1. Name Change Process in Mississippi

A. Petition for Name Change

  1. File a Petition for Name Change:

    • Where to File: You must file your petition in the Chancery Court in the county where you live.

    • Petition Form: Complete the Petition for Change of Name form, which includes:

      • Your full legal name

      • The name you wish to change to

      • Your date of birth

      • Your reason for the name change (transgender identity may be noted, but it is not required to be explained in detail)

    • Filing Fee: The filing fee is generally $120-$150, but this can vary by county.

  2. Submit Documents:

    • You may be required to provide additional documents such as:

      • Proof of identity (e.g., current ID, birth certificate)

      • A background check (though this is not always mandatory for name changes based on gender identity)

  3. Court Hearing:

    • Once you file the petition, the court will set a hearing date. You must attend the hearing, where you can provide your reasoning for the name change. In cases of gender identity, the court may require a simple explanation or confirmation that you are not seeking the name change for fraudulent reasons.

    • Possible Objections: If no one objects to the name change, the judge will issue an order granting the change.

  4. Order for Name Change:

    • After the hearing, if granted, the court will issue an Order for Name Change.

B. Update Documents

  1. Social Security Administration (SSA):

    • After receiving the court order, you must update your name with the SSA by completing Form SS-5 and providing:

      • The court order

      • Proof of identity (birth certificate, ID)

  2. Driver’s License or State ID:

    • Go to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) to update your name on your driver’s license or state ID. You will need to present:

      • The court order

      • Proof of identity (e.g., current ID)

      • Form for name change (available at DPS)

      • Fee for new license (approximately $20-$25)

  3. Other Institutions:

    • Notify banks, employers, and other institutions by providing a copy of the court order for your name change.

2. Gender Marker Change Process in Mississippi

A. Gender Marker Change on Driver’s License or State ID

  1. Required Documentation:

    • Mississippi requires a letter from a healthcare provider verifying that you are undergoing or have undergone gender-affirming care. The letter must include:

      • Confirmation of the gender identity change

      • The provider’s name and credentials

      • The statement that the change is medically appropriate

    • This letter can typically come from a physician, therapist, or other licensed medical professional familiar with gender-affirming care.

  2. Submit Application:

    • Visit the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) to apply for an updated driver’s license or state ID with the new gender marker.

    • Required Documents:

      • Letter from healthcare provider confirming your gender identity

      • Your current driver’s license or state ID

      • Application for name/gender change

      • Fee for the new driver’s license (usually around $20-$25)

B. Gender Marker Change on Birth Certificate

  1. Court Order for Gender Marker Change:

    • Mississippi does not allow for an administrative change to gender markers on birth certificates. Transgender individuals must obtain a court order for the change.

    • Procedure: File a Petition for Gender Marker Change in the Chancery Court in the county where you live. The petition must include:

      • An explanation for the request

      • Confirmation that your gender identity has been affirmed through medical treatment (such as hormone therapy or gender-affirming surgeries), though surgery is not required.

  2. Court Hearing:

    • Attend the court hearing where a judge will review the petition. If the court is satisfied with the provided documentation and reasoning, the judge will issue an Order for Gender Marker Change.

  3. Submit Court Order to Vital Records:

    • After obtaining the court order, submit it to the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) along with your birth certificate amendment form and the required fee (usually about $15-$20).

    • Processing Time: The change may take several weeks to process.

3. Summary Checklist for Mississippi

Name Change Process:

  1. File a Petition for Name Change in Chancery Court.

  2. Attend the Court Hearing and receive an Order for Name Change.

  3. Update Documents (SSA, driver’s license, other institutions).

Gender Marker Change Process:

  1. For Driver’s License/State ID:

    • Obtain a letter from a healthcare provider confirming your gender identity.

    • Submit documentation to the DPS for an updated ID or license (fee $20-$25).

  2. For Birth Certificate:

    • Obtain a Court Order for gender marker change.

    • Submit the court order to MSDH with the necessary documents (fee $15-$20).

Important Notes:

  • Surgery Not Required: Mississippi does not require individuals to have undergone surgery for a gender marker change on a driver’s license or state ID.

  • Court Order Required for Birth Certificate: A court order is mandatory for a gender marker change on the birth certificate.