Virginia

Circuit court order; many courts refuse online ordination

What a Lumen minister should do

Several circuit courts (Fairfax, Loudoun) refuse online ordinations and require affiliation with a Virginia religious organization. Best path: serve through a licensed Lumen chapter in Virginia and petition in that locality with the chapter's notarized letter of good standing; otherwise expect refusal. Litigation over this is pending.

Circuit Court of the city/county where the church is located

Authority

Va. Code § 20-23

How

Notarized petition filed with the circuit court clerk; order entered by a judge

Documents

Notarized petition + religious qualification questionnaire + ordination certificate + original notarized letter of good standing on church stationery signed by a church official other than the applicant

Fee

$26–$89 depending on the court

Processing

10–30 days

Expires

No expiration (new order if you change religious society)

Official form

Fairfax Circuit Court § 20-23 petition + questionnaire (prefilled)

Note

Other circuit courts use similar petitions; the questionnaire answers transfer.

Official page Form from the office

Your registration packet

One PDF: the official form prefilled with your details and the church's, a cover letter from the church, your Letter of Good Standing and your Certificate of Ordination. This office wants a notarized letter of good standing: order the notarized letter from the store (same-day RON available) and swap it in.