A Step-by-Step Process of public information and lived experiences, not legal advice, from others on what worked and did not when getting their name and gender marker legally changed in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Missouri, and Illinois.
STARTING THE PROCESS
Questions to Consider (but not Hinder)
Answering these questions can help you determine if you are ready to begin the process of changing your name and whether or not you may want to seek the help of an attorney. Many people have been able to change their legal names without an attorney.
1. Are you pretty certain about what you want for a new name, including middle name and the spellings?
2. Are you at least 18 years old?*
3. What state and county (or STL City) do you legally reside in?
4. What state were you born in?
5. Have you been convicted of a felony or do you have an open felony case?
You probably want consider an attorney for these if:
you have been convicted of a felony;
you have child support or money judgments against you currently;
or for some other reason, it may look like you are attempting to commit fraud.
*if you are 17 years old or younger, please refer to the Minor Name Change forms. The process for minors can be more complicated than the process for adults.
Video: Queer St. Louis Attorney Talks Through Missouri's Legal Name Change Process and Forms
Need a Notary?
If you need a free notary, please email us to set up a time. stlnamechange@gmail.com. Public libraries and banks also have notaries.