Changing names legally, be it your surname or full name, is a process various people go through for one or more reasons. Every country or state has its laws regarding name change that need to be followed. If you want to change your name in Missouri, you are required to file a name change form.
Let’s know more about the process of name change in Missouri in this article.
The following point should be covered in your name change form Missouri:
- An attestation declaring that the name change is not being requested to conduct fraud or a crime.
- Sign on a notarized form consenting to the current name change or be present at the hearing date if you are a minor.
- Previous name.
- New name.
What Is a Missouri Name Change Form & How Does It Work?
Missouri name change forms are the forms that need to be filled with the necessary information as a primary step for changing your name. Having a name change form Missouri also eliminates the trouble of hiring an attorney.
How to Legally Change Your Name in Missouri?
For name change Missouri, follow the series of steps mentioned below:
- File a petition
The very first step is to download the Form CAFC401 and fill it out except the page no. 4. You should provide all the required personal information and reasons for the name change.
- Get the petition notarized
Once you have filled the form, you need to get it notarized at the notary public, that is when page no. 4 will be filled. Your signature will be witnessed and verified. Also, you need to bring in the necessary documents like photo ID. Next, you need to get the document notarized in the presence of a notary. They will put a notary seal, their signature, and the expiry date.
You can contact the circuit court to get the process of getting your petition notarized as well. Don’t forget to get two copies of your filed petition from the court clerk.
- Attend the hearing
Missouri law also needs you to be present before the court for the hearing if the need arises.
- Publish the name change
If everything goes smoothly, your name change will be published within 20 days of your court hearing. Alternatively, you can also fill a request form for the same, too, with your circuit court.
- Reflect on social security cards
The final step needs you to get the name change reflected on your various social security cards like driving license, photo ID, and passport to make it valid.
When Do People Change Their Names in Missouri?
In Missouri, people usually change their names after marriage and divorce. They can also change their name when they want to keep their nickname as permanent. A minor can also change names in Missouri for any valid reasons.
However, if you want to change your name as a minor, the procedure is slightly different. Your parents and guardians also need to sign related forms along with a special consent form.
Missouri Name Change Requirements
You need to fulfill certain requirements for the Missouri name change. These are;
- The person should be a minor or more than 18 years of age
- The name change should not be done for fraudulent reasons
- The person has to be a resident of the county they are filling for the name change in.
These are the major requirements. Besides this, Form CAFC470 (form for Judgment of change of name), CAFC402 (petition for change of name by the parent), CA402 (petition for change of name by next friend), CAFC412 (consent of minor child’s change of name) are forms that have to be filled out for different purposes for name change in Missouri.
It is difficult to remember the number of forms required for the name change. Cocosign, thus, provides all sorts of forms and templates under a single roof to make it easy for you. It also deals with numerous other types of templates and documents. Check them out now.