A name change may not be sought for any fraudulent purpose or if it will infringe upon the rights of another. You must file the name change in the Circuit Court of the county in which you live.

Adults filing a name change: please make sure you select the proper form for adults.

Petitioners who desire to change the name of their child or ward must obtain consent of both parents to change a child’s name. Make sure you select the Name Change Petition for a minor.

You are advised to consult an attorney in this matter. To locate an attorney available to assist you, please call Virginia Lawyer's Referral Service 1-800-552-7977.

If you decide to proceed on your own, you will be expected to follow the same procedures as an attorney. Please do not ask Court personnel for legal advice. Court personnel are prohibited by state law from giving you legal advice or assistance.

Name Change Forms

Forms may be picked up at the Circuit Court Clerk’s office or downloaded below.

• Name Change Forms (Adult & Minor)

A. Required Documents: Cover Sheet (form CC1416), Original Petition,
Original Order

B. Filing Fee: $39.00: The filing fee must be paid by cash, certified check, money order or personal check (no starter checks will be accepted) payable to “Clerk of Circuit Court”.

C. Filings may be Submitted in Person or by Mail.

In person: Bring your notarized Petition, Order, and filing fee to the 2nd floor New Case Filings window of the Circuit Court during normal business hours.

Or send your completed paperwork and filing fee to:

Note: Upon filing, the court will assign a Law Number to your specific case. This is the number by which the court references your case. The number should appear on all documents regarding your case, and should be used when contacting our office for information. In approximately 3 - 4 weeks, if the Judge grants your order requesting a name change, you will receive a certified copy of the order by mail.