How To Change Your Name in Virginia Without a Lawyer (Step-by-Step Guide with Costs)
How to Change Your Name in Virginia Without a Lawyer (Step-by-Step Guide with Costs)
Introduction
Changing your name in Virginia can feel confusing at first—especially if you think hiring a lawyer is the only way. The good news? Virginia law allows adults to legally change their name without an attorney, as long as you follow the correct court process.
This guide is written for everyday people—not legal professionals. Whether you’re changing your name after marriage, divorce, personal choice, or correcting a legal record, this article explains exactly how the Virginia name change process works, what it costs, how long it takes, and how to avoid common mistakes that delay approval.
⚠️ This is legal information, not legal advice.
Who Can Change Their Name in Virginia?
You can request a legal name change in Virginia if:
You are 18 years or older
You live in Virginia (county or city resident)
Your request is not for fraud, debt avoidance, or criminal reasons
You are not required to register as a violent offender (special rules apply)
Minors follow a different court process (not covered here).
Where Do You File a Name Change in Virginia?
All adult name change cases are filed in the:
🏛️ Virginia Circuit Court
File in the county or independent city where you live
Example: Fairfax County Circuit Court, Richmond City Circuit Court
Virginia does not use family court for adult name changes.
Step-by-Step: How to Change Your Name in Virginia Without a Lawyer
✅ Step 1: Prepare the Petition for Name Change
You must file a “Petition for Change of Name” with the Circuit Court.
Your petition includes:
Current legal name
Desired new name
Reason for the name change
Statement that the change is not for illegal purposes
📌 Virginia does not have a single statewide fillable form.
Most courts accept a typed petition following Virginia Code § 8.01-217.
✅ Step 2: Gather Required Documents
You’ll usually need:
Government-issued photo ID
Proof of Virginia residency
Certified birth certificate (recommended, not always required)
Some courts may request a background check for verification.
✅ Step 3: File the Petition with the Circuit Court
Go to the clerk’s office in person or check if your court allows mail filing.
💰 Filing Cost in Virginia
Item
Cost
Court filing fee
$21–$43 (varies by court)
Certified copy of order
$2–$4 per copy
Background check (if required)
$15–$20
💡 Average Total Cost: $25–$65
Virginia is one of the cheapest states for name changes.
“Pennsylvania name change process and court system.”
✅ Step 4: Judge Review (Usually No Hearing)
Most Virginia name change cases:
Do NOT require a court hearing
Are reviewed by a judge “in chambers”
If approved, the judge signs the Final Order of Name Change.
⏱️ Timeline:
2–6 weeks on average
Some counties approve within 10–14 days
✅ Step 5: Get Certified Copies of the Court Order
Ask for 2–3 certified copies.
You’ll need them to update:
Social Security
Driver’s license
Passport
Bank accounts
Updating Your Name After Court Approval
🔹 Social Security (First Step)
Free
Takes 7–14 days
🔹 Virginia DMV
Fee: $20–$32
New license issued
🔹 Passport (If applicable)
Fee varies based on passport status
Common Virginia-Specific Mistakes (Very Important)
❌ Filing in the wrong court (District Court instead of Circuit Court)
❌ Not clearly stating the reason for the name change
❌ Forgetting to request certified copies
❌ Using a name format that conflicts with SSA records
❌ Assuming publication is required (Virginia does NOT require newspaper publication)
Do You Need to Publish Your Name Change in Virginia?
✅ No.
Virginia does not require newspaper publication for adult name changes.
This makes Virginia faster and more private than many states.
Can You Change Your Name After Marriage or Divorce in Virginia?
Marriage: Use marriage certificate (court not required)
Divorce: Use divorce decree if name restoration is included
Otherwise → follow the court process above
How Long Does the Process Take in Virginia?
Stage
Time
Filing to approval
2–6 weeks
SSA update
1–2 weeks
DMV update
Same day
FAQs – Virginia Name Change
1️⃣ Can I change my name in Virginia without a lawyer?
Yes. Most adults successfully file on their own.
2️⃣ Is a court hearing required?
Usually no. Judges approve most petitions without a hearing.
3️⃣ How much does a name change cost in Virginia?
Typically $25–$65 total, depending on your court.
4️⃣ Do I need to publish my name change?
No. Virginia does not require publication.
5️⃣ Can the judge deny my request?
Yes, if it appears fraudulent or incomplete—but this is rare.
Final Thoughts
Virginia offers one of the simplest and least expensive name change processes in the U.S. With proper filing and patience, most people complete the process without legal help.
