{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/8.01-217.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/8.01-217.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/8.01-217.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/8.01-217.html"}],"law_id":73474,"edition_id":1,"section_id":73474,"structure_id":16638,"section_number":"8.01-217","catch_line":"How name of person may be changed","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 8-577.1; 1956, c. 402; 1973, c. 401; 1976, c. 115; 1977, cc. 457, 617; 1979, cc. 599, 603, 612; 1980, cc. 448, 455; 1981, c. 297; 1983, c. 335; 1985, c. 483; 1991, c. 144; 2003, c. 258; 2005, c. 579; 2014, c. 232; 2015, c. 631; 2025, cc. 206, 220.","full_text":"A\n\nAny person desiring to change his own name, or that of his child or ward, may apply therefor to the circuit court of the county or city in which the person whose name is to be changed resides, or if no place of abode exists, such person may apply to any circuit court which shall consider such application if it finds that good cause exists therefor under the circumstances alleged. An incarcerated person may apply to the circuit court of the county or city in which such person is incarcerated. In case of a minor who has no living parent or guardian, the application may be made by his next friend. In case of a minor who has both parents living, the parent who does not join in the application shall be served with reasonable notice of the application pursuant to § 8.01-296 and, should such parent object to the change of name, a hearing shall be held to determine whether the change of name is in the best interest of the minor. It shall not be necessary to effect service upon any parent who files an answer to the application. If, after application is made on behalf of a minor and an ex parte hearing is held thereon, the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that such notice would present a serious threat to the health and safety of the applicant, the court may waive such notice.B\n\nEvery application shall be under oath and shall include the place of residence of the applicant, the names of both parents, including the maiden name of his mother, the date and place of birth of the applicant, the applicant’s felony conviction record, if any, whether the applicant is a person for whom registration with the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry is required pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900 et seq.) of Title 9.1, whether the applicant is presently incarcerated or a probationer with any court, and if the applicant has previously changed his name, his former name or names.C\n\nOn any such application and hearing, if such be demanded, the court, shall, unless the evidence shows that the change of name is sought for a fraudulent purpose or would otherwise infringe upon the rights of others or, in a case involving a minor, that the change of name is not in the best interest of the minor, order a change of name.D\n\nNo application shall be accepted by a court for a change of name of a probationer, person for whom registration with the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry is required pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900 et seq.) of Title 9.1, or incarcerated person unless the court finds that good cause exists for consideration of such application under the reasons alleged in the application for the requested change of name. If the court accepts the application, the court shall mail or deliver a copy of the application to the attorney for the Commonwealth for the jurisdiction where the application was filed and the attorney for the Commonwealth for any jurisdiction in the Commonwealth where a conviction occurred that resulted in the applicant’s probation, registration with the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900 et seq.) of Title 9.1, or incarceration. The attorney for the Commonwealth where the application was filed shall be entitled to respond and represent the interests of the Commonwealth by filing a response within 30 days after the mailing or delivery of a copy of the application. The attorney for the Commonwealth shall make a reasonable effort to provide notice to the victim of the offense for which such person was required to register with the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry or such victim’s immediate family member if the victim has died. Such victim or immediate family member may appear personally or by counsel to address the court or may provide a written statement regarding the reasons the court should deny such application for a change of name. The court shall conduct a hearing on the application and may order a change of name if, after receiving and considering evidence concerning the circumstances regarding the requested change of name, the court determines that the change of name (i) would not frustrate a legitimate law-enforcement purpose, (ii) is not sought for a fraudulent purpose, and (iii) would not otherwise infringe upon the rights of others. Such order shall contain written findings stating the court’s basis for granting the order.E\n\nThe provisions of subsection D are jurisdictional and any order granting a change of name pursuant to subsection D that fails to comply with any provision of subsection D is void ab initio. The attorney for the Commonwealth for the jurisdiction