Name Change Information
The purpose of this information is to better inform the general public of procedural matters. Nothing contained herein is intended to advise anyone as to legal remedies for a particular circumstance. Circuit Court Clerks and their Deputy Clerks cannot render legal advice.
The following information is provided as a convenience to those interested in name changes pursuant to State Law, but it should not be construed as legal advice.
Notes:
Changing a name upon marriage does not require a Court Order.
Restoring a maiden name within the divorce proceedings will require a motion, an order and a $21.00 deed book fee.
Reverting to a maiden name after the final divorce decree requires a seperate petition. The Application for Change of Name and Order may be obtained from the Clerk's Office. The filing fee is $39.00.
Who may apply to have a name changed?
If you are an adult and regularly reside in a city or county, you may apply to the Circuit Court in the city or county in which you reside.
If you are an adult and do not have a regular residence, you may apply to any Circuit Court in Virginia.
If you are incarcerated in Virginia, you may apply to the Circuit Court in the city or county in which you are incarcerated.
If you are applying on behalf of your child, both parents must sign the petition. Absent both parents signatures, the petition is filed with a "consent" statement signed by the non-petitoning parent or a "hearing date" is requested by the petitioning parent. The petition and notice of hearing is served on the non-signing parent. If a Circuit Court Judge finds that notice to the non-petitoning parent may endanger the child, the judge may waive the requirements for notice. There will be a $24.00 dollar service fee for the application and notice of trial date.
If the non-petitioning parent objects, a hearing must be held to determine if the name change is in the best interests of the child.
Guidelines and information packets are available from the Office of the Clerk of Circuit Court. Each application must be made under oath or affirmation and will require the following information:
Address
Date and place of birth
Felony conviction record, if any
Whether you are presently incarcerated or a probationer with any Court
Former name or names, if any
Names of both parents, including mother's maiden name
What should I do if my request for a name change is granted?
If your request for a name change is granted, begin using the new name immediately.
Social Security - Complete Social Security Administration Form SS-5 and either mail or take it to your nearest social security office. Include a certified copy of your marriage record (see below) or court order granting the name change. There is no fee for filing Form SS-5. You should receive your new social security card within four weeks and your social security number will not change. For more information about changing your social security records, visit the Social Security Administration website.
Driver's License - Bring your driver's license, social security card, certified copy of your marriage record (see below) or copy of Court Order changing name to the Department of Motor Vehicles office at Crossroads Mall. There is a $5 fee for a new driver's license card. For more information about correcting your DMV records, visit the DMV website.
Voter Registration - Notify the Registrar's Office of your name change.
Personal Property - Notify the Commissioner of the Revenue of your name change within 30 days.
Address Changes - If you will also be changing your address, don't forget to notify the Registrar's Office, the Commissioner of the Revenue's Office, the U. S. Postal Service with the USPS Change of Address Form and the Internal Revenue Service with IRS Form 8822.
Other - Don't forget to notify other agencies, businesses and associates that your name has changed.