Name Change
An application for name change is handled in the Civil Division of the Circuit Court Clerk's Office. You can check on the status of an application for name change after it is filed by visiting Virginia's Judicial System Case Information website. Remember that staff in the clerk's office cannot provide legal advice. If you represent yourself, you will be expected to follow the same procedures as an attorney.
Virginia's Judicial System Civil Forms website have the following forms and instructions to help people petition the circuit court for a name change:
Filing and service fees can be determined by using Virginia's Judicial System Circuit Court Filing Fee Calculator or by calling the Civil Division 804-365-6151. We accept cash, check or money order payable to Hanover Circuit Court Clerk. Do not send cash by mail.
If the court enters an order granting the name change, the clerk's office will send a certified copy to you or your attorney. The Virginia Code Section 8.01-217 requires the clerk to record the order in the current deed book in the clerk's office, index it in both the old and new names, and transmit a certified copy of the order and the application to the State Registrar of Vital Records and the Central Criminal Records Exchange.
Approved Forms
Virginia's Judicial System Civil Forms website have the following forms and instructions to help people petition the circuit court for a name change:
- Affidavit for Order of Publication [Form CC-1435]
- Application for Change of Name (Adult) [Form CC-1411]
- Application for Change of Name (Child) [Form CC-1427]
- Instructions for Petition for Name Change (Adult) [Instructions for CC-1411]
- Instructions for Petition for Name Change (Child) [Instructions for CC-1427]
Filing an Application for Name Change
Mailing Your Application
- An application and fees sent by mail should be addressed to:
Hanover Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Attention: Civil Division
P.O. Box 39
Hanover, VA 23069
In Person Application
- An application and fees delivered in person should be brought to the clerk's office:
- Circuit Courthouse
Second Floor
7530 County Complex Road
Hanover, VA 23069
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday
- Circuit Courthouse
Filing Online
Filing and service fees can be determined by using Virginia's Judicial System Circuit Court Filing Fee Calculator or by calling the Civil Division 804-365-6151. We accept cash, check or money order payable to Hanover Circuit Court Clerk. Do not send cash by mail.
After the Application is Filed
The clerk's office will assign a case number and receive the filing and service fees. Depending upon the type of name change application, there may be additional procedural steps that have to be taken before the court will consider the application.If the court enters an order granting the name change, the clerk's office will send a certified copy to you or your attorney. The Virginia Code Section 8.01-217 requires the clerk to record the order in the current deed book in the clerk's office, index it in both the old and new names, and transmit a certified copy of the order and the application to the State Registrar of Vital Records and the Central Criminal Records Exchange.