Legal Name & Gender Changes
Step-by-step guides for updating your legal documents in Missouri and Illinois. We can help you navigate the process or do it alongside you.
Back to Health & LegalName Change (Missouri)
In Missouri, you can change your legal name through the circuit court in the county where you live. Here's the step-by-step process.
File a Petition
File a Petition for Change of Name with the circuit court in your county. You'll need to provide your current legal name, desired new name, and reason for the change.
Pay Filing Fee
Filing fees vary by county but are typically $50-150. If you cannot afford the fee, you can file a Motion to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (fee waiver).
Attend Your Hearing
You'll receive a court date (usually 4-8 weeks out). Attend the hearing where a judge will review your petition. Most hearings are brief and straightforward.
Get Certified Copies
Once approved, order several certified copies of your court order. You'll need these to update other documents like your driver's license, Social Security, and bank accounts.
Sealing Your Records
Missouri allows you to request that your name change records be sealed. This prevents your old name from appearing in public court records. Ask the court about this option when filing.
Gender Marker Changes
Gender marker update requirements vary by document type and issuing state. Here's what's currently possible in Missouri.
Missouri Law Update
Missouri's policies on gender marker changes have been changing. Current options may be limited compared to other states. Contact us for the most up-to-date information on what's possible.
Federal Documents
- Passport - Self-attestation, no medical documentation required
- Social Security - Updated with passport or court order
State Documents
- Driver's License - Contact us for current requirements
- Birth Certificate - Depends on state of birth
Driver's License
Missouri
To update your name:
- • Certified court order for name change
- • Current driver's license
- • Social Security card with new name
- • Visit any Missouri DMV
For gender marker updates, contact us for current requirements.
Illinois
To update your name and/or gender:
- • Court order for name change
- • For gender: self-attestation form available
- • X gender marker option available
- • Visit any Illinois Secretary of State facility
Illinois has more flexible options for gender marker updates.
Birth Certificate
Birth certificate changes depend on the state where you were born, not where you currently live. Each state has different requirements.
Born in Missouri
Missouri requires a court order to change the name on your birth certificate. Gender marker changes have additional requirements—contact us for current policies.
Amendments are processed through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
Born in Illinois
Illinois allows both name and gender marker changes with a court order. A new certificate can be issued (not just amended), and X gender marker is available.
Processed through the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Born in Another State?
Requirements vary widely by state. Some states have straightforward processes, others are more difficult. We can help you research your birth state's requirements and guide you through the process.
Passport
U.S. passports are one of the easiest documents to update. No medical documentation is required for gender marker changes.
Self-Attestation
You can update your gender marker by simply selecting M, F, or X on your application. No doctor's letter or court order required.
Name Changes
To change your name, you'll need a certified court order. You can update name and gender at the same time.
X Gender Marker
The X (unspecified) gender marker is available on all U.S. passports.
Don't Forget Social Security
After getting your name change court order, update your Social Security record. You'll need your new SS card before updating your driver's license. Visit any Social Security office with your court order and current ID.
Gender marker updates at SSA require either a passport, birth certificate, or court order showing your gender.