1. Name Change Process in Virginia

A. Obtain a Court Order for Name Change

  • File a Petition: Submit a Petition for Name Change to the circuit court in the county or city where you reside. You’ll need:

    • A completed name change petition form, often available on the Virginia courts website.

    • Your current photo ID.

    • A copy of your birth certificate (check with your specific court if required).

  • Attend a Court Hearing: A hearing may or may not be necessary, depending on the county. If required, you’ll receive a date to appear before a judge who will review the case and, if approved, grant a name change order.

  • Fees: Filing fees generally range from $40 to $50. Fee waivers may be available if you have low income.

B. Update Your Name on Identification and Other Documents

  • Social Security Card: Submit the court order for your name change to the Social Security Administration (SSA) along with an SS-5 form (application for a new Social Security card).

  • Driver’s License/State ID: Visit a Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office with the court order to update your driver’s license or ID.

  • Birth Certificate: If you were born in Virginia and want to update your birth certificate, submit a certified copy of the court order to the Virginia Department of Health, Division of Vital Records.

2. Gender Marker Change Process in Virginia

A. Updating the Gender Marker on State ID or Driver’s License

  • Requirements: Virginia allows individuals to self-attest their gender identity for state IDs and driver’s licenses, which means you do not need medical or court documentation.

  • Process:

    • Complete the Gender Designation Change Request form available from the Virginia DMV.

    • Select the gender marker that aligns with your gender identity (M for male, F for female, or X for nonbinary).

  • Fees: You will need to pay the standard replacement or renewal fees.

B. Gender Marker Change on Birth Certificate

  • Requirements: To update the gender marker on a Virginia birth certificate, you must provide a physician’s letter affirming gender transition treatment. No specific treatment (such as surgery) is required.

  • Process:

    • Obtain a letter from a licensed physician or psychologist that confirms your gender transition.

    • Submit this letter, a completed Application for Certification of a Vital Record, and the applicable fee (usually around $10–$20) to the Virginia Department of Health, Division of Vital Records.

3. Additional Steps and Considerations

  • U.S. Passport Update (Optional): After updating your name and/or gender marker, you may also choose to update your U.S. passport through the Department of State. A physician’s letter may be needed to update the gender marker.

  • Social Security: The SSA may require medical documentation for gender marker updates, so a physician’s letter may be needed here as well.

Summary Checklist for Virginia

  • Name Change:

    1. File a name change petition at your local circuit court.

    2. Attend a hearing if required and receive a certified court order.

    3. Update your name with Social Security, DMV, and other documents.

  • Gender Marker Change:

    1. Self-attest to change the gender marker at the Virginia DMV.

    2. Submit a physician’s letter to the Virginia Department of Health to update your birth certificate.

    3. Update Social Security and other records with your new gender marker.

  • Required Forms:

    1. Virginia Name Change Form

    2. SS-5 Form