Fairfax County, VA
How to Change Your Name in Fairfax County
Court Information
- Court
- Fairfax County Circuit Court (19th Judicial Circuit of Virginia)
- Filing fee
- $44
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- county of residence
- Jurisdiction
- Circuit Court, Va. Code §8.01-217
- Last verified
- August 17, 2026
Filing Requirements in Fairfax County
- Newspaper publication
- Not required
- Court hearing
- Not required for uncontested adult petitions
- How to file
- online (e-filing), by mail or in person
Getting Certified Copies
Request at Civil Intake when filing
You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport, and your banks — order more than one.
Step-by-Step Process
- Gather documents: certified birth certificate, photo ID, and proof of residency in Fairfax County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Fairfax County Circuit Court (19th Judicial Circuit of Virginia) clerk or website)
- If you cannot afford the filing fee ($44), complete a fee waiver form and file it alongside your petition
- File your petition online (e-filing), by mail or in person with the Fairfax County Circuit Court (19th Judicial Circuit of Virginia)
- No hearing is normally required for an uncontested adult petition in this county
- If approved, get certified copies of the court order — request at civil intake when filing
- Update SSA first, then DMV, then passport, then all other records
Not legal advice: Court rules, fees, and procedures vary by county and change over time. Verify current requirements with the Fairfax County Circuit Court (19th Judicial Circuit of Virginia) clerk before filing.