where such an application was filed has the authority to bring an independent action at any time to have such order declared void. If the attorney for the Commonwealth brings an independent action to have the order declared void, notice of the action shall be served upon the person who was granted a change of name who shall have 30 days after service to respond. If the person whose name was changed files a response objecting to having the order declared void, the court shall hold a hearing. If an order granting a change of name is declared void pursuant to this subsection, or if a person is convicted of perjury pursuant to § 18.2-434 for unlawfully changing his name pursuant to § 18.2-504.1 based on conduct that violates this section, the clerk of the court entering the order or the order of conviction shall transmit a certified copy of the order to (i) the State Registrar of Vital Records, (ii) the Department of Motor Vehicles, (iii) the State Board of Elections, (iv) the Central Criminal Records Exchange, and (v) any agency or department of the Commonwealth that has issued a license to the person where such license utilizes the person’s changed name, if known to the court and identified in the court order.F\n\nThe order shall contain no identifying information other than the applicant’s former name or names, new name, and current address. The clerk of the court shall spread the order upon the current deed book in his 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. Transmittal of a copy of the order and the application to the State Registrar of Vital Records and the Central Criminal Records Exchange shall not be required of a person who changed his former name by reason of marriage and who makes application to resume a former name pursuant to § 20-121.4.G\n\nIf the applicant shall show cause to believe that in the event his change of name should become a public record, a serious threat to the health or safety of the applicant or his immediate family would exist, the chief judge of the circuit court may waive the requirement that the application be under oath or the court may order the record sealed and direct the clerk not to spread and index any orders entered in the cause, and a certified copy shall not be transmitted to the State Registrar of Vital Records or the Central Criminal Records Exchange. At such time as a name change order is received by the State Registrar of Vital Records, for a person born in the Commonwealth, together with a proper request and payment of required fees, the Registrar shall issue certifications of the amended birth record which do not reveal the former name or names of the applicant unless so ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction. Such certifications shall not be marked “amended” and show the effective date as provided in § 32.1-272. Such order shall set forth the date and place of birth of the person whose name is changed, the full names of his parents, including the maiden name of the mother and, if such person has previously changed his name, his former name or names.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":264379,"text":"Any person desiring to change his own name, or that of his child or ward, may apply therefor to the circuit court of the county or city in which the person whose name is to be changed resides, or if no place of abode exists, such person may apply to any circuit court which shall consider such application if it finds that good cause exists therefor under the circumstances alleged. An incarcerated person may apply to the circuit court of the county or city in which such person is incarcerated. In case of a minor who has no living parent or guardian, the application may be made by his next friend. In case of a minor who has both parents living, the parent who does not join in the application shall be served with reasonable notice of the application pursuant to § 8.01-296 and, should such parent object to the change of name, a hearing shall be held to determine whether the change of name is in the best interest of the minor. It shall not be necessary to effect service upon any parent who files an answer to the application. If, after application is made on behalf of a minor and an ex parte hearing is held thereon, the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that such notice would present a serious threat to the health and safety of the applicant, the court may waive such notice.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":264380,"text":"Every application shall be under oath and shall include the place of residence of the applicant, the names of both parents, including the maiden name of his mother, the date and place of birth of the applicant, the applicant’s felony conviction record, if any, whether the applicant is a person for whom registration with the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry is required pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900 et seq.) of Title 9.1, whether the applicant is presently incarcerated or a probationer with any court, and if the applicant has previously changed his name, his former name or names.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":264381,"text":"On any such application and hearing, if such be demanded, the court, shall, unless the evidence shows that the change of name is sought for a fraudulent purpose or would otherwise infringe upon the rights of others or, in a case involving a minor, that the change of name is not in the best interest of the minor, order a change of name.