How do I legally change my name in Washington?

Q: How do I legally change my name in Washington?

Washington adult name changes are governed by RCW 4.24.130 and filed in district court (or superior court for minors and certain confidential proceedings) in the county of residence. 1. File the Petition - Complete Petition for Change of Name (WPF DRPSCU 07.0100 or local district court form). - File in district court ; filing fee is approximately $100–$200 ($231 in King County district court for adult name change; lower in other counties). - Sex offenders must petition in superior court and notify the prosecuting attorney (RCW 4.24.130(2)). 2. No Publication Required - Washington does not require newspaper publication for adult name changes — one of the most petitioner-friendly states. 3. Hearing - Brief court hearing where judge confirms identity and grants the petition unless inconsistent with public interest. 4. Confidential / Sealed Name Change - RCW 4.24.130(5) allows confidential name changes for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking — file in superior court, records sealed. - Transgender petitioners may use the sealed procedure where safety is a concern. 5. After the Decree - Certified copies ($5–$10 each). - File SSA Form SS-5 (free). - Update Washington DL/ID at DOL ($20 duplicate), passport, voter registration, banks. 6. Gender-Marker Updates - WA Department of Health allows gender-marker changes on birth certificates by self-attestation; pairs with name change for transgender petitioners. 7. Divorce-Based Restoration - RCW 26.09.150(4) allows restoration of a former name in the divorce decree without separate filing. This is legal information, not legal advice.

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Accepted Answer

Washington adult name changes are governed by RCW 4.24.130 and filed in district court (or superior court for minors and certain confidential proceedings) in the county of residence.

1. File the Petition

Complete Petition for Change of Name (WPF DRPSCU 07.0100 or local district court form).

File in district court; filing fee is approximately $100–$200 ($231 in King County district court for adult name change; lower in other counties).

Sex offenders must petition in superior court and notify the prosecuting attorney (RCW 4.24.130(2)).

2. No Publication Required

Washington does not require newspaper publication for adult name changes — one of the most petitioner-friendly states.

3. Hearing

Brief court hearing where judge confirms identity and grants the petition unless inconsistent with public interest.

4. Confidential / Sealed Name Change

RCW 4.24.130(5) allows confidential name changes for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking — file in superior court, records sealed.

Transgender petitioners may use the sealed procedure where safety is a concern.

5. After the Decree

Certified copies ($5–$10 each).

File SSA Form SS-5 (free).

Update Washington DL/ID at DOL ($20 duplicate), passport, voter registration, banks.

6. Gender-Marker Updates

WA Department of Health allows gender-marker changes on birth certificates by self-attestation; pairs with name change for transgender petitioners.

7. Divorce-Based Restoration

RCW 26.09.150(4) allows restoration of a former name in the divorce decree without separate filing.

This is legal information, not legal advice.