Virgin Islands(U.S) - Change Your Name (Deed Poll)

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Procedure

A person wishing to change their name must file a petition with the family court explaining why they wish to do so, provide the court with their original birth certificate and pay a $50 fee.

If the court decides the reason given on the petition is valid, the person must publish a "notice of intent" to change their name in the local newspaper once a week for four consecutive weeks and provide the court with proof of publication.

The court then consents to the name change and the person must publish another announcement in the newspaper stating this. The source said that once the court receives proof that the final announcement has been published, it issues a certificate of name change to the individual and sends a duplicate to the Bureau of Vital Statistics where the person's original birth certificate was issued.

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Required Documents

• Original birth certificate
• A fee of $50

Office Locations & Contacts

Family Division
Main Contact
St. Thomas/St. John
Clerk Supervisor
Alexander A. Farrelly
Justice Center
2nd Floor, South Wing
Room S219
5400 Veteran's Drive
St. Thomas, VI 00802
(340) 774-6680 x6435

St. Croix
Court Clerk Supervisor
R. H. Amphlett Leader
Justice Complex
1st Floor, Room 104
RR1 9000
Kingshill, VI 00850
(340) 778-9750 x6636

Virgin Islands Department of Justice's Contacts

Eligibility

A person can legally change their name at age eighteen

Parents can also change the names of minor children. The procedure is basically the same except that the notice of intent to change a name must also be posted in district and territorial court buildings and at the post office nearest the child's residence.

Fees

The filing fee for a petition for change of name or correction of a persons record is Fifty Dollars ($50.00).

Court Fees: Change of Name $75.00

Validity

Explain the time until which the certificate/document is valid.
e.g. Birth Certificate Valid Forever

Documents to Use

Please attach documents that can be used by people. e.g. links

Sample Documents

Please attach sample completed documents that would help other people.

Processing Time

Please explain processing time taken in obtaining the document/certificate.

Related Videos

Videos explaining the procedure or to fill the applications. 
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Instructions

The person is advised that a petition for Change of Name or a Petition for correction of people's record must be filed with the court. The filing fee for a petition for change of name or correction of a persons record is Fifty Dollars ($50.00). While the Court Clerks are committed to providing you with excellent customer service, Virgin Islands law prohibits Court personnel from providing legal advice.

A party may represent himself or herself, pro se however; citizens should be advised that doing so without the requisite expertise may result in the loss of claims or preservation of rights. Citizens should consider consulting with a licensed attorney prior to initiating any family matter in order to learn more about what rights, privileges and protections are available to them.

Required Information

• Your name as listed on birth certificate or immigration or citizenship documents.
• The full name you are applying to change to (if you are changing your name).
• Date and place of birth
• Marital status and details
• Places of residence for last three months
• Address for Correspondence

Need for the Document

If you are using, or wish to use, a name other than your registered name, there is no legal requirement that you formally change your name. It is, however, recommended that you change your name officially, both for identification and as evidence of your name change.

Name change generally refers to the legal act by a person of adopting a name different from their name at birth, marriage or adoption. The procedures and ease of a name change vary between jurisdictions.

Information which might help

There are generally three ways to change your name:

• Usage In some states using a name as your own has the effect of making it your name.
• Court Order A court order is recommended to change your name and is required by most states.
• A marriage certificate serves as proof of name change.

Other uses of the Document/Certificate

You may want to change your name because:

• You have just gotten married
• You have divorced
• You just want a change
• In case of adoption

External Links

Official Website of United States Virgin Islands Government

Virgin Islands Department of Justice's website

Agency Directory

FAQ - Family Division

Superior Court of the Virgin Islands website

Others

Most states allow you to legally change your name simply through usage. You can choose a name and just start using it in social settings and in your business. This is a completely legal name change. The problems arise when it comes to government and financial agencies. In current times when identity theft, credit card fraud, and even the fear of terrorist spies are rampant, many financial and government agencies may require legal court documents to prove your identity. Furthermore, there are certain forms of identification, such as a social security card, birth certificate card, and passports, which absolutely will require legal name change documents.