Name Change

Name Change filings are processed in the Circuit Court Clerk's Civil Office, room 314.

General Information

In order to initiate a name change, a notarized application prepared in accordance with the Code of Virginia and Rules of the Virginia Supreme Court must be filed. The petitioner must also provide an order for consideration by the judge. The application and order for adult (CC-1411) and minor (CC-1427) are available on this page.

File with the Clerk the original petition and order with a stamped self-addressed envelope for a copy of the signed name change order.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I legally change my name?
As an adult you may petition the Circuit Court in the county where you live. The court will determine whether good cause exists under the circumstances alleged in the petition. Pursuant to Virginia Code § 8.01-217 the following are required in the application:

The application must be made under oath. The petitioner must swear to the truth of the allegations in the petition after having been placed under oath by a Notary or Deputy Clerk and they must acknowledge that the oath is given in their presences;
Your place of residence;
The full names (first, middle and last) of your parents including the maiden name of your mother;
Your birth date and your place of birth;
Your felony conviction record if any. If none, that must be stated;
Whether you are presently incarcerated or a probationer with any court (if not, that must be stated);
Whether your name has been previously changed (if so, list your former names as a result of marriage, divorce, court order, etc.);
The reason you are seeking a name change (marriage, divorce, etc.).
Sign application with your current name (not the name you are requesting) in front of a Notary or Deputy Clerk.

How do I legally change the name of my minor child?

Both parents of a minor child must petition the Circuit Court in the county in which the child resides. In the event only one parent petitions the court, they must provide adequate proof to the court that the other parent is not required to sign (i.e. an order of termination of parental rights, a death certificate or an affidavit and order that due diligence was used to locate the other parent without success (Service by Publication). The court will determine whether good cause exists under the circumstances alleged in the petition and whether the name change is in the best interest of the child. Pursuant to Virginia Code § 8.01-217 the following are required in the petition:

The application must be made under oath by the parents. The petitioner(s) must swear to the truth of the allegations in the petition after having been placed under oath by a Notary or Deputy Clerk and they must acknowledge the oath is given in their presence;
The place of residence of the minor child;
The full names (first, middle and last) of both parents including the maiden name of the mother of the minor child;
The birth date and birth place of the minor child;
The felony conviction record of the minor child. If none that must be stated;
Whether the minor child is presently incarcerated or a probationer with any court (if not that must be stated);
Whether the name of the minor child has been previously changed. If so, list the former name(s) (first, middle and last);
The reason you are seeking a name change for the minor child
If both parents submit the petition jointly both parents must sign the petition under oath.

In the event that only one parent files the application for name change of a minor, the parent that does not join in the application must be served with notice of the application. If he or she objects, a hearing before the judge must be scheduled. If a name change for a minor is allowed, it DOES NOT terminate any of the legal parental rights of a parent.

What should I do after I get my name changed?
The Clerk's Office will send you one certified copy of the Order changing your name. If you need additional certified copies please complete a Copy Request Form (see fee schedule below). A copy of the Name Change Order will be forwarded to Vital Records by the court. It is your responsibility to contact the Social Security office (Social Security should notify the IRS, however it is recommended to make sure their records are updated); DMV and any other businesses, institutions or people that need to be notified.

Sample Forms

Fees

Filing	$41.00 cash or check payable to "Clerk of Circuit Court"; we also accept debit/credit cards (a convenience fee of $2.00 is applied to each debit/credit car card transaction)
Postage	$.75 additional fee for postage to mail a certified copy of the final name change order
Copies	$ .50 per page
Certification	$2.00 per document

Please notify the Circuit Court Clerk's Office by email if you find that any of the links on this page do not work.