Circuit Court Clerk

Name Change Procedure
for an Adult

Users of these forms are instructed to consult personally Virginia Code Section 8.01-217 and any other applicable Code Sections. These forms are not provided as or intended to replace legal assistance.

No guarantee of any kind is given regarding their application to any particular case. No warranties are given, and the user waives all warranties, including but not limited to the implied warranty of merchantability.

You are advised to consult an attorney in the matter. To locate an attorney available to assist you, please call Virginia Lawyer's Referral Service (10800-552-7977) or the Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association Lawyers Referral Service (757) 623-0132. 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 to give you legal advice or assistance.

STEP ONE:

1. A name change may not be sought for any fraudulent purpose or if it will infringe upon the rights of another.

2. You must submit the Name Change to the Circuit Court of the City/County in which you live.

3. Read the description page and choose the section of sample forms which applies to your situation. If none of the descriptions apply to you, then you should not use these forms.

STEP TWO: CHECK LIST

1. __ Complete Petition and Order in your package.

2. __ Petition must be notarized and provide (2) copies

3. __ Must also include a photocopy of Birth Certificate and Marriage License (if applicable)

4. __ The filing fee is $39.00 made payable to Chesapeake Circuit Court.

5. __ If mailing application send to: CHESAPEAKE CIRCUIT COURT, CIVIL DIVISION, 307 ALBEMARLE DRIVE, SUITE 300A, CHESAPEAKE, VA 23320.

6. __ Enclose a self-addressed envelope with your petition for the return of a certified copy of your order.

The process can take from 2-3 weeks to complete, once you have received a certified copy of the Order, that can be used to make any necessary changes. (EX: DMV, BANK ACCOUNTS, ETC.)