Missouri Name Change Resources

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A name change in Missouri can come up inside a divorce, where a spouse asks to restore a former name, or as its own filing. Either way the court has to approve it in writing before the new name is official.

The official Missouri documents below cover the request. Once the order is signed, you normally take a certified copy to the agencies that hold your records.

Official Missouri name change resources

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Missouri family law forms (official index) (Missouri judicial branch): The official statewide collection of Missouri family law forms. When a direct document link stops working, this index is where the current version lives. https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=46735

Missouri court self-help resources (Missouri courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own Missouri family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=704

Find a Court directory (by county) (Missouri judicial branch): Find the courthouse or clerk that serves your area, with locations and contact details. https://www.courts.mo.gov/mcw/findacourt/getCountyCourtData.htm

Missouri eFiling System (Missouri Courts): Missouri's eFiling System is only open to licensed attorneys. If you do not have a lawyer you file family court papers on paper with your circuit clerk, though a few circuits let you submit documents by email, so ask your local clerk. https://www.courts.mo.gov/ecf/logon.do

Verified official Missouri name change documents

These official documents are what Missouri publishes for a name change request.

Petition for Change of Name, Adult (CAFC401), form CAFC401 (Name Change), official document: https://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=55062

Official link data for Missouri was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.

Frequently asked questions

Can I restore my former name in the divorce itself?

In many states yes, if you ask for it before the final order is entered. Ask early, because reopening the case later is more work than including it up front.

What do I do after the judge signs it?

Get certified copies of the order and take them to the agencies that hold your records. Each agency has its own process.