Minor Child Name Change in Washington: Steps, Cost & Forms
Verified against Washington District Court and .gov sources · Last verified July 16, 2026.
A minor child name change in Washington is filed in the District Court (in the county where you live), costs about $50–$300 (typical $250, varies by county), and requires no newspaper notice. Most cases finish in 2–8 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 filing fee plus mandatory county recording fee as an adult petition; waivable with the county's Motion and Declaration for Waiver of Fees. Confirm the exact amount with your county District Court clerk.
District Court in the county where you live (Superior Court for sealed/confidential name changes)
Step by step
- 1
Complete your county District Court's Petition for Name Change naming the child and the requested name (use the minor/guardian version of the county packet).
- 2
Give the child's other parent notice of the hearing — both parents generally must consent or receive notice — or show the court why notice is not required.
- 3
File the petition, pay the filing and recording fees or request a fee waiver, and get your hearing date.
- 4
Attend the hearing; the District Court judge decides based on the child's best interest.
- 5
Get the signed Order Changing Name and update the child's Social Security record, school records, and passport.
Official forms
Every link goes to the official court or government host — never a paid re-host.
- • Both parents generally must receive notice or consent; if a parent cannot be located, ask the court about alternative service.
- • The judge weighs the child's best interest, not just a parent's preference.
Then update your IDs
Once you have the signed order, update Social Security first, then your Washington license, then your passport and accounts.
Minor child name change in nearby states
Minor Child Name Change in Washington: FAQ
How much does a minor child name change cost in Washington?
Do I have to publish a notice in a newspaper in Washington?
Do both parents have to agree to change a child's name 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:
- kingcounty.gov/en/court/district-court/courts-jails-legal-system/name-changes
- 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.