Name Changes

Name Changes

The following information is provided as a convenience to those interested in name changes pursuant to state law, but it should not be construed as legal advice.

Notes:

Changing a name upon marriage does not require a court order.
Reverting to a maiden name after a divorce requires a court order if the name change was not part of the original divorce order.

Who may apply to have a name changed?

If you are an adult and regularly reside in a city or county, you may apply to the circuit court in the city or county in which you reside.
If you are an adult and do not have a regular residence, you may apply to any circuit court in Virginia.
If you are incarcerated in Virginia, you may apply to the circuit court in the city or county in which you are incarcerated.
If you are applying on behalf of your child, reasonable notice must be served to the other parent. If the other parent objects, a hearing must be held to determine if the name change is in the best interests of the child. If a circuit court judge finds that notice to the other parent may endanger the child, the judge may waive the requirement for notice.

How is application made for a name change?

Guidelines are available from the Roanoke City Law Library. Each application must be made under oath or affirmation, and will require the following information:

Address
Date and place of birth
Felony conviction record, if any
Whether you are presently incarcerated or a probationer with any court
Former name or names, if any
Names of both parents, including mother's maiden name
Fee to apply for adult name change and a child name change is $41.00, payable by cash, check or a VISA or MASTER CARD check/debit card

What should I do if my request for a name change is granted?
If your request for a name change is granted, begin using the new name immediately.

Social Security - Complete Social Security Administration Form SS-5 (this link requires the free ) and either mail it or take it to your nearest Social Security office. Include a certifed copy of your marriage record (see below). There is no fee for filing Form SS-5. You should receive your new social security card within four weeks, and your social security number will not change. (For more information about changing your social security records, click here.)
Driver's License - Bring your driver's license, social security card and a certified copy of your court order to the Department of Motor Vehicles office at Crossroads Mall. There is a $5 fee for a new driver's license card. (For more information about correcting your DMV records, click here.)
Voter Registration - Notify the Registrar's Office of your name change.
Personal Property - Notify the Commissioner of the Revenue's Office of your name change within 30 days.
Address Changes - If you will also be changing your address, don't forget to notify the Registrar's Office, the Commissioner of the Revenue's Office, the U. S. Postal Service with the USPS Change of Address Form and the Internal Revenue Service with IRS Form 8822.
Other - Don't forget to notify other agencies, businesses and associates that your name has changed.