Minor Child Name Change in Virginia: Steps, Cost & Forms
Verified against Virginia Circuit Court and .gov sources · Last verified July 16, 2026.
A minor child name change in Virginia is filed in the Circuit Court, costs about $30–$50 (typical $41, varies by county), and requires no newspaper notice. Most cases finish in 2–8 weeks. You'll need the forms below and certified copies of the signed order to update your IDs.
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What it costs
Same local Circuit Court filing fee as an adult petition (about $41); confirm the exact amount with your local clerk
Circuit Court in the county or city where you live
Step by step
- 1
Complete Form CC-1427 (Application for Change of Name — Minor), listing the child's current and requested name and identifying both parents, and sign it before a Notary Public or Deputy Clerk.
- 2
Give the minor's other parent notice of the application, or have that parent join or consent on the form; if a parent cannot be located, ask the court how to proceed.
- 3
File the CC-1427 application with the proposed Order for Change of Name — Minor (Form CC-1428) at the Circuit Court where the child lives and pay the filing fee.
- 4
A judge reviews the application under the child's best-interest standard and, if approved, signs the order — sometimes after a short hearing.
- 5
Order certified copies of the signed order and update the child's Social Security record, school records, and passport.
Official forms
Every link goes to the official court or government host — never a paid re-host.
- • The minor's other parent must generally be notified; the court weighs the child's best interest, not just a parent's preference.
- • If both parents sign or join the application, the process is usually faster and may not require a hearing.
Then update your IDs
Once you have the signed order, update Social Security first, then your Virginia license, then your passport and accounts.
Minor child name change in nearby states
Minor Child Name Change in Virginia: FAQ
How much does a minor child name change cost in Virginia?
Do I have to publish a notice in a newspaper in Virginia?
Do both parents have to agree to change a child's name in Virginia?
How long does it take in Virginia?
What do I do after the judge signs my order in Virginia?
Sources
Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:
- selfhelp.vacourts.gov/page/42/change-name-forms
- www.dmv.virginia.gov/records/personal-information-updates
See our verification methodology and themaster source list.