Virginia Name Change Checklist After Marriage

Follow this sequence in Virginia:

• 1. Certified marriage certificate: order copies from the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Vital Records (VDH-OVR).
• 2. Social Security (SS-5): free, and always first.
• 3. Wait 24–48 hours for the SSA record to sync.
• 4. Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): update your license (about $20 (confirm with the agency)).
• 5. Passport: DS-82, DS-11, or DS-5504.
• 6. Voter registration & everyone else: bank, employer, insurers.

• 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

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).

• Certified marriage certificate (3 copies): $30–$90
• Social Security card (Form SS-5): Free
• Driver's license update (Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)): about $20 (confirm with the agency)
• Passport (only if you update it): Free–$165
• Voter registration: Free

Most people spend roughly $50–$275 in Virginia: on the low end if you skip the passport, on the high end with a full passport renewal and extra certificate copies.