The Betz Law Firm: We help ensure your petition is error-free and legally sound, avoiding delays caused by rejections or incomplete filings.
———————————————————————————-
Step 2: Court Scheduling (4–8 Weeks)
Once your petition is filed, the court will assign a hearing date. Most name change hearings in Missouri are scheduled within 1–2 months, depending on the court’s backlog and your county.
- Dockets tend to be busier in St. Louis City and St. Louis County, so expect closer to 6–8 weeks.
- Less-populated counties may move faster.
———————————————————————————-
Step 3: Newspaper Publication (3 Weeks Minimum)
Missouri law requires that your intent to change your name be published in a local newspaper for three consecutive weeks before your court hearing. This notice informs the public and allows objections, although those are rare.
- Exceptions: For gender-affirming name changes, judges may waive the publication requirement to protect your privacy.
———————————————————————————-
Step 4: The Court Hearing (Same Day)
At your hearing, a judge will review your petition, confirm you’re not changing your name to avoid debts or criminal liability, and—if all is in order—approve your name change on the spot.
If granted, you’ll receive a signed court order, which you’ll need for the next step: updating your records.
———————————————————————————-
Step 5: Updating Your Legal Documents (Varies)
Once you have the official court order, you can start updating:
- Social Security Administration (SSA): 1–2 weeks
- Missouri DMV: same day, with SSA update
- Passport, banks, insurance, and utilities: timelines vary
We provide a Name Change Checklist to our clients so nothing gets missed during this final phase.
Estimated Total Timeline: 6–10 Weeks (on average)
Steps:
- Petition Prep & Filing
- Court Scheduling
- Newspaper Publication
- Court Hearing
- Record Updates
Estimated Times:
- 1–2 weeks
- 4–8 weeks
- 3 weeks (within above)
- 1 day
- Varies (1–4 weeks)
How The Betz Law Firm Can Help
Navigating the name change process can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone.
- We file everything for you correctly and efficiently.
- We handle publication and court coordination.
- We offer discreet services for gender-affirming cases or sensitive family matters.
- We serve clients across St. Louis City, County, and surrounding Missouri areas.