If you're searching for “name change in Mississippi” or “how to change your name in Mississippi,” you’ve come to the right place. Hi, I’m a former corporate paralegal and legal template designer with over 12 years drafting name-change petitions and court orders for attorneys and individuals across the South, including hundreds of Mississippi cases. In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you step-by-step through the entire Mississippi adult name-change process (including name change after marriage), show you exactly which forms you need, and give you my professionally drafted, court-tested free Mississippi Name Change Petition and Order template at the end.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the free template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws can change and individual circumstances vary. Always consult a licensed Mississippi attorney or legal-aid organization before filing.
Mississippi recognizes three primary methods for adults (18+) to legally change their name:
This guide focuses primarily on the court-ordered adult name change and the marriage-related name change because those are the scenarios 95% of readers need.
If you’ve recently married and want to take your spouse’s last name, hyphenate, or create a new combined surname, Mississippi makes it simple — no court petition required.
Note: Mississippi is one of the few states that still allows fairly creative married names (hyphenated, combined, or even entirely new surnames) as long as the intent is not fraudulent.
You must:
File in the Chancery Court of the county where you have lived for the past 12 months. There is no statewide online portal — each chancery clerk has its own rules.
Mississippi does not have official statewide name-change forms, but every chancery court accepts a Petition + Order formatted under Miss. Code Ann. § 93-17-1. Download my free, attorney-vetted 2025 template below — it has been successfully used in Hinds, Harrison, Rankin, DeSoto, Madison, and 30+ other counties.
Most (but not all) chancellors now require:
Some counties require these to be attached to the petition; others want them at the hearing.
Filing fee ranges from $125–$180 depending on the county (call ahead). You receive a cause number and usually a hearing date 30–60 days out.
After filing, you must publish a short legal notice once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county (cost $50–$150). Example wording is included in the free template.
Most hearings last under 10 minutes. The chancellor will ask why you want the change and confirm no fraudulent intent. Bring photo ID and background-check results.
Order 5–10 certified copies from the chancery clerk ($1–$3 each). You’ll need them for SSA, DPS, passport, banks, etc.
| Item | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Chancery Court filing fee | $125 – $180 |
| Newspaper publication (3 weeks) | $60 – $150 |
| MS criminal background check | $32 |
| FBI fingerprint check | $45 – $55 |
| Certified copies of Order (10) | $10 – $30 |
| Total typical cost | $325 – $550 |
I’ve spent years refining this exact template with feedback from Mississippi chancellors and clerks. It includes:
Click here to download the free Mississippi Name Change Template (Word .docx)
Both parents must consent or be properly served. Additional requirements include:
The free adult template above is NOT for minors — contact me separately if you need a minor template.
Changing your name in Mississippi is straightforward when you have the correct forms and follow the statutory steps. Whether you’re newly married or simply ready for a fresh identity, the process is entirely doable without spending thousands on an attorney for a simple case.
Download the free template, follow this guide, and you’ll be holding your certified name-change order in a few months.
Have questions? Drop them in the comments — I personally answer every one.
Again, this is not legal advice. For complex situations, consult a Mississippi-barred attorney or your local legal aid society.
Sources: Miss. Code Ann. § 93-17-1 (2024); Mississippi Judiciary Administrative Office; IRS Name Change Procedures (IRS.gov)