Updated May 2026
How to Change Your Name in West Virginia (2026 Cost + Steps)
The cost of a legal name change in West Virginia is $144, which includes a $135 court filing fee, and $9 for certified copies of the court order.
Court filing fee: $135 · Processing time: ~4 weeks
Estimated costs by reason
Totals include Social Security (free), driver’s license, and adult passport selections—matching the calculator defaults.
| Reason | Estimated total cost | Timeline | Publication required |
|---|---|---|---|
| After Marriage | $159 | ~2 weeks | No |
| After Divorce | $159 | ~2 weeks | No |
| Court Order (Adult) | $294 | ~10 weeks | No |
| Child Name Change | $344 | ~10 weeks | No |
| Gender Marker Change | $294 | ~10 weeks | Sealed |
Which state are you in?
Why are you changing your name?
Which documents do you need to update?
How to Change Your Name in West Virginia
West Virginia Circuit Court filing fees for name changes run $135-$165 depending on the county. After-marriage name changes in West Virginia use your marriage certificate directly - no court petition required - keeping costs minimal for newlyweds.
West Virginia does not require newspaper publication for standard adult name changes, simplifying the process. You file your petition in the Circuit Court of the county where you reside. West Virginia courts have self-help resources available, and most Circuit Court clerk offices are accessible and can guide first-time filers through the petition process.
West Virginia has a relatively standard name change process with no unusual state-specific quirks for most petitioners. The court reviews your petition for any fraud indicators and conducts a background check as part of the standard process. Processing times typically run 4-8 weeks from filing to receiving your court order.
The West Virginia DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles) charges $10.50 for a corrected West Virginia driver's license with a name change - one of the lowest DMV fees in the country. Visit any West Virginia DMV regional office with your court order or marriage certificate, current West Virginia license, and proof of SSA update. West Virginia DMV has regional offices in Charleston, Martinsburg, Clarksburg, and other locations throughout the state.
West Virginia divorce decrees can include name restoration clauses. West Virginia courts are receptive to this request during divorce proceedings. Given West Virginia's rural geography, including name restoration in your original divorce decree is especially practical to avoid a separate courthouse trip later.
Key West Virginia links: West Virginia Courts (courtswv.gov), West Virginia DMV (transportation.wv.gov/DMV), Mountain State Justice (mountainstatejustice.org) and Legal Aid of West Virginia (lawv.net) for free legal assistance.
West Virginia name change fees at a glance
| Court filing fee | $135 |
| Certified copies (3 × $3 each) | $9 |
| Newspaper publication(not required) | N/A |
| Fingerprinting / background check(not required) | N/A |
| Driver's license / State ID | $20 |
| Processing time | ~4 weeks |
| Fee waiver available | In forma pauperis |
Common reasons in West Virginia
Name Change Guides for West Virginia
FAQ: West Virginia name changes
- How much does it cost to change your name in West Virginia?
- Court filing fees in West Virginia start around $135 for a petition (counties may differ). Add certified copies (3 × about $3 each), optional publication ($0), DMV fees, and passport fees depending on your path.
- How long does a name change take in West Virginia?
- Many West Virginia court petitions finish in about 4 weeks, but crowded dockets, publication, or fingerprinting can add time. After-marriage updates using a certificate are often faster because they skip the petition.
- Do I need to publish my name change in a newspaper in West Virginia?
- Most standard adult name change petitions in West Virginia do not require newspaper publication, but a judge can still impose notice requirements in some cases.
- Can I change my name for free in West Virginia?
- You may qualify for a reduced or waived court filing fee in West Virginia if you meet the court’s income guidelines (In forma pauperis). Certified copies, DMV fees, and passports still usually cost money.
- What documents do I need to change my name in West Virginia?
- Commonly: a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order; government-issued photo ID; proof of West Virginia residency for court filings; and Social Security verification before DMV updates.
- How do I change my name after marriage in West Virginia?
- If you take your spouse’s surname as shown on your West Virginia marriage certificate, you typically update Social Security first, then your driver’s license, then banks and payroll. Hyphenated or new invented names may still require a court petition—check local court rules.
Voter Registration After Your Name Change
After legally changing your name in West Virginia, you should update your voter registration so it matches the name on your government-issued ID. West Virginia offers online voter registration paths for many voters, though some counties still require mail or an in-person visit for certain updates. If your registration still shows an old name close to an election, you may face additional checks at the polling place. See the full 50-state voter registration guide for deadlines, typical documents, and official Vote.gov links.
Related: SAVE Act & name change overview