Name Change to Match Gender Identity in Washington: Steps, Cost & Forms
Verified against Washington District Court and .gov sources · Last verified July 16, 2026.
A name change to match gender identity in Washington is filed in the District Court, or Superior Court for a sealed name change (RCW 4.24.130(5)), costs about $0–$300 (typical $250, varies by county), and requires no newspaper notice. Most cases finish in 2–6 weeks. You'll need the forms below and certified copies of the signed order to update your IDs.
Your personalized plan
Pick your state and situation for your exact filing fee, court, forms, and ordered steps.
What it costs
Same court fees as an adult petition; RCW 4.24.130 waives all filing and recording fees on a financial-hardship affidavit. Changing only the driver-license gender designation at the Department of Licensing is free.
District Court in the county where you live (Superior Court for sealed/confidential name changes)
Step by step
- 1
File a name-change petition — choose Superior Court if you want the record automatically sealed under RCW 4.24.130(5) for gender identity or safety, or District Court for a standard (unsealed) change.
- 2
No newspaper publication is required, and a sealed filing keeps the name-change record out of public access.
- 3
Attend the hearing and obtain the signed Order Changing Name, then order certified copies.
- 4
Separately, update your driver-license gender designation at the Department of Licensing — you may self-select M, F, or X with no court order or medical documentation — and update Social Security and your US passport.
Official forms
Every link goes to the official court or government host — never a paid re-host.
- • Washington seals the name-change file for gender identity or safety under RCW 4.24.130(5); these cases are filed in Superior Court, which automatically seals them, and there is no public court record.
- • The Department of Licensing lets you self-select an M, F, or X gender marker with no court order or medical proof required.
Then update your IDs
Once you have the signed order, update Social Security first, then your Washington license, then your passport and accounts.
Gender identity name change in nearby states
Name Change to Match Gender Identity in Washington: FAQ
How much does a name change to match gender identity cost in Washington?
Do I have to publish a notice in a newspaper in Washington?
Is a gender-identity name change private in Washington?
How long does it take in Washington?
What do I do after the judge signs my order in Washington?
Sources
Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:
- dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/update-driver-license-information/change-your-gender-designation
- www.courts.wa.gov/forms/?fa=forms.static&staticID=13
- 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.