NEXT STEPS AFTER COURT APPROVAL

Anything that needs to be changed can be changed by showing a certified copy of the judge-signed Judgment (also known as an Order) for legal name change. We have listed documents that may need to be changed based on lived experiences. Some of them, we have given specific instructions on how to get the documents and gender marker changed.

You can use our Post Name Change Checklist to help you keep track of your progress!

Birth Certificate

Birth certificates are frequently used as a document to prove age and identity, so it is important your birth certificate reflects your name.  You also need the birth certificate in order to get the "Real" ID.  We believe that in the coming years everyone will need a "Real" ID to vote in future elections, enter some government buildings, and board airplanes.


The birth certificate can be updated in person or by mail.

You will need:

Next, head into the Department of Vital Records and present your documentation while stating you need to make an amendment to your birth certificate due to a name change.

Additional Help
For people in Missouri who need additional help paying for a birth certificate or navigating the processes to obtain an out-of-state birth certificate, we recommend you reach out to our FREE partner organizations in the Missouri State ID Access Coalition. Go to their website and click "Get ID Help" in the menu for a list of ID programs by city.

Marriage License and Real Estate Deeds

If you were already married before your changed your legal name through a court order/judgment, you may want to update your name on your existing Marriage License, although this might not be necessary for everyone.
If you already owned Real Estate (house/land/etc.) when you changed your name, you should update your name on your Deed or Title documents.

Marriage Licenses and Real Estate Deeds are typically controlled by each county's Recorder of Deeds.

Updating records with the Recorder of Deeds generally requires you to submit a signed and notarized Affidavit containing the details of the change that you wish to make to the records.
There is often a fee associated with recording these changes. (Approximately $15-$45)
You may also have to pay a small fee for them to search for the "Book" and "Page" number on which your existing records are recorded. If you can find the original version of the document in your records, that could save you the search fee.

You should be able to simply Google the relevant county's Recorder of Deeds website, find their office phone number, and call to ask them what they you need to do to update your legal name on the record.
If they do not offer you a standard form for an Affidavit, you can try this template Affidavit of Name Change.

Social Security Card

Updating your name on your Social Security Card is an important early step soon after your name change approval. The amended Social Security Card will be useful as a proof of age and secondary form of identification when working to update other aspects of your life.

You will need:

Some offices allow correction and replacement requests to be completed by mail or online while others will require you to bring documentation in person. Contact your local Social Security office, which can be determined here.

The Social Security Administration's website has a tool to help you determine if you can complete the SSA's name change process entirely online. Answer the questionnaire here.

State ID or Driver's License

If you cannot afford the cost of the State ID, there are resources to pay for State IDs in St. Louis City and Missouri. 

Additional Help
For people in Missouri who need additional help paying for a Missouri ID or navigating the processes to obtain a new Missouri ID, we recommend you reach out to our FREE partner organizations in the Missouri State ID Access Coalition. Go to their website and click "Get ID Help" in the menu for a list of ID programs by city.

Passport

Whether your passport is used for travel, identification, I-9 employment verification, or anything else, it is imperative that the passport reflects your name change. Important documents and steps are listed below.

If your passport was issued in the last year, you will need to complete, gather and mail the following documents:

Mail these documents through USPS to :
National Passport Processing Center
P.O. Box 90107
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0107 


If your passport was issued more than one year ago, you will need to complete, gather and mail the following documents:

Mail these documents to:
National Passport Processing Center
P.O. Box 90155
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 

Employment/Career

Think of any website or documents you have marketed yourself and your skills.


Governmental Agencies

There are several governmental agencies that will need to be contacted to update your name to ensure you receive proper service.


Financial Agencies

Think of any places you have open accounts, loans, debts, or assets you will need to access.


Housing

There are many moving parts to owning, renting, or staying in a home, all of which are likely linked to your name.


Medical Care

Any type of medical care and records that may be used in the future could reflect or be notified of your  name change.

Personal Legal Documents

Think of end-of-life documents and other legal declarations.