**NOTICE: The Bedford County Circuit Court Clerk's Office is prohibited by law from providing any legal advice.**

If you choose to complete this process on your own, without the assistance of an attorney, you are still required to follow the same procedures that an attorney would. If you have questions that cannot be answered from the information provided, it is recommended that you consult an attorney.

A name change may not be sought for any fraudulent purpose or if it will infringe upon the rights of another.

Instructions for Name Change Procedure

1. Fill out the Application for Change of Name and Order. Both documents must be typed and the Application must be signed by a Notary Public. (Note: Petitioners who wish to change the name of a minor and do not have the consent and notarized signatures of both parents will need to follow the procedures required by the Code of Virginia.
2. Submit the Application and Order to the Circuit Court Clerk's Office for the jurisdiction in which you live.
   • Filing fee for Bedford County is $46.00 (cash, check, money orders, credit cards) plus $5 (cash or check only)
   • All credit card transactions will have a surcharge
   • Applications may be submitted in person, or mailed to the Bedford County Circuit Court Clerk's Office, 123 East Main St., Bedford, VA 24523.
3. Once the order is signed by the Judge, a certified copy of the order will be mailed to you.

Forms

• Application for Name Change (Adult)
• Application for Name Change (Minor)
• Form Orders for Name Change are also available at the Clerk's Office.

 Please note: No refunds will be given for applications that are denied by the Circuit Court Judge.