Mississippi Name Change Petition — Your Filing Guide

What This Document Does

This petition asks the Chancery Court to legally change your name. Once approved, you can update your ID, Social Security card, and other records to reflect your new name.

When to Use This

• You want to legally change your name for personal, professional, or religious reasons
• You're affirming your gender identity
• You were adopted and want to change your name
• You want to change your name after divorce (separately from the divorce)
• Any other legitimate reason

Before You File

Gather These Documents:

• [ ] Certified copy of your birth certificate
• [ ] Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID)
• [ ] Proof of Mississippi residency (utility bill, lease, voter registration)
• [ ] If married: marriage certificate
• [ ] If divorced: divorce decree
• [ ] $100-150 filing fee OR fee waiver request

Know the Requirements:

• You must be a Mississippi resident
• You must be at least 18 years old (minors need parental consent)
• You cannot change your name for fraudulent or illegal purposes
• If you have a criminal history, the court may ask additional questions

Step-by-Step Filing

Step 1: Complete the Petition

Fill in every blank:

1. Your current name — exactly as it appears on your ID
2. Your new name — the exact name you want
3. Your personal information — date of birth, address, Social Security number
4. Your reason — explain why you want to change your name
5. Criminal history — disclose any convictions honestly
6. Family information — parents, spouse, children

Step 2: Make Copies

Make 2 copies:

• Original for the court
• 1 copy for yourself

Step 3: Have Your Signature Notarized

The petition must be notarized. Find a notary at:

• Banks (often free for customers)
• UPS Store or FedEx Office
• Attorney's office
• Some public libraries

Bring government-issued photo ID.

Step 4: File with the Chancery Court

Where to file:

File in the Chancery Court of the county where you live.

Major Courts:

• Hinds County (Jackson): 316 South President Street, Jackson, MS 39201
• Harrison County (Gulfport): 1801 23rd Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501
• Rankin County (Brandon): 2190 Highway 468 West, Brandon, MS 39042
• De Soto County (Southaven): 2535 Highway 51 South, Hernando, MS 38632
• Madison County (Canton): 128 West North Street, Canton, MS 39046

Bring:

• Completed petition (notarized)
• Photo ID
• Proof of residency
• Birth certificate
• Filing fee ($100-150)

Step 5: Attend Your Hearing

Most Mississippi counties require a hearing. The court will schedule it after you file.

Bring:

• Your filed petition
• Government-issued ID
• Birth certificate
• Proof of residency

What to say:

• "Your Honor, I am [CURRENT NAME]. I filed a petition for name change on [DATE]."
• "I am requesting that my name be changed to [NEW NAME]."
• "I am not changing my name for any fraudulent or illegal purpose."

Step 6: Get Certified Copies

If approved, get certified copies of the court order (approximately $5-10 each). You'll need multiple copies for:

• Social Security Administration
• Mississippi DPS (driver's license)
• Banks
• Employer
• Schools

After Your Name Change

Update Your Social Security Card

1. Complete Form SS-5 (available at ssa.gov)
2. Bring: certified court order, current ID, birth certificate
3. Visit your local Social Security office
4. New card is free and arrives in 1-2 weeks

Update Your Driver's License

1. Visit the Mississippi DPS within 30 days
2. Bring: certified court order, current license, Social Security card with new name
3. Pay the amendment fee (approximately $20-30)

Update Your Birth Certificate (If Born in MS)

1. Contact Mississippi Department of Health, Vital Records
2. Submit certified court order
3. Fee: approximately $15-25

Update Other Records

• Banks and financial institutions
• Employer and payroll
• Insurance companies
• Schools and universities
• Passport (if applicable)
• Voter registration
• Professional licenses

Special Situations

Name Change for a Minor

Additional requirements:

• Both parents must usually consent
• If one parent objects, the court holds a hearing
• The court considers the "best interests of the child"
• If the other parent cannot be located, you must prove you tried to find them

If You Have a Criminal History

The court may ask additional questions. Be prepared to:

• Explain your rehabilitation
• Show how you've changed
• Explain why the name change is legitimate

Warning: If you're changing your name to avoid creditors or law enforcement, your petition will be denied.

Timeline

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take?

A: Approximately 4-8 weeks from filing to getting your court order.

Q: Do I have to publish notice?

A: Mississippi does not require publication for adult name changes unless specifically ordered by the court.

Q: Can I change my child's name?

A: Yes, but both parents must usually consent. If not, the court holds a hearing.

Q: Will my criminal record disappear?

A: No. A name change does NOT erase your criminal record or legal obligations.

Q: Can I change my first, middle, AND last name?

A: Yes. You can change any or all parts of your name.

Q: What if someone objects?

A: The court holds a hearing to consider the objection. Most name changes proceed unless there's fraud involved.

Legal Aid Resources

If you need free legal help:

• Mississippi Center for Legal Services: (601) 948-4755
• North Mississippi Rural Legal Services: (662) 234-8211
• South Mississippi Legal Services: (228) 864-5678
• LSC Finder: https://www.lsc.gov/about-lsc/what-legal-aid/find-legal-aid

Disclaimer

This guide and the petition template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Name change procedures may vary by county. For legal advice specific to your situation, contact a licensed attorney or the legal aid organizations above.

Not a law firm. Not your attorney. No attorney-client relationship exists.