Name Change

YOUR STATE NAME - Missouri
how do i change my name to my birth name. i've always used my step-father's name even though he didn't legally adopt me. all documents except for my birth certificate are in the step name. i want to completely drop the stepname and use my birth name.
new message-
thank you tmontz. yes, the only document that i have in my birth name is my birth certificate. and you're right i shouldn't have been issued a ss card in the step father's name. it was the social security office's mistake 21 years ago. when i talk to them they aren't a whole lot of help. i would like to be able to accomplish this change without spending money.

You say that all documents EXCEPT for your birth certificate have your step fathers last name. Does that include your social security card as well? I don't see how you could get that done because I thought you had to bring a copy of your birth certificate, or marriage lisence to have a new one issued. Your LEGAL name is the one on your birth certificate so therefore, you shouldn't have to do anything. Then again, you didn't say what type of documents have the step fathers last name on them.I would think you could just start using the last name you were given when you were born and that's it.

They never change the original name on the birth certificate that I know of. Check with your local county clerks office- they will have all the information that you need- including whether a legal name change was ever filed for you. You will need 2 or 3 forms of ID I believe but check with them on that.