Virginia

Virginia is a non-strict voter ID law.

You will be asked to show an acceptable ID when voting in person.

If you do not have an acceptable ID, you can still vote a regular ballot by signing an ID statement confirming your identity.

Check here for a full rundown of the state’s rules!

Most voters in Virginia can vote absentee without an excuse.

The exception is if you registered to vote by mail and this is your first time voting in your city or county.

A copy of your ID is not required when you vote by mail in Virginia.

Check here for a full rundown of the state’s rules!

You must file a formal request with your county or city Circuit Court to change your name in Virginia.

You must live in a county for at least six months before you can change your name in its court.

If the court approves your name change, you will receive a court order that can be used to update the name on your ID documents.

Submit a request to Virginia’s Office of Vital Records to amend your birth certificate.

Complete a Birth Certificate Amendment Request form (available here) and send to the state’s Office of Vital Records with a copy of your identification, your birth certificate (or an Application for Certification for a Birth Record), and payment of applicable fee(s).

The office will respond with the requirements for completing your request.

Note: You must update your birth certificate with the state where you were born.

Visit a Virginia DMV office, apply for a new ID (PDF), and provide acceptable documentation demonstrating your legal name change.

Submit a request to Virginia’s Office of Vital Records to amend your birth certificate.

To apply for an updated Virginia birth certificate, you will need to provide:

• completed Application for Birth Certificate 
• completed Birth Certificate Amendment Request form (PDF)
• Gender Designation Form completed and signed by healthcare provider (PDF)
• copy of valid ID
• certified copy of name-change court order (if applicable)
• payment of applicable fee(s)

Proof of gender affirmation surgery is not required.

Note: You must update your birth certificate with the state where you were born.

Virginia allows residents to mark M, F, or X on their driver’s license or state ID card. No medical certification is required.

To update the gender marker on your Virginia-issued identification:

• request a replacement license or ID card from the Virginia DMV
• select the appropriate gender marker on your Application Form (PDF)

The gender marker you select to appear on your Virginia identification does not need to match the marker on your other identity documents.