How to Change Your Name and Gender Marker

Mississippi law about name changes: Mississippi Code Annotated § 93-17-1 and §93-17-31



What You Need:

Name Change Petition (obtain from your county clerk’s office)

Social Security Form

Total estimated costs: $113.00.

For more information about state-issued documents in Mississippi, see the National Center for Transgender Equality’s ID Documents Center.

Steps:

Fill out the name change petition and get it notarized.

File the petition at the county clerk’s office in the county where you live and pay the $93.00 fee.

The clerk will schedule your court date. Appear on that date and if your name change is granted, you will receive your court order for a name change.

*Additional documents may be required: Driver’s license or picture ID, birth certificate or current passport, copies of current bills showing current address.

Don’t Forget: Once your name change has been approved, you will need to update this with several government agencies. This includes changing your name with the Social Security Administration and the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. You will need to change your name with Social Security Administration prior to changing it with the DPS. You will need to bring the copy of your name change order along with $20.00 for a corrected license.

Gender Marker change

Mississippi will issue an amended birth certificate upon receipt of “a certified court order, a medical statement that attests to the reassignment, and the required fee.” Miss. Code Ann. §41-57-1,

Vital records requires a court order for name change, a medical statement verifying to the reassignment (“irreversible changes to sex” is sufficient), and the required fee ($25.00). Please note that even if a court order is for both name and gender marker change, a physician’s letter must be included as well.

Mississippi Vital Records

PO Box 1700

Jackson, MS 39215

(601)206-8200

Fax: (601)-576-7505

Judy Moulder

State Registrar and Director

Public Health Statistics

jmoulder@msdh.state.ms.us

This document is intended for informational use only, and is in no way intended to constitute legal advice or the opinions of the Campaign for Southern Equality. Because the law is constantly changing, the Campaign for Southern Equality cannot guarantee that this information is accurate and up-to-date. Procedures may vary by county. If you have any questions, please consult a licensed attorney.