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":264382,"text":"No application shall be accepted by a court for a change of name of a probationer, person for whom registration with the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry is required pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900 et seq.) of Title 9.1, or incarcerated person unless the court finds that good cause exists for consideration of such application under the reasons alleged in the application for the requested change of name. If the court accepts the application, the court shall mail or deliver a copy of the application to the attorney for the Commonwealth for the jurisdiction where the application was filed and the attorney for the Commonwealth for any jurisdiction in the Commonwealth where a conviction occurred that resulted in the applicant’s probation, registration with the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900 et seq.) of Title 9.1, or incarceration. The attorney for the Commonwealth where the application was filed shall be entitled to respond and represent the interests of the Commonwealth by filing a response within 30 days after the mailing or delivery of a copy of the application. The attorney for the Commonwealth shall make a reasonable effort to provide notice to the victim of the offense for which such person was required to register with the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry or such victim’s immediate family member if the victim has died. Such victim or immediate family member may appear personally or by counsel to address the court or may provide a written statement regarding the reasons the court should deny such application for a change of name. The court shall conduct a hearing on the application and may order a change of name if, after receiving and considering evidence concerning the circumstances regarding the requested change of name, the court determines that the change of name (i) would not frustrate a legitimate law-enforcement purpose, (ii) is not sought for a fraudulent purpose, and (iii) would not otherwise infringe upon the rights of others. Such order shall contain written findings stating the court’s basis for granting the order.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":264383,"text":"The provisions of subsection D are jurisdictional and any order granting a change of name pursuant to subsection D that fails to comply with any provision of subsection D is void ab initio. The attorney for the Commonwealth for the jurisdiction where such an application was filed has the authority to bring an independent action at any time to have such order declared void. If the attorney for the Commonwealth brings an independent action to have the order declared void, notice of the action shall be served upon the person who was granted a change of name who shall have 30 days after service to respond. If the person whose name was changed files a response objecting to having the order declared void, the court shall hold a hearing. If an order granting a change of name is declared void pursuant to this subsection, or if a person is convicted of perjury pursuant to § 18.2-434 for unlawfully changing his name pursuant to § 18.2-504.1 based on conduct that violates this section, the clerk of the court entering the order or the order of conviction shall transmit a certified copy of the order to (i) the State Registrar of Vital Records, (ii) the Department of Motor Vehicles, (iii) the State Board of Elections, (iv) the Central Criminal Records Exchange, and (v) any agency or department of the Commonwealth that has issued a license to the person where such license utilizes the person’s changed name, if known to the court and identified in the court order.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"5":{"id":264384,"text":"The order shall contain no identifying information other than the applicant’s former name or names, new name, and current address. The clerk of the court shall spread the order upon the current deed book in his 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. Transmittal of a copy of the order and the application to the State Registrar of Vital Records and the Central Criminal Records Exchange shall not be required of a person who changed his former name by reason of marriage and who makes application to resume a former name pursuant to § 20-121.4.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"G"},"6":{"id":264385,"text":"If the applicant shall show cause to believe that in the event his change of name should become a public record, a serious threat to the health or safety of the applicant or his immediate family would exist, the chief judge of the circuit court may waive the requirement that the application be under oath or the court may order the record sealed and direct the clerk not to spread and index any orders entered in the cause, and a certified copy shall not be transmitted to the State Registrar of Vital Records or the Central Criminal Records Exchange. At such time as a name change order is received by the State Registrar of Vital Records, for a person born in the Commonwealth, together with a proper request and payment of required fees, the Registrar shall issue certifications