How Do I Legally Change My Name In Virginia?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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In Virginia, an adult may change his/her name by

filing an action in the Circuit Court with appropriate forms

. The process for obtaining a name change for an adult in Virginia begins with the filing of a Petition with the Circuit Court in the jurisdiction in which the Petitioner resides.

What documents do I need to change my name in Virginia?

Bring this form to your local DMV office and present your current driver’s license. You will also need to bring two documents to prove your identification, such as a birth certificate or passport, and proof of your name change, i.e., marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

How long does it take to legally change your name?

How long does it take to legally change my name? Name change actions can take anywhere

from a day, to six (6) months (sometimes even longer)

. The time it takes for name change actions to be ordered/decreed varies not only from state to state but from county to county and courthouse to courthouse as well.

What is a good reason to change your name?

Change your name

to honor your heritage, ethnicity or for religious reasons

; and. Change your name to honor a step-parent or other person that has been special in your life; and, Create a new last name for both you and your spouse by hyphenating your surnames.

At what age can you legally change your last name?

However if there is a court order still in force forbidding you from changing your name, you’ll have to wait until you are

18 years old

. In general, children under the age of 16 years can have their name changed by anyone with parental responsibility for the child, provided everyone with parental responsibility agrees.

How do I change my name on my Social Security card in Virginia?

To change your name on your card,

you must show us documents proving your legal name change and identity

. You also must show us a document proving your U.S. citizenship, if it is not already in our records. You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them.

How do I change my name on my birth certificate in Virginia?

To apply for an updated Virginia birth certificate, a child’s parents or guardians, or the child himself if he is no longer a minor, must submit an application to amend the birth certificate to the Virginia Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, Attn: Special Services Department, P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA …

Is a marriage certificate proof of name change?

Provided your marriage certificate records both your maiden name and your partner’s surname,

the marriage certificate is sufficient evidence of your change of name

.

How do I change my name after marriage in VA?

  1. Get Your Marriage License and Get Married. …
  2. Obtain Certified Copies of Your Marriage License. …
  3. Use Your Certified Copies to Change Your Last Name.

What are the consequences of changing your name?

You probably expect to need to update your Social Security information and your credit cards, but there are plenty of other people who need to know about your new name as well. “

A name change can have an impact on your taxes

. All the names on your tax return must match Social Security Administration records.

What is the easiest state to change your name?

Easiest States To Change Your Name

Still, every state except Hawaii will provide you with a Court Order that can be used to make changes with your ID and Official Records. Because of Full Service, by EZ Name Change,

California’s

process is considered one of the easiest and surest ways to get a name legally changed.

How do you change your name for free?


The Social Security Administration has its own form which you can get for free

. The good folks at SSI will also let the IRS know about the name change, so you’re good to go. When you go to the DMV, you’ll just need to bring the certified copy of the marriage certificate and you’ll be done.

Is it hard to change your name?


The process of changing your name is not difficult however it requires a tedious effort to do so

. There are many steps, which can be slow at times, that are required to successfully change your name. It’s easy to change your name in social settings, all you have to do is introduce yourself with your desired name.

Will changing your name affect your credit score?

Will Changing Your Name Affect Your Credit?

Changing your name will not impact your credit

. Your credit reports use multiple pieces of identification information, including your Social Security number, to compile your credit history.

What are the pros and cons of changing your name?

  • Pro: You have all of the options you could ever want.
  • Con: It’s not free.
  • Pro: You can leave behind a trendy name.
  • Con: You have to tell everyone about the change.
  • The legal process.

How much does it cost to change your name?

What Fees Are Involved To Change a Name? Name changes cost anywhere from

under $100 to more than $500

, depending on your state. In many states, fees vary in each county, so check with your local probate, family, or district court clerk. Many states still have fees well under $100.

Can a 16 year old change their last name?

Once you’re 16 years old,

it’s legally your own decision to change your name

.

Can a 16 year old change their surname?

16 and 17-year-olds should change their own name — using an adult deed poll.

Generally speaking, 16 and 17-year-olds can change their name without the consent of their parents / guardians

, but there are certain situations where they’ll still need the consent of everyone with parental responsibility for them.

Is there a deadline for name change after marriage?

Is there a deadline for a name change after marriage?

No. Your marriage certificate doesn’t expire.

How long does it take for Social Security to change your name?

While you must provide the SSA with several documents and the completed SSA Form SS-5, the process is simple and takes only

a few weeks

to get a new card. Once you’ve changed your Social Security card to your new name, you can make changes to other documents, such as your driver’s license, much more easily.

What do you do if your Social Security number doesn’t match your name?

If it does not match,

ask your employee to provide you with the exact information as it is shown on the employee’s Social Security card

. If the information matches the employee’s card, ask your employee to check with any local Social Security office to resolve the issue.

Is Vital Chek legit?

For 25 years,

VitalChek has been an official, government-authorized service

for citizens to securely order certified birth certificates and other vital records from official government agencies nationwide.

Can I change my name on my child’s birth certificate?


A child’s birth certificate can only be changed in limited circumstances

. You can change your child’s name by simply starting to use the new name without changing any official paperwork. You do not have to formally change the name, although you may find it useful to do so.

How do I remove father’s name from birth certificate in Virginia?

To remove a name, you’ll need to

fill out the form and provide a copy of a court order (like your judgment of divorce), or a court determination of non-paternity

. Other states require you to file a legal request through the court before you can modify the birth certificate.

Maria LaPaige
Author
Maria LaPaige
Maria is a parenting expert and mother of three. She has written several books on parenting and child development, and has been featured in various parenting magazines. Maria's practical approach to family life has helped many parents navigate the ups and downs of raising children.