How to Legally Change Your Name in Washington
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 Washington is filed in the District Court (in the county where you live) and costs about $50–$300 (typical $250, varies by county). In Washington, no newspaper publication is required, and most cases finish in 2–6 weeks. Marriage and divorce name changes usually need no court petition — the certificate or decree is your legal proof.
Washington Name-Change Calculator
Pick your state and situation for your exact filing fee, court, forms, and ordered steps.
Washington name change at a glance
Every figure is verified against Washington District Court and .gov sources.
| Situation | Court | Filing fee | Publication | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage | No court needed | $0 | — | Depends on ID updates |
| Divorce | Superior Court (through the dissolution decree under RCW 26.09.150) | $0 | Not required | 1–4 weeks |
| Adult petition | District Court (in the county where you live) | $50–$300 | Not required | 2–6 weeks |
| Minor child | District Court (in the county where you live) | $50–$300 | Not required | 2–8 weeks |
| Gender identity | District Court, or Superior Court for a sealed name change (RCW 4.24.130(5)) | $0–$300 | Not required | 2–6 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 · Superior Court (through the dissolution decree under RCW 26.09.150)
Court petition to change an adult's name for any reason not tied to marriage or divorce.
$50–$300 · District Court (in the county where you live)
Petition to change a child's name, with notice or consent rules for both parents.
$50–$300 · District Court (in the county where you live)
Court name change aligned with gender identity, often with publication waivers.
$0–$300 · District Court, or Superior Court for a sealed name change (RCW 4.24.130(5))
The Washington name-change process
Most legal name changes in Washington that aren't tied to a marriage or divorce go through the District Court (in the county where you live). You file where you live — District Court in the county where you live (Superior Court for sealed/confidential name changes). The filing fee is $50–$300 (typical $250, varies by county), so confirm the exact amount with your county clerk before you file.
You do not have to publish a notice in a newspaper. From filing to a signed order usually takes 2–6 weeks.
Once the judge signs your order, order several certified copies right away — you'll hand one to Social Security, the DMV, and the passport agency, in that order.
After your order: who to notify
The name change isn't finished at the courthouse. Update Social Security first, then your Washington driver's license, then your passport — in that order, because each one checks the last.
Washington name change: FAQ
How much does a name change cost in Washington?
Do I have to publish a name change in a newspaper in Washington?
How long does a name change take in Washington?
Which court handles name changes in Washington?
What do I do after my name change is approved in Washington?
Sources
Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:
- www.courts.wa.gov/forms/?fa=forms.static&staticID=13
- doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/vital-records/ordering-vital-record/marriage-or-divorce-record
- app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=26.09.150
- kingcounty.gov/en/court/district-court/courts-jails-legal-system/name-changes
- dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/update-driver-license-information/change-your-gender-designation
- dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/update-driver-license-information/change-your-name-or-address-your-driver-license
See our verification methodology and themaster source list.