of the amended birth record which do not reveal the former name or names of the applicant unless so ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction. Such certifications shall not be marked “amended” and show the effective date as provided in § 32.1-272. Such order shall set forth the date and place of birth of the person whose name is changed, the full names of his parents, including the maiden name of the mother and, if such person has previously changed his name, his former name or names.","type":"section","prefixes":["G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"G","prefix_anchor":"G","level":1,"prior_prefix":"F"}},"ancestry":[{"id":16638,"edition_id":1,"name":"Change of Name","identifier":"20","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12886,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 04:29:19","date_modified":"2026-06-26 04:29:19","permalink":{"id":280423,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":16638,"identifier":"20","token":"8.01\/3\/20","url":"\/8.01\/3\/20\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12886,"edition_id":1,"name":"Actions","identifier":"3","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12747,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:59","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:59","permalink":{"id":279635,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12886,"identifier":"3","token":"8.01\/3","url":"\/8.01\/3\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12747,"edition_id":1,"name":"Civil Remedies and Procedure","identifier":"8.01","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":277029,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12747,"identifier":"8.01","token":"8.01","url":"\/8.01\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":73474,"structure_id":16638,"section_number":"8.01-217","catch_line":"How name of person may be changed","url":"\/8.01-217\/","token":"8.01\/3\/20\/8.01-217","metadata":false}],"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/8.01-217\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 15 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1956, chapter 402; in 1973, chapter 401; in 1976, chapter 115; in 1977, chapters 457 and 617; in 1979, chapters 599, 603, and 612; in 1980, chapters 448 and 455; in 1981, chapter 297; in 1983, chapter 335; in 1985, chapter 483; in 1991, chapter 144; in 2003, chapter 258<\/a>; in 2005, chapter 579<\/a>; in 2014, chapter 232<\/a>; in 2015, chapter 631<\/a>; in 2025, chapters 206<\/a> and 220<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":71931,"section_number":"17.1-275","catch_line":"Fees collected by clerks of circuit courts; generally","order_by":null,"url":"\/17.1-275\/"},{"id":62175,"section_number":"20-121.4","catch_line":"Restoration of former name","order_by":null,"url":"\/20-121.4\/"},{"id":70188,"section_number":"63.2-1243","catch_line":"Adoption of certain persons eighteen years of age or over","order_by":null,"url":"\/63.2-1243\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":85475,"section_number":"18.2-434","catch_line":"What deemed perjury; punishment and penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-434\/"},{"id":82290,"section_number":"18.2-504.1","catch_line":"Unlawful change of name; punishment","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-504.1\/"},{"id":60853,"section_number":"32.1-272","catch_line":"Certified copies of vital records; other copies","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-272\/"},{"id":57169,"section_number":"8.01-296","catch_line":"Manner of serving process upon natural persons","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-296\/"},{"id":69731,"section_number":"9.1-900","catch_line":"Purpose of the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry","order_by":null,"url":"\/9.1-900\/"}],"permalink":{"id":280425,"object_type":"law","relational_id":73474,"identifier":"8.01-217","token":"8.01\/3\/20\/8.01-217","url":"\/8.01-217\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/8.01-217\/","token":"8.01\/3\/20\/8.01-217","dublin_core":{"Title":"How name of person may be changed","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 8.01-217","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Any person<\/span> desiring to change his own name, or that of his child or ward, may apply therefor to the circuit<\/span> court<\/span> of the county or city in which the person<\/span> whose name is to be changed resides, or if no place of abode exists, such person<\/span> may apply to any circuit<\/span> court<\/span> which shall consider such application if it finds that good cause exists therefor under the circumstances alleged. An incarcerated person<\/span> may apply to the circuit<\/span> court<\/span> of the county or city in which such person<\/span> is incarcerated. In case of a minor<\/span> who has no living parent or guardian, the application may be made by his next friend. In case of a minor<\/span> who has both parents living, the parent who does not join in the application shall be served with reasonable notice of the application pursuant to § 8.01-296<\/a> and, should such parent object<\/span> to the change of name, a hearing<\/span> shall be held to determine whether the change of name is in the best interest of the minor<\/span>. It shall not be necessary to effect service upon any parent who files an answer to the application. If, after application is made on behalf of a minor<\/span> and an ex parte<\/span> hearing<\/span> is held thereon, the court<\/span> finds by clear and convincing evidence<\/span> that such notice would present a serious threat to the health and safety of the applicant, the court<\/span> may waive<\/span> such notice. