1. Name Change Process in Missouri

A. Petition for Name Change

  1. File a Petition for Name Change:

    • Where to File: You must file your petition with the Circuit Court in the county where you reside.

    • Petition Form: Complete the Petition for Change of Name form, which includes:

      • Full legal name

      • Desired name

      • Date of birth

      • Address and contact information

      • Reason for the name change (such as gender identity)

    • Filing Fee: The cost for filing the petition is generally around $100-$150 but may vary depending on the county. In some cases, you can apply for a fee waiver if you cannot afford it.

  2. Submit Your Petition:

    • Additional Documents: Along with the petition, you may be required to submit documents like your ID, proof of residency, and in some cases, a background check.

    • Background Check: Missouri law may require a criminal background check as part of the name change process. If you have a criminal history, this may be reviewed by the court.

B. Court Hearing

  1. Attend the Hearing:

    • You will be scheduled for a court hearing where a judge will review your petition.

    • You must present evidence that your name change is not for fraudulent purposes. For transgender individuals, providing an explanation related to gender identity is usually sufficient.

  2. Court Decision:

    • If the judge finds no objection, the court will issue an Order for Change of Name, legally changing your name.

C. Updating Documents

  1. Social Security Administration (SSA):

    • After receiving the court order, visit the SSA to update your name. Complete Form SS-5 and provide:

      • The court order

      • Proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate, ID)

  2. Driver’s License/State ID:

    • Visit the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) to update your name on your driver’s license or state ID. You will need:

      • Court order

      • Proof of identity (existing ID, Social Security card, etc.)

      • Application for Missouri ID form

      • Fee for a new license (usually about $10)

  3. Other Institutions:

    • Update your name with employers, banks, and other institutions by providing a copy of the court order.

2. Gender Marker Change Process in Missouri

A. Gender Marker Change on Driver’s License or State ID

  1. Healthcare Provider Letter:

    • Missouri allows for a gender marker change on state-issued IDs (driver’s license or state ID) with a letter from a healthcare provider confirming that you are undergoing or have undergone gender-affirming treatment. The letter must include:

      • Confirmation that the gender marker change aligns with your gender identity

      • The provider's name, contact information, and their license information

  2. Submit Application:

    • Go to the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) to update your gender marker on your driver’s license or state ID.

      • Required Documents:

        • Healthcare provider’s letter

        • Current driver’s license/state ID

        • Fee for a new ID (usually about $10)

    • You will not be required to provide proof of surgery.

B. Gender Marker Change on Birth Certificate

  1. Court Order:

    • Missouri requires transgender individuals to obtain a court order to change the gender marker on their birth certificate.

  2. Submit Request:

    • You must submit the following to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS):

      • Court order authorizing the gender marker change

      • Birth certificate amendment form

      • Proof of identity (such as a copy of your current birth certificate)

      • Healthcare provider’s letter confirming gender-affirming treatment (if required by the court)

      • Application fee (typically $15-$20)

  3. Processing Time:

    • The processing time for a gender marker change on a birth certificate may take several weeks to a few months, depending on the workload of the DHSS.

3. Summary Checklist for Missouri

Name Change Process:

  1. File Petition for Name Change with the Circuit Court (file fee around $100-$150).

  2. Attend the Court Hearing and receive a Court Order for the name change.

  3. Update Your Name with the SSA, DOR, and other institutions.

Gender Marker Change Process:

  1. For Driver’s License/State ID:

    • Submit a letter from a healthcare provider confirming your gender identity.

    • Visit DOR to update your ID (fee around $10).

  2. For Birth Certificate:

    • Obtain a Court Order to change the gender marker.

    • Submit the court order to DHSS with the required documentation (fee around $15-$20).

Important Notes:

  • No Surgery Required: Missouri does not require surgery for either a name or gender marker change. A healthcare provider's letter is sufficient.

  • Court Order: A court order is required for both name changes and gender marker updates on a birth certificate.