Instructions - br The Virginia name change for an adult as described in the 8.01-217. The process starts by filing a petition to the county's civil court where you are a resident of at least 1 year. It is easier, if you were just married, to have your certified marriage license with the raised seal or if you were recently divorced to have your divorce decree. Typically, you will not have a court hearing in Vermont but it depends on the circumstances of the name change.br br REQUIREMENTSbr Must be a resident for at least 12 monthsbr If just married, must have your original marriage certificate.br If just divorced, must have your divorce decree.br Filing Fee of $131.25.br Step 1 - Fill-in the Petition for Name Change, Civil Cover Sheet, and get a certified copy of your birth certificate.br br Step 2 - Submit your forms at the court location in your county. See below for the list of courts in Virginia.You will be given a court date for your hearing.br br Step 3 - Go to your hearing and if successful, you will receive a 'Name Change Decree'. This will be the official form for changing your name at any public or private institution.br br Step 4 - Take your official Order Changing Name to the DMV (to get a new driver's license), Social Security Office, Passport Agency, Bank, and any other institutions that should be notified of your recent name change.