SashaName change by state ยท Virginia
How to change your name in Virginia
After a wedding or a divorce, here's the order that works in Virginia, what to bring, and what it costs.
Get certified copies
Order certified copies of your marriage certificate (from the county that issued your license) or your divorce decree (from the court). Offices won't take photocopies. Most people need three or four.
Divorce: check that your decree says you may go back to your former name. If it doesn't, ask the court about an order restoring it first.
Update Social Security
This comes first, and it's free. Fill in form SS-5 and bring it with your certified document to a Social Security office or mail it. Federal REAL ID rules mean the Virginia DMV checks your new name against Social Security's records, so wait a day or two after this step.
Get a new Virginia driver's license
The form is the DL 1P Driver's License and ID Card Application. Sasha fills it in for you with your new name, so you just check it and sign at the office.
Bring:
- Certified marriage certificate filed with a government agency or court (officiant-only certificates not accepted)
- Current license
Good to know:
- You can start online, then you have 14 days to finish at a customer service center.
Update your passport
If your passport is less than a year old, use form DS-5504 (free). If it's older but you can renew by mail, use DS-82. Otherwise apply in person with DS-11.
Everyone else
Banks and credit cards, your employer and payroll, insurance, voter registration, your car title, doctors, utilities and online accounts. Most accept a short letter with a copy of your certificate or decree.
Let Sasha do the paperwork
Sasha builds this checklist for you, keeps track of what's done, and fills in your Social Security and passport forms and the Virginia DMV form. It also writes your letters for banks and insurers. The checklist is free.
Official sources
Last checked October 7, 2026. Rules and fees change; confirm on the official site before you go.