Legal Name Change in Mississippi: Court-Ordered Process
Petition the Chancery Court for a name change. We’ll fill out the petition + every follow-up form for free.
A court-ordered name change in Mississippi uses a generic Petition for Change of Name filed at your county Chancery Court. Filing fees run $100-$200; newspaper publication runs $50-$150 over one week; certified copies $5-$10 each. Total typical: $150-$400. The process takes 4-8 weeks from filing to your signed decree. We fill out all the forms — petition, notice of publication, proposed decree — and walk you through Social Security, passport, DMV updates after the hearing.
Mississippi Name Change Forms
Mississippi does not publish statewide name-change forms — each chancery court accepts a petition drafted to local requirements. Some counties provide templates; others require a self-drafted petition.
Current name, requested new name, reason, residency declaration, statement that you’re not evading creditors. Notarized signature.
Newspaper notice of your petition. The chancery clerk supplies the format and acceptable newspapers.
Order for the chancellor to sign. Becomes your legal proof of name change once entered.
If you can’t afford the $100-$200 filing fee. Some counties grant waivers based on financial hardship.
Step-by-Step Mississippi Name Change Process
Same 4-step path in every chancery court, with local variation in fees and forms.
Step 1: File Your Petition with the Chancery Court
File your name change petition in the chancery court of the county where you live. If you’re not a Mississippi resident, you can file in any chancery court district in the state.
Your petition must include your current name, requested new name, reason for the change, and confirmation that you’re not seeking the change to evade debts or legal obligations. Some counties also require a notarized signature, a copy of your photo ID, and a certified copy of your birth certificate.
Filing fees range from $100-$200 by county. Contact your specific county’s chancery clerk for exact fees and accepted forms. Some counties provide a template petition; others require you to draft your own following legal formatting requirements.
Step 2: Publish Notice (1 Week)
Most Mississippi counties require publishing notice of your petition in a local newspaper of general circulation for one week. Cost: $50-$150 depending on the newspaper.
The notice gives creditors or other interested parties a chance to object. The court clerk will provide specific instructions about which newspapers are acceptable and the required format. The notice must include your current name, requested new name, the court and case number, and information about when and how to object.
Publication waivers are available for domestic violence survivors, gender identity name changes with safety concerns, or other compelling circumstances. File a motion requesting a waiver and provide supporting evidence such as protective orders or police reports.
Step 3: Attend Your Court Hearing
The chancery court schedules a hearing 2-4 weeks after filing, after the publication period ends. Brief proceeding, typically 5-10 minutes. The chancellor verifies your identity and reasons.
Bring: photo ID (driver’s license or passport), proof of publication (affidavit from the newspaper), supporting documents explaining your reason, and copies of your filed petition.
Common questions the chancellor will ask:
- What is your current legal name and where do you live?
- Why do you want to change your name?
- Are you trying to avoid any debts or legal obligations?
- Do you understand this name change is permanent unless you petition again?
Be honest and direct. Valid reasons include personal preference, gender identity affirmation, religious or cultural reasons, escaping harassment, or family reasons. Mississippi chancellors rarely deny requests unless there’s evidence of fraudulent intent. Dress professionally and arrive early to find parking and the correct courtroom.
If anyone objects (rare), the court schedules a hearing to consider the objection. Most name changes don’t face objections, and frivolous objections are usually dismissed.
Step 4: Get Your Certified Decree
Once the chancellor approves, you receive a signed Decree of Name Change. Request 5-10 certified copies from the chancery clerk immediately — $5-$10 each.
After Your Court Order: Updating Your Documents
Federal first. Social Security, then everything else cascades.
Show 6-step update checklist
Form SS-5 with certified decree. Free, 2-4 weeks. Required first.
DS-82 ($130, decree <1 year old) or DS-11 ($160). 6-8 weeks.
Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Bring decree + new SS card to update your driver’s license.
Contact your county circuit clerk. Free.
