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University of Missouri

Name Changes

Policy Related to Changing Preferred Names for Students at the University of Missouri

The student may use preferred first and middle names at Mizzou. Preferred first and middle names are used on class rosters, ID cards, transcripts and diplomas and other locations where the legal name is not required. All preferred names should be entered into myZou following the instructions. Do not use quotation marks when entering any name type.
The policy outlining the use of the name may be found at: The University of Missouri Office of the University Registrar Preferred Name Policy

The path to update a preferred name in myZou is:
Student Center>Personal Information>Names>Add a New Name.

NOTE: The Human Resource computing system overrides ID card names. If students who are employed by MU wish to have a preferred name on ID cards, they need to contact their department MU HR officer. Students who have questions may contact the University Registrar.

Policy Related to Changing Legal or Primary Names for Students and Alumni at the University of Missouri

Current or former students must submit one or more documents listed below, to change the legal name in their academic record. One of the documents submitted must have date of birth, a photograph, and a signature. If you have multiple documents that prove your legal name change, please provide copies of the documents along with the name change form, to the Office of the University Registrar.

Current students should submit this name change form and attach the required documents.

Former students should submit this form to request a name change. Select the “Information for Former Students,” link after clicking the form link. Your documents can be attached to the form.

Following is the list of acceptable documents you can submit as proof of your legal name change. One of the documents submitted must have date of birth, a photograph, and a signature. If your photo ID has not yet been updated with your new name, you must provide one additional document listed below, in addition to your government issued photo ID.

  1. Current, government-issued ID card such as a driver’s license, military ID, passport.
  2. Current, valid Social Security card with new name.
  3. Certified copy of a court order or a marriage certificate or a dissolution decree reflecting the new name in full.
  4. Federally recognized Indian tribe’s enrollment card or a US Bureau of Indian Affairs identification card containing the new name, the signature and photograph of the individual.

Policy Source: University Registrar