The Two Routes to a Legal Name Change in Washington
Washington State allows you to change your name through the court system. The process differs depending on whether you are an adult or a minor, and whether you are changing your name as part of a divorce or adoption. Most adults use the standard petition route, which takes about four to six weeks from filing to final order.
You do not need a lawyer, though one can help if your case is contested or complex. The filing fees run between $200 and $300 depending on your county, and you will need to publish a notice in a local newspaper — a requirement that costs an additional $50 to $150. If you cannot afford the fees, you can request a fee waiver from the court.
The court does not reject name changes based on the name itself. Washington allows changes for any reason: to match your gender identity, to distance yourself from a family name, to adopt a stage name, or straightforward because you prefer something else. The only exceptions are if you are trying to evade criminal liability or defraud someone, which the court will investigate if someone objects to your petition.
Key Takeaways
- Adults file a petition for name change in the superior court of the county where they live, pay a filing fee of $200 to $300, and receive a final order in four to six weeks.
- You must publish a notice of your petition in a local newspaper at least once, which costs $50 to $150 and is a separate step from the court filing.
- If you cannot afford court fees, you can request a fee waiver by filling out a financial disclosure form and submitting it with your petition.
- After the court issues your final order, you will need to update your name with the Department of Licensing, Social Security Administration, and any other agencies or institutions that hold your records.
How to File a Petition for Name Change as an Adult
Start by obtaining the petition form from your county superior court. Washington does not have a single statewide form — each county publishes its own. Visit your county clerk's website and search for "petition for change of name" or call the superior court clerk's office directly. They will either mail you the form or let you read it.
Fill out the petition with your current legal name, the name you want, and your reason for the change. You do not need to provide a detailed explanation — "personal preference" is sufficient. Include your date of birth, current address, and whether you have any criminal convictions. Sign the form in front of a notary public; the court will not accept an unsigned petition.
Make two copies of the completed petition. File the original and one copy with the county superior court clerk, along with your filing fee. Ask the clerk for a case number and the date your hearing is scheduled. Some counties allow you to file by mail; others require you to appear in person. If you may have access to for a fee waiver, submit the financial disclosure form (usually called a "Declaration of Financial Inability to Pay") at the same time.
Publishing Your Notice in a Local Newspaper
Washington law requires you to publish a notice of your petition in a newspaper of general circulation in your county. This is not optional, and the court will not issue a final order without proof of publication. You do this before or after filing with the court — the timing does not matter, but you must complete it before your hearing.
Contact the legal notices department of a local newspaper. Most counties have at least one paper that publishes legal notices; the court clerk can tell you which ones are approved. You will provide the newspaper with your current name, the name you want, and your case number. The newspaper will draft a short notice and tell you the cost, which typically runs $50 to $150 depending on the paper and how many times it runs.
The notice must be published at least once, but some counties require it to run for two or three consecutive weeks. Ask the newspaper what your county requires. After publication, the newspaper will send you an affidavit of publication — a document stating when and where the notice ran. Bring this affidavit to your court hearing or file it with the court before the hearing date.
What Happens at Your Court Hearing
Most name change hearings are brief and uncontested. You will appear before a judge, who will ask you to confirm that the information in your petition is correct and that you are not changing your name to commit fraud or evade criminal liability. Answer honestly. If no one has objected to your petition, the judge will usually grant it on the spot.
You do not need to bring a lawyer or witnesses. Bring your affidavit of publication, a photo ID, and your original petition. If you requested a fee waiver, bring documentation of your income or financial hardship. The hearing usually lasts five to ten minutes.
If someone objects to your petition — for example, a creditor claiming you are trying to dodge debt — the hearing will be longer and you may need to present evidence that your reason for the change is legitimate. This is rare, but if it happens, consider consulting a lawyer.
Updating Your Name After the Court Order
Once the judge signs your final order, you have a legal document proving your name change. You will need to present this order to update your name with multiple agencies and institutions. Start with the ones that affect your daily life: your driver's license, bank accounts, employer, and insurance.
Visit the Department of Licensing to update your driver's license or state ID. Bring your final court order and your current ID. The fee is $20 for a replacement license. You can do this in person at any DOL office or by mail if you prefer.
Contact the Social Security Administration to update your Social Security card. You can do this online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. Bring your final court order and a photo ID. There is no fee.
Notify your employer, bank, credit card companies, insurance providers, and any government agencies that have your records — the IRS, Department of Revenue, county assessor, and others. Each will have its own process. Keep a copy of your final court order for your records; you may need to show it again in the future.
Name Changes for Minors and as Part of Divorce or Adoption
If you are a minor, a parent or guardian must file the petition on your behalf. The process is similar to an adult petition, but the court may require the minor to appear and confirm they consent to the change. Some judges also require consent from both parents if both are still living.
If you are changing your name as part of a divorce, you can request the name change in your divorce petition itself. The court will include it in your divorce decree, and you will not need to file a separate petition. This is faster and cheaper than filing separately.
If you are adopting a child or being adopted, the name change is usually handled as part of the adoption proceeding. The adoption attorney or the court will guide you through this process.
Requesting a Fee Waiver if You Cannot Afford Court Costs
If you cannot afford the filing fee, court costs, or newspaper publication fees, you can request a fee waiver. Fill out a Declaration of Financial Inability to Pay form, available from your county superior court. List your income, expenses, and assets. The judge will review this form and decide whether to waive the fees.
Submit the declaration with your petition. If the court grants the waiver, you will not owe the filing fee. However, the newspaper publication requirement still applies — you will still need to pay for the notice to run in the newspaper, or you can ask the newspaper if they offer a reduced rate for people with financial hardship. Some do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a name change take in Washington?
From the time you file your petition to the time the judge signs the final order, expect four to six weeks. This assumes no one objects to your petition and you have completed the newspaper publication requirement. If someone objects, the process may take longer.
Can I change my name without going to court?
No. Washington requires a court order for a legal name change. You cannot change your name straightforward by using a different name or by filing paperwork with the Department of Licensing.
Do I need to publish my notice in a specific newspaper?
The newspaper must be one of general circulation in your county. Ask your county superior court clerk which newspapers are approved. You do not get to choose based on which one is cheapest — it must be a paper that serves the general public, not a specialty publication.
What if I want to change my name back to my maiden name after divorce?
You can request this in your divorce petition itself, and the court will include it in your divorce decree. This is faster and cheaper than filing a separate name change petition. If your divorce is already final, you can file a separate petition using the standard process.
Will a name change show up on my background check?
Yes. Your legal name change will be part of the public court record. Background checks may show both your old name and your new name, depending on the agency running the check. This is not a way to hide from your past.