Name changes - District Court

You can file an application to change your legal name in any district court in Washington.

The person requesting a name change is called the “petitioner.” More than 1 petitioner may be included in a name change case. For example, a married couple, or a mother and her child, may be included in 1 name change case.

Name change process

The first step to change your name is to file a Petition for Name Change with the Court. You must submit a separate Petition for Name Change for each person you are requesting a name change for. If a judge grants your name change request, the Court will issue a single order that changes all person’s names.

After you file your Petition for Name Change, the Court will schedule you to appear before a judge (this appearance is called a “hearing.”) The Court will let you know when and where your hearing is held.

Photo ID is required. You must bring your photo ID to your Name Change hearing. If your Photo ID does not show that you live in Washington state, you will need to submit documentation showing you are a current Washington resident. The judge may require a certified copy of the birth certificate for minor children. The judge also may require consent of both parents either in person or with notarized written consent.

If the person for whom you are seeking a name change is a minor, 14 to 17 years old, they must attend the hearing. Children under 14 years old may be required to attend at the judge's discretion.

If a judge grants your name change request, the Court provides you a certified copy of the name change order after your hearing. The Court also records your name change with the King County Recorder's Office.

Only the Order needs to be recorded, not your Petition for Name Change. Recording takes 6 to 8 weeks, and a copy with the Recorder's number will be returned to you.

Sealed name changes

Under state law (RCW 4.24.130 (5)), Superior Court will automatically seal the records of the name change for petitioners who:

Contact the Superior Court Clerk’s office for more information.

District Court does not automatically seal name change files. You may request the judge do so at the time of your name change hearing. If you have already had your name change hearing, you must submit a written request to seal. The Court will hold a hearing on your request and you must attend that hearing.

Name change costs

There are TWO FEES you must pay for a name change: 1) Filing fee; and 2) Recording fee.

1. Filing fee

This fee includes 1 certified copy of the name change order; additional certified copies are $5 each.

Cost

$98 per application

Payment method

Payable to King County District Court by:

2. Recording fee

A separate check is required for each named individual in the Petition for Name Change. You must bring this payment to your scheduled hearing.

Cost

Payment method

This payment must be made payable to King County Recorder's Office in the form of a: