Name Change

Pursuant to § 8.01-217 of the Code of Virginia, any person desiring to change his own name, or that of his child or ward, may apply to the circuit court of the county or city in which the person whose name is to be changed resides. Each applicant must state under oath that the name change is not sought for any fraudulent purposes and will not infringe upon the rights of others.

In case of a minor who has no living parent or guardian, the application may be made by his next friend. In case of a minor who has both parents living, the parent who does not join in the application shall be served with reasonable notice of the application pursuant to § 8.01-296 and, should such parent object to the change of name, a hearing shall be held to determine whether the change of name is in the best interest of the minor.

Adult Name Change Instructions

Submit all of the following together to the Clerk of the Circuit Court:

  • $37 filing fee
  • Completed application for Change of Name - Adult Form CC-1411 (PDF)
  • Driver’s License or Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Identification Card (the Clerk’s Office will make necessary copy)
  • Divorce Decree (certified by the court which entered the decree) if reason for name change request is due to divorce
  • Marriage license or any Order (certified by the Court which entered the order) that granted any previous name change during your lifetime (This court requires a complete history of your name(s))
  • Applicant’s daytime phone number

Minor Name Change Instructions

Submit all of the following together to the Clerk of the Circuit Court:

  • $37 filing fee
  • Completed application for Change of Name - Minor Form CC-1427 (PDF)
  • Birth Certificate of minor (the Clerk’s Office will make necessary copy)
  • Driver’s License or DMV Identification Card of the Petitioner (the Clerk’s Office will make necessary copy)
  • Consent to name change by noncustodial parent, if applicable

Note: The applicant must sign the application in the presence of a Notary or while in the Circuit Court in the presence of a Deputy Clerk. There is no extra fee if choosing to have the Name Change Order spread under the current deed book if the name change is not related to a recent divorce. The $37 filing fee will cover the recording fee in this case.