The Basic Process for Changing Your Name in Washington

In Washington State, you change your name through the superior court in the county where you live. You file a petition, pay a filing fee (usually $200 to $300, depending on the county), and attend a brief hearing where a judge approves the change. The whole process typically takes four to eight weeks from filing to final order. You do not need a lawyer, though some people hire one.

The court does not care why you want to change your name—you do not need a reason. You can change it for any purpose except to commit fraud or evade a legal obligation like child support or a criminal sentence. Once the judge signs the order, you take certified copies to update your driver's license, Social Security card, and other documents.

Key Takeaways

  • File a petition for name change in the superior court of your county; the filing fee ranges from $200 to $300 depending on location.
  • You will attend a short hearing where the judge reviews your petition and usually approves it on the spot if there are no objections.
  • After the judge signs the order, request certified copies and use them to update your driver's license, Social Security card, and passport.
  • The entire process from filing to final order usually takes four to eight weeks, though some counties move faster.
  • You do not need a lawyer, but you must file the correct forms and pay the fee; the court clerk can direct you to the right documents.

Where to File and What Forms You Need

Start at the superior court clerk's office in the county where you live. Each county's clerk office has a name-change packet that includes the petition form, an order form, and instructions. You can pick up the packet in person, read it from the county court website, or call the clerk's office and ask them to mail it to you. The forms are free; you only pay when you file.

The main form is the Petition for Change of Name. You fill in your current name, the name you want, your date of birth, and your reason (though "personal preference" is fine). You also list any criminal convictions in the past ten years—the court needs this to make sure you are not trying to hide from the law. Sign the petition in front of a notary public; most banks and UPS stores offer notary services for $5 to $15.

You will also need the Order for Change of Name form, which is blank when you file it. The judge fills this in and signs it after your hearing. Some counties require you to file a Declaration Under Penalty of Perjury instead of getting a notary signature; ask your clerk which your county uses.

Filing Your Petition and Paying the Fee

Bring your completed, notarized petition and the blank order form to the superior court clerk's office. Hand them both to the clerk along with the filing fee. The fee varies by county—call ahead to confirm the exact amount. The clerk will stamp your petition, give you a case number, and schedule your hearing date. This usually happens within two to four weeks.

You will receive a notice of hearing in the mail with the date, time, and courtroom. Mark your calendar. If you cannot attend on that date, call the clerk and ask to reschedule before the hearing date arrives. Missing your hearing without rescheduling may result in your petition being dismissed, and you would have to start over.

What Happens at Your Hearing

Show up to the courtroom on time with a photo ID and your notice of hearing. The judge will call your case. You stand, state your current name and the name you want, and briefly explain why (again, "personal preference" is a complete answer). The judge will ask if anyone objects to the change—usually no one does unless you have an outstanding child support order or criminal sentence.

If there are no objections and you have no criminal convictions you failed to disclose, the judge signs the order right there. The whole hearing takes two to five minutes. You do not need to bring witnesses or evidence. If the judge has questions about your criminal history or suspects fraud, they may take the petition under advisement and mail you a decision later, but this is rare.

After the hearing, take the signed order to the clerk's office window. Ask for certified copies—request at least three or four. Certified copies cost $5 to $10 each and have the court's official seal. You will need these to update your other documents.

Updating Your Driver's License and Other Documents

Take a certified copy of your name-change order to the Department of Licensing office to update your driver's license or ID card. Bring your current license and the certified order. There is no additional fee for the name change itself, though you may pay for a new card if you want one issued when ready. You can also mail in your documents, but in-person is faster.

Next, visit your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to update your Social Security card. Bring your certified name-change order, your current Social Security card, and a photo ID. You can also mail these documents to your local office. A new card arrives in one to two weeks.

If you have a passport, go to a passport acceptance facility (usually a post office or courthouse) with your certified order, current passport, and a new passport photo. If you have a bank account, mortgage, or insurance policy, contact those companies directly with a copy of your order. Most update their records within a few business days.

Name Changes for Minors and Special Situations

If you are changing a minor's name, both parents or legal guardians must sign the petition and attend the hearing together. If one parent is deceased or the parental rights have been terminated, bring a death certificate or court order showing that. If you share custody and the other parent objects, the judge may deny the petition or require you to prove it is in the child's best interest.

If you are changing your name as part of a divorce, you can request the name change in your divorce petition itself. The judge can grant both at the same time, which saves you a separate filing fee and hearing. Ask your divorce attorney or the court clerk how to add this to your divorce paperwork.

If you have a criminal conviction, you can still change your name, but you must disclose it on the petition. The court will not automatically deny your request, but the judge has the discretion to refuse if they believe the change is for fraudulent purposes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not skip the notary step. If your petition is not notarized (or does not have the required declaration, depending on your county), the clerk will reject it and you will have to refile. Do not forget to bring the blank order form when you file; some people bring only the petition and have to go back home.

Do not miss your hearing date. If you cannot attend, reschedule before the date arrives. If you miss it without rescheduling, your petition is dismissed and you start over from the beginning, including paying the filing fee again.

Do not assume your name is changed everywhere at once. The court order only changes your name in the legal system. You must update each document separately—your license, Social Security card, passport, bank accounts, insurance, and employer records. Some people forget about one or two and run into problems later when they try to use an old document.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to change my name in Washington?

The filing fee ranges from $200 to $300 depending on your county. You may also pay $5 to $15 for a notary signature and $5 to $10 per certified copy of the order. If you hire a lawyer, that cost varies widely. The total out-of-pocket cost for doing it yourself is usually $250 to $350.

Can I change my name if I have a criminal record?

Yes. You must disclose any criminal convictions from the past ten years on your petition, but the court will not automatically deny your request. The judge can refuse only if they believe the change is to evade the law or commit fraud. A conviction alone does not prevent a name change.

What if someone objects to my name change?

If someone files an objection before your hearing, the judge may ask you to prove your reason for the change is legitimate. You may need to testify or provide written evidence. If no one objects by the hearing date, the judge almost always approves the petition. Objections are uncommon unless there is a custody dispute or outstanding legal obligation.

Do I need a lawyer to change my name?

No. The process is straightforward enough that most people do it without a lawyer. The court clerk can answer questions about forms and filing. A lawyer is useful only if someone objects to your petition or if you are changing a minor's name and expect custody conflict.

How long does the whole process take?

From filing to final order, expect four to eight weeks. The clerk schedules your hearing within two to four weeks of filing, and the judge usually signs the order when ready after your hearing. Updating all your documents afterward takes another two to four weeks depending on how quickly each agency processes your request.