St. Louis County, MO
How to Change Your Name in St. Louis County
Court Information
- Court
- Circuit Court of St. Louis County, Missouri — 21st Judicial Circuit (Family Court)
- Filing fee
- $135.5
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- county of residence
- Jurisdiction
- Circuit Court, RSMo §527.270-527.290 (Rule 95)
- Official forms
- stlcountycourts.com/forms/name-change/ ↗
- Last verified
- August 17, 2026
Filing Requirements in St. Louis County
- Newspaper publication
- Required
- Court hearing
- Not required for uncontested adult petitions
- How to file
- online (e-filing) or in person
Getting Certified Copies
Request from the circuit clerk after the judgment
You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport, and your banks — order more than one.
Step-by-Step Process
- Gather documents: certified birth certificate, photo ID, and proof of residency in St. Louis County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Circuit Court of St. Louis County, Missouri — 21st Judicial Circuit (Family Court) clerk or website)
- If you cannot afford the filing fee ($135.5), complete a fee waiver form and file it alongside your petition
- File your petition online (e-filing) or in person with the Circuit Court of St. Louis County, Missouri — 21st Judicial Circuit (Family Court)
- Arrange the required newspaper publication — confirm the approved newspaper with the clerk before you publish
- No hearing is normally required for an uncontested adult petition in this county
- If approved, get certified copies of the court order — request from the circuit clerk after the judgment
- Update SSA first, then DMV, then passport, then all other records
Not legal advice: Court rules, fees, and procedures vary by county and change over time. Verify current requirements with the Circuit Court of St. Louis County, Missouri — 21st Judicial Circuit (Family Court) clerk before filing.