How to Legally Change Your Name in District of Columbia
Filing fee, court, publication rules, official forms, and a free calculator that builds your exact steps. Last verified July 16, 2026.
An adult name change in District of Columbia is filed in the DC Superior Court — Civil Actions Branch and costs about $60. In District of Columbia, no newspaper publication is required, and most cases finish in 4–10 weeks. Marriage and divorce name changes usually need no court petition — the certificate or decree is your legal proof.
District of Columbia Name-Change Calculator
Pick your state and situation for your exact filing fee, court, forms, and ordered steps.
District of Columbia name change at a glance
Every figure is verified against Superior Court of the District of Columbia — Civil Actions Branch and .gov sources.
| Situation | Court | Filing fee | Publication | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage | No court needed | $0 | — | Depends on ID updates |
| Divorce | DC Superior Court — Family Court (through the divorce judgment) | $0 | Not required | 2–8 weeks |
| Adult petition | DC Superior Court — Civil Actions Branch | $60 | Not required | 4–10 weeks |
| Minor child | DC Superior Court — Civil Actions Branch | $60 | Not required | 4–10 weeks |
| Gender identity | DC Superior Court — Civil Actions Branch | $60 | Not required | 4–10 weeks |
Choose your situation
Take your spouse's name or hyphenate — usually no court petition needed.
No court petition
Restore your former or maiden name through the divorce decree or a short filing.
$0 · DC Superior Court — Family Court (through the divorce judgment)
Court petition to change an adult's name for any reason not tied to marriage or divorce.
$60 · DC Superior Court — Civil Actions Branch
Petition to change a child's name, with notice or consent rules for both parents.
$60 · DC Superior Court — Civil Actions Branch
Court name change aligned with gender identity, often with publication waivers.
$60 · DC Superior Court — Civil Actions Branch
The District of Columbia name-change process
Most legal name changes in District of Columbia that aren't tied to a marriage or divorce go through the DC Superior Court — Civil Actions Branch. You file where you live — Civil Actions Branch of the DC Superior Court (500 Indiana Ave. NW, Washington, DC). The filing fee is $60.
You do not have to publish a notice in a newspaper. From filing to a signed order usually takes 4–10 weeks.
If the fee is a hardship, ask the clerk about a fee waiver — Filing fee is $60, payable by cash or money order; waivable with the Application to Proceed Without Prepayment of Costs, Fees, or Security if you qualify on low income. Once the judge signs your order, order several certified copies; you'll need one for Social Security, the DMV, and your passport.
After your order: who to notify
The name change isn't finished at the courthouse. Update Social Security first, then your District of Columbia driver's license, then your passport — in that order, because each one checks the last.
District of Columbia name change: FAQ
How much does a name change cost in District of Columbia?
Do I have to publish a name change in a newspaper in District of Columbia?
How long does a name change take in District of Columbia?
Which court handles name changes in District of Columbia?
Can I get the name-change filing fee waived in District of Columbia?
What do I do after my name change is approved in District of Columbia?
Sources
Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:
- www.dccourts.gov/superior-court/superior-court-divisions/civil-division/name-changes-gender-marker-changes-and-vital-records-amendments
- www.dccourts.gov/superior-court/superior-court-divisions/civil-division/name-changes-gender-marker-changes-and-vital-records-amendments/application-for-name-change
- dmv.dc.gov
See our verification methodology and themaster source list.