Virginia Name Change Resources

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A name change in Virginia can come up inside a divorce, where a spouse asks to restore a former name, or as its own filing. Either way the court has to approve it in writing before the new name is official.

The official Virginia documents below cover the request. Once the order is signed, you normally take a certified copy to the agencies that hold your records.

Official Virginia name change resources

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Virginia family law forms (official index) (Virginia judicial branch): The official statewide collection of Virginia family law forms. When a direct document link stops working, this index is where the current version lives. https://www.vacourts.gov/forms/home

Virginia court self-help resources (Virginia courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own Virginia family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://selfhelp.vacourts.gov

Contact info for all Virginia courts (Virginia judicial branch): Find the courthouse or clerk that serves your area, with locations and contact details. https://www.vacourts.gov/directories/rule115

VJEFS (Supreme Court of Virginia): Virginia's VJEFS e-filing is restricted to Virginia attorneys and their staff. If you are representing yourself, file your papers on paper with the clerk. https://www.vacourts.gov/online/vjefs/home

Verified official Virginia name change documents

These official documents are what Virginia publishes for a name change request.

CC-1411 Application for Change of Name, form CC-1411 (Name Change), official document: https://www.vacourts.gov/static/forms/circuit/cc1411.pdf

CC-1427 Application for Change of Name, form CC-1427 (Name Change), official document: https://www.vacourts.gov/static/forms/circuit/cc1427.pdf

Official link data for Virginia was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.

Frequently asked questions

Can I restore my former name in the divorce itself?

In many states yes, if you ask for it before the final order is entered. Ask early, because reopening the case later is more work than including it up front.

What do I do after the judge signs it?

Get certified copies of the order and take them to the agencies that hold your records. Each agency has its own process.