The two routes to a legal name change in Washington
Washington State allows you to change your name through either the court system or, in limited cases, through the Department of Licensing. The court route is the standard path and works for almost any reason — you do not need to explain why you want the change. The Department of Licensing route is faster but only available if you are correcting a clerical error on your birth certificate, not making a voluntary name change.
Most people use the court system. You file a petition with your county superior court, pay a filing fee (typically $200 to $250, though this varies by county), and attend a brief hearing. The judge signs an order, and you receive a certified copy that you then use to update your name with Social Security, your driver's license, passport, and other agencies.
The entire court process usually takes 4 to 8 weeks from filing to final order, depending on your county's court schedule. You do not need a lawyer, though some people hire one to handle the paperwork.
Key Takeaways
- File a petition for name change with your county superior court, pay the filing fee, and attend a hearing where a judge will review your request.
- You do not need to state a reason for the name change, and the court will grant it unless you have an outstanding criminal case or are trying to evade legal obligations.
- After the judge signs the order, request certified copies and use them to update your Social Security number, Washington driver's license, and other documents.
- If you are correcting a birth certificate error rather than making a voluntary change, contact the Department of Licensing instead, which is faster and does not require a court hearing.
Filing a petition with your county superior court
Start by contacting your county superior court's civil division. You can find the court's phone number and website through the Washington Courts website or by searching "[your county] superior court." Ask for the name change petition form — it is usually called a "Petition for Change of Name" or similar. Some courts provide the form online; others mail it or require you to pick it up in person.
The petition asks for your current legal name, the name you want, your date of birth, your current address, and a brief statement of why you want the change (though "personal reasons" is sufficient and courts rarely deny requests based on the reason given). You will also need to list any criminal cases you are currently involved in — if you have an active case, the court may require the prosecutor's consent before approving the change.
Once you have completed the form, make two copies. File the original and one copy with the court clerk, along with the filing fee. Keep the second copy for your records. The court will assign you a hearing date, usually 4 to 8 weeks out, and mail you a notice of hearing.
Attending your name change hearing
On your hearing date, arrive at the courthouse at least 15 minutes early. Bring your notice of hearing, a photo ID, and the copy of your petition. The hearing is brief — usually just a few minutes. The judge will ask you to confirm your current name, the name you want, and whether the information in your petition is correct. You do not need to explain your reasons unless the judge asks.
If you have no criminal cases pending and are not trying to evade child support or other legal obligations, the judge will almost certainly approve your request and sign an order on the spot. You will receive a signed copy of the order when ready or by mail within a few days.
If you cannot attend the hearing, contact the court clerk in advance. Some courts allow you to request a continuance (a new hearing date) by phone or mail. A few courts may allow you to appear by phone or video, but this varies by county.
Getting certified copies and updating your documents
After the judge signs the order, request certified copies from the court clerk. Order at least 5 to 10 copies — you will need them to update your Social Security record, driver's license, passport, bank accounts, insurance, and employer records. Certified copies cost $5 to $10 each depending on your county.
Start with Social Security. Visit your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to request a name change. Bring your certified copy of the court order and a photo ID. Social Security will issue you a new Social Security card with your new name within 1 to 2 weeks.
Next, update your Washington driver's license or ID card. Visit a Department of Licensing office or explore online through their website. You will need your certified court order, your current license, and proof of your new name (the court order serves this purpose). There is no additional fee for a name change on your license.
Update your passport through the U.S. State Department by mail or in person at a passport acceptance facility. Bring your certified court order, your current passport, and a new passport photo. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks by mail or 2 to 3 weeks in person.
Correcting a birth certificate error through the Department of Licensing
If you are correcting a clerical error on your birth certificate — for example, your name was misspelled at birth or recorded incorrectly — you can request a correction directly from the Washington Department of Licensing without going to court. This is faster than the court route and does not require a hearing.
Contact the Department of Licensing's Vital Records office by phone at 1-360-236-4300 or through their website. Explain the error and ask what documents you need to submit. You will typically need to provide your original birth certificate, a written statement explaining the error, and sometimes a letter from a hospital or doctor confirming the correct spelling or information.
The Department of Licensing will review your request and issue a corrected birth certificate if the error is clear. This process usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. Once you receive the corrected certificate, you can use it to update your other documents the same way you would after a court-ordered name change.
Name changes after marriage or divorce
If you are changing your name as part of a marriage or divorce, you may not need to file a separate petition. When you marry, you can request a name change on your marriage license itself — the county clerk will process it when you register the license. When you divorce, you can request a name change in your divorce decree, and the judge will include it in the final order.
If you did not request a name change on your marriage license or divorce decree at the time, you can still file a petition with the court later using the standard process described above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to tell my employer or landlord about my name change?
You should notify your employer, landlord, bank, insurance company, and any other organization that has your name on file. However, you are not legally required to do so — the court order is your proof that the change is legal. Your employer may require you to update your name for payroll and tax purposes, and your landlord may need it for the lease.
Can I change my name if I have a criminal record?
Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you. However, if you have an active criminal case, the court may require the prosecutor's consent. If you are trying to change your name to evade prosecution or hide from law enforcement, the court will deny your petition.
What if I want to change my name back to my maiden name after divorce?
You can request a name change back to your maiden name as part of your divorce decree, or you can file a separate petition after the divorce is final. Either way, the process is the same as any other name change — you file a petition and attend a brief hearing.
How much does a name change cost in Washington?
The court filing fee ranges from $200 to $250 depending on your county. Certified copies cost $5 to $10 each. If you hire a lawyer, expect to pay $300 to $800 for the paperwork and court appearance, though many people handle it themselves without a lawyer.
Can I change my child's name?
Yes, but the process is more complex. You must file a petition, and if the child's other parent objects, the court will hold a hearing to determine what is in the child's best interest. If both parents agree, the process is simpler. Contact your county superior court for specific guidance on name changes for minors.