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Every application shall be under oath<\/span> and shall include the place of residence of the applicant, the names of both parents, including the maiden name of his mother, the date and place of birth of the applicant, the applicant’s felony<\/span> conviction<\/span> record, if any, whether the applicant is a person<\/span> for whom registration with the Sex Offender and Crimes<\/span> Against Minors<\/span> Registry is required pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900<\/a> et seq.) of Title 9.1, whether the applicant is presently incarcerated or a probationer with any court<\/span>, and if the applicant has previously changed his name, his former name or names. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> On any such application and hearing<\/span>, if such be demanded, the court<\/span>, shall, unless the evidence<\/span> shows that the change of name is sought for a fraudulent purpose or would otherwise infringe upon the rights of others or, in a case involving a minor<\/span>, that the change of name is not in the best interest of the minor<\/span>, order<\/span> a change of name. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> No application shall be accepted by a court<\/span> for a change of name of a probationer, person<\/span> for whom registration with the Sex Offender and Crimes<\/span> Against Minors<\/span> Registry is required pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900<\/a> et seq.) of Title 9.1, or incarcerated person<\/span> unless the court<\/span> finds that good cause exists for consideration of such application under the reasons alleged in the application for the requested change of name. If the court<\/span> accepts the application, the court<\/span> shall mail or deliver a copy of the application to the attorney for the Commonwealth for the jurisdiction<\/span> where the application was filed and the attorney for the Commonwealth for any jurisdiction<\/span> in the Commonwealth where a conviction<\/span> occurred that resulted in the applicant’s probation<\/span>, registration with the Sex Offender and Crimes<\/span> Against Minors<\/span> Registry pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900<\/a> et seq.) of Title 9.1, or incarceration. The attorney for the Commonwealth where the application was filed shall be entitled to respond and represent the interests of the Commonwealth by filing a response within 30 days after the mailing or delivery of a copy of the application. The attorney for the Commonwealth shall make a reasonable effort to provide notice to the victim of the offense<\/span> for which such person<\/span> was required to register with the Sex Offender and Crimes<\/span> Against Minors<\/span> Registry or such victim’s immediate family member if the victim has died. Such victim or immediate family member may appear personally or by counsel<\/span> to address the court<\/span> or may provide a written statement regarding the reasons the court<\/span> should deny such application for a change of name. The court<\/span> shall conduct a hearing<\/span> on the application and may order<\/span> a change of name if, after receiving and considering evidence<\/span> concerning the circumstances regarding the requested change of name, the court<\/span> determines that the change of name (i) would not frustrate a legitimate law<\/span>-enforcement purpose, (ii) is not sought for a fraudulent purpose, and (iii) would not otherwise infringe upon the rights of others. Such order<\/span> shall contain written findings<\/span> stating the court<\/span>’s basis for granting the order<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> The provisions of subsection D are jurisdictional and any order granting a change of name pursuant to subsection D that fails to comply with any provision of subsection D is void ab initio. The attorney for the Commonwealth for the jurisdiction<\/span> where such an application was filed has the authority to bring an independent action<\/span> at any time to have such order declared void. If the attorney for the Commonwealth brings an independent action<\/span> to have the order declared void, notice of the action<\/span> shall be served upon the person<\/span> who was granted a change of name who shall have 30 days after service to respond. If the person<\/span> whose name was changed files a response objecting to having the order declared void, the court shall hold a hearing<\/span>. If an order granting a change of name is declared void pursuant to this subsection, or if a person<\/span> is convicted of perjury<\/span> pursuant to § 18.2-434<\/a> for unlawfully changing his name pursuant to § 18.2-504.1<\/a> based on conduct that violates this section, the clerk of the court entering the order or the order of conviction<\/span> shall transmit a certified copy of the order to (i) the State Registrar of Vital Records, (ii) the Department of Motor Vehicles, (iii) the State Board of Elections, (iv) the Central