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1. 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. In the event that a circuit court judge finds that notice to the other parent may endanger the child, the judge may waive the requirement for notice.

2. What is needed in the application for a name change?

Each application must be made under oath or affirmation, and will require the following information: address, date and place of birth, felony conviction, names (yours, parents), and whether you're presently incarcerated.

The fee to apply for adult name change and a child name change is $41, payable by cash, check or a Visa or MasterCard credit/debit card. Effective July 1, 2012, the following service fees apply if using a Visa or MasterCard credit/debit card. The service fee for charges $50 and under will be $2. The service fee for charges over $50 will be assessed at 4%.

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3. 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. For more information, view the Changing Your Name section on the Marriage License page online. Marriage License