How do I legally change my name in Virginia?

Q: How do I legally change my name in Virginia?

Virginia adult name changes are governed by Virginia Code § 8.01-217 and filed in the circuit court of the county or city of residence. 1. File the Application - Complete Form CC-1411 (Application for Change of Name). - File with the circuit court clerk ; filing fee is approximately $30 (one of the lowest in the country). - Must be a resident of Virginia. 2. No Publication Required - Virginia is unusual in that no newspaper publication is required for most adult name changes. - The clerk may, however, require additional notice if the petitioner has a felony conviction or is on a sex-offender registry. 3. Background Check - For petitioners with felony convictions, sex-offender registrants, or those incarcerated, the court must give notice to the Commonwealth's Attorney and the State Police (Va. Code § 8.01-217(D)–(E)). - Sex offenders and certain felons cannot change their names without compelling justification. 4. Hearing - Most adult uncontested petitions are decided on papers without appearance. - Judge signs the Order of Name Change . 5. After the Decree - Certified copies ($2–$3 each — among the cheapest in the U.S.). - File SSA Form SS-5 (free). - Update Virginia DL at DMV ($17), passport, voter registration, banks. 6. Divorce-Based Restoration - Va. Code § 20-121.4 allows restoration of a former name in the divorce decree or by separate application to the clerk. 7. Sealed Orders - Court may seal the order on a showing of substantial risk (Va. Code § 8.01-217(D)). This is legal information, not legal advice.

Question

Accepted Answer

Virginia adult name changes are governed by Virginia Code § 8.01-217 and filed in the circuit court of the county or city of residence.

1. File the Application

Complete Form CC-1411 (Application for Change of Name).

File with the circuit court clerk; filing fee is approximately $30 (one of the lowest in the country).

Must be a resident of Virginia.

2. No Publication Required

Virginia is unusual in that no newspaper publication is required for most adult name changes.

The clerk may, however, require additional notice if the petitioner has a felony conviction or is on a sex-offender registry.

3. Background Check

For petitioners with felony convictions, sex-offender registrants, or those incarcerated, the court must give notice to the Commonwealth's Attorney and the State Police (Va. Code § 8.01-217(D)–(E)).

Sex offenders and certain felons cannot change their names without compelling justification.

4. Hearing

Most adult uncontested petitions are decided on papers without appearance.

Judge signs the Order of Name Change.

5. After the Decree

Certified copies ($2–$3 each — among the cheapest in the U.S.).

File SSA Form SS-5 (free).

Update Virginia DL at DMV ($17), passport, voter registration, banks.

6. Divorce-Based Restoration

Va. Code § 20-121.4 allows restoration of a former name in the divorce decree or by separate application to the clerk.

7. Sealed Orders

Court may seal the order on a showing of substantial risk (Va. Code § 8.01-217(D)).

This is legal information, not legal advice.