How to Change Your Name
in Washington
Court requirements, required documents, filing fees, and a step-by-step process for legally changing your name in Washington.
Filing Fee
$200-$315
Court fee
Timeline
4-8 weeks
To court order
Court
Superior Court
Where you file
Washington Name Change — Key Facts
Filing Court
Superior Court
Where to File
File in the Superior Court in the county where you reside
Filing Fee
$200-$315
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Newspaper Publication
Not required
No Publication Required in Washington
No publication required in Washington State.
Washington-Specific Rule
Washington State does not require newspaper publication for adult name changes. A hearing is scheduled, and the court will grant the change if it is for a lawful purpose.
Required Documents in Washington
Petition for Change of Name
Birth certificate (certified copy)
Government-issued photo ID
Filing fee payment
Proof of Washington residency
Social Security card
6-Step Name Change Process in Washington
Complete the Name Change Petition
File your petition in File in the Superior Court in the county where you reside. The petition includes your current name, requested new name, and reason for the change.
Gather Required Documents
Collect: Petition for Change of Name, Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of Washington residency, Social Security card.
Pay the Filing Fee
The filing fee in Washington is approximately $200-$315. Ask the clerk if fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners.
Wait for Court Processing
No newspaper publication is required in Washington. The court will process your petition and schedule a hearing or issue the order directly.
Attend Your Court Hearing (if required)
Some Washington courts hold brief hearings for name change petitions. Others issue orders without a hearing if no one objects. The process typically takes 4-8 weeks total.
Update Your Records
After receiving your court order, update your Social Security card (SSA.gov), driver's license (DMV), passport, bank accounts, employer records, voter registration, and other official documents.
Frequently Asked Questions — Washington Name Change
Where do I file for a name change in Washington?
In Washington, you file in the Superior Court. File in the Superior Court in the county where you reside. Make sure to bring all required documents and payment for the filing fee.
How much does a name change cost in Washington?
The filing fee in Washington is approximately $200-$315. If publication is required, add $50–$200 for newspaper fees. You'll also want 2–3 certified copies of your court order ($5–$20 each) to update your records.
Do I need to publish my name change in a newspaper in Washington?
No publication required in Washington State.
How long does a name change take in Washington?
From filing to receiving your court order, expect 4-8 weeks in Washington. After you receive the order, updating all your identification documents (SSA, DMV, passport, bank) typically takes another 2–4 weeks.
What documents do I need to change my name in Washington?
For your name change petition in Washington, gather: Petition for Change of Name, Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of Washington residency, Social Security card. JustiPal™ provides a complete Washington-specific document checklist.
Related Resources
Free Check
Name Change Readiness
See if you have everything needed to file in Washington. Takes 2 minutes.
Check My ReadinessFull Service · $97
Name Change Intake Package
Guided intake with Washington-specific checklist, court forms, and your complete filing packet.
- Guided intake workflow
- Washington document checklist
- Court form preparation
- Post-order update checklist
Document preparation · Not a law firm
JustiPal™ prepares documents — we don't provide legal advice. For complex situations (criminal history, minor name changes, etc.), consult an attorney in Washington.
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