Form 8822 by mail. Free. Important before tax season.
Decree + new license at branch. Same day.
Special Situations in Mississippi
Mississippi has specific procedures for minors, gender identity, and domestic violence survivors.
Show special situations (minors / gender / DV)
Minor Children Name Changes
Mississippi Code Section 41-57-23 requires chancery court proceedings with the State Board of Health as a respondent. Both parents typically must consent unless one parent’s rights have been terminated.
- File the petition in chancery court — same court as adult name changes
- State Board of Health as respondent — required by Mississippi statute for minor surname changes
- Both parents must consent — unless one parent’s rights are terminated
- Court hearing with the minor present — if age-appropriate
See our minor name change guide for the full process.
Gender Identity Name Changes
Mississippi follows the same legal name change process for individuals changing their names for gender identity reasons. Federal courts have generally held that denying name changes solely based on gender identity violates due process rights.
- Publication waiver available — request when safety concerns exist
- No specific state protections — but federal due process applies
- Same forms and process — as any other adult petition
- Document safety concerns — supporting evidence helps with waivers
See our gender identity name change guide.
Domestic Violence Exemptions
Survivors of domestic violence or stalking can request publication waivers and confidentiality protections from the chancery court.
- Publication waiver — file a motion explaining how publication would endanger you
- Supporting documentation — protective orders or police reports help your case
- Confidentiality requests — chancellors can seal portions of the record
- Fee waivers — financial hardship requirements may be relaxed
Mississippi Name Change Cost Breakdown
Total: $150-$400 typical, depending on county and publication costs.
Show full cost table
| Expense | Mississippi Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $100-$200 | Varies by county chancery court |
| Newspaper Publication | $50-$150 | 1 week, county-approved newspaper |
| Certified Copies (5-10) | $25-$100 | $5-$10 per copy |
| DMV License Update | ~$24 | After receiving certified decree |
| Passport Renewal | $130-$160 | DS-82 or DS-11 |
| Total | $150-$400 | Before fee waivers |
Other state guides
See all 50 state legal-name-change guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a legal name change cost in Mississippi?
A Mississippi name change typically costs $150-400 total. This includes chancery court filing fees ($100-200), newspaper publication ($50-150), and certified copies of your court order ($5-10 each). Fees vary by county, so contact your local chancery clerk for exact costs.
How long does the name change process take in Mississippi?
The Mississippi legal name change process takes 4-8 weeks from filing to final court order. This includes time for publication (1 week), scheduling your hearing (2-4 weeks), and processing your court order. Some counties may move faster or slower depending on their caseload.
Do I need a lawyer for a Mississippi name change?
No, you don't need a lawyer for a straightforward Mississippi name change. Most people can handle the process themselves by filing the proper paperwork and attending their court hearing. However, you may want legal help if you're facing opposition to your petition or have complex circumstances.
Can I change my name to anything I want in Mississippi?
Mississippi courts will approve most reasonable name changes, but they can deny requests that include profanity, numbers, symbols, or names intended to defraud creditors or interfere with others' rights. Celebrity names or names that could cause confusion may also be rejected.
Do I have to publish my Mississippi name change in the newspaper?
Most Mississippi counties require publishing notice of your name change petition in a local newspaper for one week. However, courts may waive this requirement if you're a domestic violence survivor or face safety concerns. You'll need to file a motion requesting a publication waiver.
What happens if someone objects to my Mississippi name change?
If someone files an objection during the publication period, the court will schedule a hearing to consider the objection. Valid objections typically involve fraud, attempts to evade legal obligations, or interference with others' rights. Most name changes don't face objections, and frivolous objections are usually dismissed.
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We’ll generate your Petition for Change of Name, Notice of Publication, and proposed Decree — filled out and ready to sign. Plus every Social Security, passport, and DMV form for after your hearing.
Start Your Free Mississippi Court PetitionLast verified 2026-04-26 · Not legal advice · Terms · Privacy