West Virginia Name Change

Want to Legally Change Your Name?

Legal name change forms are available for adults, minors and families.  Download the name change form you need or order our completion services.  If you order completion services, the forms will be completed for you based on the information you provide and reviewed by a professional. Free form descriptions, previews and law summaries are provided.


Name Change Instructions and Forms Package - Minor 
Name Change Instructions and Forms Package - Adult
Name Change Instructions and Forms Package - Family
Name Change Notification Package - Brides, Divorce, Marriage

View all West Virginia Name Change Forms

Completion services are provided for all name change packages. To order completion services, look for the Submit buttom in the search results.

Regardless of why you change your name, you will need to notify the appropriate agencies and take other steps to make the name change legal. This also applies to individuals who change their name as the result of marriage.

Learn more by using our Name Change Questionnaire

West Virginia Name Change FAQ

West Virginia Name Change Law Digest

Top Questions about West Virginia Name Change

  • How long does a legal name change take in Virginia?

    The timeframe for a legal name change in Virginia can range from a few weeks to a few months. It largely depends on the court's caseload and whether you encounter any issues with your submitted documents. If you want to avoid unnecessary delays, consider using US Legal Forms to prepare your application accurately. This way, you ensure your West Virginia name change goes as swiftly as possible.

  • How long does it take to legally change your name in Virginia?

    In Virginia, the legal name change process typically takes around 2 to 3 months, but this timeframe can vary. The duration often depends on court scheduling and how quickly you complete your paperwork. By using resources like US Legal Forms, you can streamline your process and reduce delays. With proper guidance, your West Virginia name change can be a smooth experience.

  • How fast can you change your name?

    Changing your name in West Virginia can be a straightforward process. Generally, it may take a few weeks to finalize, depending on your specific situation and paperwork. You can expedite the process by ensuring you have all necessary documents and follow the correct procedures. Platforms like US Legal Forms can help you complete the necessary paperwork promptly.

  • Which state is easiest to legally change your name?

    West Virginia ranks among the more straightforward states for a name change process. In West Virginia, you typically need to file a petition in court, attend a hearing, and publish your name change in a local newspaper. This transparency helps ensure that everyone is aware of the change. For those looking to navigate this process smoothly, using our platform can simplify and guide you through the steps of the West Virginia name change.

  • How to legally change your last name in West Virginia?

    To legally change your last name in West Virginia, you need to file a petition with the circuit court in your county. This process requires you to provide a valid reason for the name change and meet certain residency requirements. Once your petition is approved, you will receive a court order that authorizes the change. Utilizing US Legal Forms can simplify your West Virginia Name Change process by providing all the necessary legal documents and guidance to ensure you comply with state requirements.

Tips for Preparing West Virginia Name Change

  1. Think about all the advantages and disadvantages of changing your name. Before initiating the entire process of a surname change and completing West Virginia Name Change, you need to remember that it's essential to preserve name uniformity in all your important papers, such as your passport or social security card. Usually, it's an extremely time- and resource-consuming process. In some situations, it's preferable to keep your old name if you wish to share the same surname with your children after breakup or in the interest of your professional development.
  2. Make sure you gather the proper set of papers. Depending on your scenario - be it marriage and separation, or any other individual situations, you need to get all the needed paperwork ready. For example, in order to change your name after getting married, you need a few copies of the licensed marriage certificate and submission-ready documents. You will find West Virginia Name Change at US Legal Forms, the most extensive virtual catalog of legal paperwork.
  3. Check the restrictions related to changing names in your state. The rules for name transition differ from one state to another. For instance, in some states, a name change after divorce requires you to go through the troubles of executing a lot of paperwork and other activities, whereas these steps are regarded unnecessary in other states. All you need to do is change the details in a variety of documents. If you need to complete the West Virginia Name Change, consider US Legal Forms. It has over 85,000 forms drafted by legal professionals and offers different supporting materials to help you find and fill out the documents properly.
  4. Don't use a change of name form to dodge troubles with the legal authorities. You have the right to get or not to get your birth name back for whatever reasons. However, if consider filling out and filing West Virginia Name Change in order to avoid loan companies or spending money on your child's support, it may result in heavy penalties or other consequences.