How to Change Your Name After Marriage in Virginia

The winning sequence in Virginia is: certified marriage certificate → Social Security (free, first) → wait 24–48 hours → Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) → passport → notify everyone. Each step verifies against the one before it, so order matters.

Order 3–5 certified copies from the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Vital Records (VDH-OVR). Photocopies aren't accepted.

Good to know for Virginia: Marriage certificates (records since 1936) can be ordered online through VDH's online system, by mail to the Office of Vital Records (PO Box 1000, Richmond, VA 23218-1000), or in person; certified copies also available from the circuit court clerk in the city/county where the license was issued. Fee is $15.00 per certified copy (effective July 1, 2026).

File the free SS-5 with Social Security first, wait 24–48 hours, then update your license at the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) (typically about $20 (confirm with the agency)). Bring:

• Certified copy of marriage certificate (or divorce decree/court order) showing the name change
• Updated Social Security card / confirmation that SSA records reflect new name (required before DMV visit)
• Current Virginia driver's license or ID card to surrender
• Completed online DMV name-change transaction confirmation
• Proof of residency if REAL ID compliance is being updated

Update your passport, then your Virginia voter registration (Register or update your registration (including a name change) by 21 days before the election. Miss the deadline? Virginia offers same-day registration in person, with your ballot cast provisionally.), and finally your bank, employer, and insurers.