Criminal Records Exchange, and (v) any agency or department of the Commonwealth that has issued a license to the person<\/span> where such license utilizes the person<\/span>’s changed name, if known to the court and identified in the court order<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> The order shall contain no identifying information other than the applicant’s former name or names, new name, and current address. The clerk of the court shall spread the order upon the current deed book in his 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. Transmittal of a copy of the order and the application to the State Registrar of Vital Records and the Central Criminal Records Exchange shall not be required of a person<\/span> who changed his former name by reason of marriage and who makes application to resume a former name pursuant to § 20-121.4<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> If the applicant shall show cause to believe that in the event his change of name should become a public record, a serious threat to the health or safety of the applicant or his immediate family would exist, the chief judge<\/span> of the circuit<\/span> court may waive<\/span> the requirement that the application be under oath<\/span> or the court may order the record sealed<\/span> and direct the clerk not to spread and index any orders<\/span> entered in the cause, and a certified copy shall not be transmitted to the State Registrar of Vital Records or the Central Criminal Records Exchange. At such time as a name change order is received by the State Registrar of Vital Records, for a person<\/span> born in the Commonwealth, together with a proper request and payment of required fees, the Registrar shall issue<\/span> certifications of the amended birth record which do not reveal the former name or names of the applicant unless so ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction<\/span>. Such certifications shall not be marked “amended” and show the effective date as provided in § 32.1-272<\/a>. Such order shall set forth the date and place of birth of the person<\/span> whose name is changed, the full names of his parents, including the maiden name of the mother and, if such person<\/span> has previously changed his name, his former name or names. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nHOW NAME OF PERSON MAY BE CHANGED (\u00a7 8.01-217)\n\nA. Any person desiring to change his own name, or that of his child or ward, may\napply therefor to the circuit court of the county or city in which the person\nwhose name is to be changed resides, or if no place of abode exists, such person\nmay apply to any circuit court which shall consider such application if it finds\nthat good cause exists therefor under the circumstances alleged. An incarcerated\nperson may apply to the circuit court of the county or city in which such person\nis incarcerated. In case of a minor who has no living parent or guardian, the\napplication may be made by his next friend. In case of a minor who has both\nparents living, the parent who does not join in the application shall be served\nwith reasonable notice of the application pursuant to § 8.01-296 and,\nshould such parent object to the change of name, a hearing shall be held to\ndetermine whether the change of name is in the best interest of the minor. It\nshall not be necessary to effect service upon any parent who files an answer to\nthe application. If, after application is made on behalf of a minor and an ex\nparte hearing is held thereon, the court finds by clear and convincing evidence\nthat such notice would present a serious threat to the health and safety of the\napplicant, the court may waive such notice.\n\nB. Every application shall be under oath and shall include the place of\nresidence of the applicant, the names of both parents, including the maiden name\nof his mother, the date and place of birth of the applicant, the\napplicant’s felony conviction record, if any, whether the applicant is a\nperson for whom registration with the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors\nRegistry is required pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900 et seq.) of Title\n9.1, whether the applicant is presently incarcerated or a probationer with any\ncourt, and if the applicant has previously changed his name, his former name or\nnames.\n\nC. On any such application and hearing, if such be demanded, the court, shall,\nunless the evidence shows that the change of name is sought for a fraudulent\npurpose or would otherwise infringe upon the rights of others or, in a case\ninvolving a minor, that the change of name is not in the best interest of the\nminor, order a change of name.\n\nD. No application shall be accepted by a court for a change of name of a\nprobationer, person for whom registration with the Sex Offender and Crimes\nAgainst Minors Registry is required pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900 et\nseq.) of Title 9.1, or incarcerated person unless the court finds that good\ncause exists for consideration of such application under the reasons alleged in\nthe application for the requested change of name. If the court accepts the\napplication, the court shall mail or deliver a copy of the application to the\nattorney for the Commonwealth for the jurisdiction where the application was\nfiled and the attorney for the Commonwealth for any jurisdiction in the\nCommonwealth where a conviction occurred that resulted in the applicant’s\nprobation, registration with the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry\npursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900 et seq.) of Title 9.1, or incarceration.