How to Change Your Name
in Virginia
Court requirements, required documents, filing fees, and a step-by-step process for legally changing your name in Virginia.
Filing Fee
$100-$200
Court fee
Timeline
4-8 weeks
To court order
Court
Circuit Court
Where you file
Virginia Name Change — Key Facts
Filing Court
Circuit Court
Where to File
File in the Circuit Court in the city or county where you have resided for at least 6 months
Filing Fee
$100-$200
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Newspaper Publication
Required
Publication Required in Virginia
Virginia requires publication of the name change order in a newspaper of general circulation published in the city or county once after the order is entered by the court.
Virginia-Specific Rule
Virginia requires publication of the name change order in a newspaper published in the city or county once after the order is granted. Virginia also requires the petitioner to have been a resident of the state for at least 6 months.
Required Documents in Virginia
Petition for Change of Name
Birth certificate (certified copy)
Government-issued photo ID
Filing fee payment
Proof of Virginia residency for at least 6 months
Affidavit of publication
6-Step Name Change Process in Virginia
Complete the Name Change Petition
File your petition in File in the Circuit Court in the city or county where you have resided for at least 6 months. The petition includes your current name, requested new name, and reason for the change.
Gather Required Documents
Collect: Petition for Change of Name, Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of Virginia residency for at least 6 months, Affidavit of publication.
Pay the Filing Fee
The filing fee in Virginia is approximately $100-$200. Ask the clerk if fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners.
Complete Newspaper Publication
Virginia requires publication of the name change order in a newspaper of general circulation published in the city or county once after the order is entered by the court.
Attend Your Court Hearing (if required)
Some Virginia courts hold brief hearings for name change petitions. Others issue orders without a hearing if no one objects. The process typically takes 4-8 weeks total.
Update Your Records
After receiving your court order, update your Social Security card (SSA.gov), driver's license (DMV), passport, bank accounts, employer records, voter registration, and other official documents.
Frequently Asked Questions — Virginia Name Change
Where do I file for a name change in Virginia?
In Virginia, you file in the Circuit Court. File in the Circuit Court in the city or county where you have resided for at least 6 months. Make sure to bring all required documents and payment for the filing fee.
How much does a name change cost in Virginia?
The filing fee in Virginia is approximately $100-$200. If publication is required, add $50–$200 for newspaper fees. You'll also want 2–3 certified copies of your court order ($5–$20 each) to update your records.
Do I need to publish my name change in a newspaper in Virginia?
Virginia requires publication of the name change order in a newspaper of general circulation published in the city or county once after the order is entered by the court.
How long does a name change take in Virginia?
From filing to receiving your court order, expect 4-8 weeks in Virginia. After you receive the order, updating all your identification documents (SSA, DMV, passport, bank) typically takes another 2–4 weeks.
What documents do I need to change my name in Virginia?
For your name change petition in Virginia, gather: Petition for Change of Name, Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of Virginia residency for at least 6 months, Affidavit of publication. JustiPal™ provides a complete Virginia-specific document checklist.
Related Resources
Free Check
Name Change Readiness
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Name Change Intake Package
Guided intake with Virginia-specific checklist, court forms, and your complete filing packet.
- Guided intake workflow
- Virginia document checklist
- Court form preparation
- Post-order update checklist
Document preparation · Not a law firm
JustiPal™ prepares documents — we don't provide legal advice. For complex situations (criminal history, minor name changes, etc.), consult an attorney in Virginia.
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