How to Change Your Name
in West Virginia
Court requirements, required documents, filing fees, and a step-by-step process for legally changing your name in West Virginia.
Filing Fee
$150-$200
Court fee
Timeline
4-8 weeks
To court order
Court
Circuit Court
Where you file
West Virginia Name Change — Key Facts
Filing Court
Circuit Court
Where to File
File in the Circuit Court in the county where you reside
Filing Fee
$150-$200
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Newspaper Publication
Required
Publication Required in West Virginia
West Virginia requires publication of the name change notice once a week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.
West Virginia-Specific Rule
West Virginia requires publication of the name change notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county once a week for two consecutive weeks. A hearing is then scheduled.
Required Documents in West Virginia
Petition for Change of Name
Birth certificate (certified copy)
Government-issued photo ID
Filing fee payment
Proof of West Virginia residency
Affidavit of publication
6-Step Name Change Process in West Virginia
Complete the Name Change Petition
File your petition in File in the Circuit Court in the county where you reside. 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 West Virginia residency, Affidavit of publication.
Pay the Filing Fee
The filing fee in West Virginia is approximately $150-$200. Ask the clerk if fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners.
Complete Newspaper Publication
West Virginia requires publication of the name change notice once a week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.
Attend Your Court Hearing (if required)
Some West 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 — West Virginia Name Change
Where do I file for a name change in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, you file in the Circuit Court. File in the Circuit Court in the county where you reside. Make sure to bring all required documents and payment for the filing fee.
How much does a name change cost in West Virginia?
The filing fee in West Virginia is approximately $150-$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 West Virginia?
West Virginia requires publication of the name change notice once a week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.
How long does a name change take in West Virginia?
From filing to receiving your court order, expect 4-8 weeks in West 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 West Virginia?
For your name change petition in West Virginia, gather: Petition for Change of Name, Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of West Virginia residency, Affidavit of publication. JustiPal™ provides a complete West Virginia-specific document checklist.
Related Resources
Free Check
Name Change Readiness
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Name Change Intake Package
Guided intake with West Virginia-specific checklist, court forms, and your complete filing packet.
- Guided intake workflow
- West 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 West Virginia.
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