\nThe attorney for the Commonwealth where the application was filed shall be\nentitled to respond and represent the interests of the Commonwealth by filing a\nresponse within 30 days after the mailing or delivery of a copy of the\napplication. The attorney for the Commonwealth shall make a reasonable effort to\nprovide notice to the victim of the offense for which such person was required\nto register with the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry or such\nvictim’s immediate family member if the victim has died. Such victim or\nimmediate family member may appear personally or by counsel to address the court\nor may provide a written statement regarding the reasons the court should deny\nsuch application for a change of name. The court shall conduct a hearing on the\napplication and may order a change of name if, after receiving and considering\nevidence concerning the circumstances regarding the requested change of name,\nthe court determines that the change of name (i) would not frustrate a\nlegitimate law-enforcement purpose, (ii) is not sought for a fraudulent purpose,\nand (iii) would not otherwise infringe upon the rights of others. Such order\nshall contain written findings stating the court’s basis for granting the\norder.\n\nE. The provisions of subsection D are jurisdictional and any order granting a\nchange of name pursuant to subsection D that fails to comply with any provision\nof subsection D is void ab initio. The attorney for the Commonwealth for the\njurisdiction where such an application was filed has the authority to bring an\nindependent action at any time to have such order declared void. If the attorney\nfor the Commonwealth brings an independent action to have the order declared\nvoid, notice of the action shall be served upon the person who was granted a\nchange of name who shall have 30 days after service to respond. If the person\nwhose name was changed files a response objecting to having the order declared\nvoid, the court shall hold a hearing. If an order granting a change of name is\ndeclared void pursuant to this subsection, or if a person is convicted of\nperjury pursuant to § 18.2-434 for unlawfully changing his name pursuant to\n§ 18.2-504.1 based on conduct that violates this section, the clerk of the\ncourt entering the order or the order of conviction shall transmit a certified\ncopy of the order to (i) the State Registrar of Vital Records, (ii) the\nDepartment of Motor Vehicles, (iii) the State Board of Elections, (iv) the\nCentral Criminal Records Exchange, and (v) any agency or department of the\nCommonwealth that has issued a license to the person where such license utilizes\nthe person’s changed name, if known to the court and identified in the\ncourt order.\n\nF. The order shall contain no identifying information other than the\napplicant’s former name or names, new name, and current address. The clerk\nof the court shall spread the order upon the current deed book in his office,\nindex it in both the old and new names, and transmit a certified copy of the\norder and the application to the State Registrar of Vital Records and the\nCentral Criminal Records Exchange. Transmittal of a copy of the order and the\napplication to the State Registrar of Vital Records and the Central Criminal\nRecords Exchange shall not be required of a person who changed his former name\nby reason of marriage and who makes application to resume a former name pursuant\nto § 20-121.4.\n\nG. If the applicant shall show cause to believe that in the event his change of\nname should become a public record, a serious threat to the health or safety of\nthe applicant or his immediate family would exist, the chief judge of the\ncircuit court may waive the requirement that the application be under oath or\nthe court may order the record sealed and direct the clerk not to spread and\nindex any orders entered in the cause, and a certified copy shall not be\ntransmitted to the State Registrar of Vital Records or the Central Criminal\nRecords Exchange. At such time as a name change order is received by the State\nRegistrar of Vital Records, for a person born in the Commonwealth, together with\na proper request and payment of required fees, the Registrar shall issue\ncertifications of the amended birth record which do not reveal the former name\nor names of the applicant unless so ordered by a court of competent\njurisdiction. Such certifications shall not be marked “amended” and\nshow the effective date as provided in § 32.1-272. Such order shall set\nforth the date and place of birth of the person whose name is changed, the full\nnames of his parents, including the maiden name of the mother and, if such\nperson has previously changed his name, his former name or names.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 8-577.1; 1956, c. 402; 1973, c. 401; 1976, c. 115; 1977,\ncc. 457, 617; 1979, cc. 599, 603, 612; 1980, cc. 448, 455; 1981, c. 297; 1983,\nc. 335; 1985, c. 483; 1991, c. 144; 2003, c. 258; 2005, c. 579; 2014, c. 232;\n2015, c. 631; 2025, cc. 206, 220.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}