How to Legally Change Your Name in Virginia
Filing fee, court, publication rules, official forms, and a free calculator that builds your exact steps. Last verified July 16, 2026.
An adult name change in Virginia is filed in the Circuit Court and costs about $30–$50 (typical $41, varies by county). In Virginia, no newspaper publication is required, and most cases finish in 2–8 weeks. Marriage and divorce name changes usually need no court petition — the certificate or decree is your legal proof.
Virginia Name-Change Calculator
Pick your state and situation for your exact filing fee, court, forms, and ordered steps.
Virginia name change at a glance
Every figure is verified against Virginia Circuit Court and .gov sources.
| Situation | Court | Filing fee | Publication | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage | No court needed | $0 | — | Depends on ID updates |
| Divorce | Circuit Court (through the final divorce decree) | $0 | Not required | 1–4 weeks |
| Adult petition | Circuit Court | $30–$50 | Not required | 2–8 weeks |
| Minor child | Circuit Court | $30–$50 | Not required | 2–8 weeks |
| Gender identity | Circuit Court | $30–$50 | Not required | 2–8 weeks |
Choose your situation
Take your spouse's name or hyphenate — usually no court petition needed.
No court petition
Restore your former or maiden name through the divorce decree or a short filing.
$0 · Circuit Court (through the final divorce decree)
Court petition to change an adult's name for any reason not tied to marriage or divorce.
$30–$50 · Circuit Court
Petition to change a child's name, with notice or consent rules for both parents.
$30–$50 · Circuit Court
Court name change aligned with gender identity, often with publication waivers.
$30–$50 · Circuit Court
The Virginia name-change process
Most legal name changes in Virginia that aren't tied to a marriage or divorce go through the Circuit Court. You file where you live — Circuit Court in the county or city where you live. The filing fee is $30–$50 (typical $41, varies by county), so confirm the exact amount with your county clerk before you file.
You do not have to publish a notice in a newspaper. From filing to a signed order usually takes 2–8 weeks.
Once the judge signs your order, order several certified copies right away — you'll hand one to Social Security, the DMV, and the passport agency, in that order.
For a name change to match your gender identity, Virginia treats it more privately: Virginia does not require newspaper publication for a name change, and under Virginia Code § 8.01-217 the court may order the file sealed and the hearing closed where publication or disclosure would jeopardize the applicant's safety..
After your order: who to notify
The name change isn't finished at the courthouse. Update Social Security first, then your Virginia driver's license, then your passport — in that order, because each one checks the last.
Virginia name change: FAQ
How much does a name change cost in Virginia?
Do I have to publish a name change in a newspaper in Virginia?
How long does a name change take in Virginia?
Which court handles name changes in Virginia?
What do I do after my name change is approved in Virginia?
Sources
Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:
- selfhelp.vacourts.gov/page/42/change-name-forms
- www.dmv.virginia.gov/records/personal-information-updates
See our verification methodology and themaster source list.