Applications for Name Changes can be filed in any district court in Washington. The process begins by completing a Petition for Name Change and filing it with the court. Photo ID is required - be sure to bring your photo ID to your Name Change hearing. If your Photo ID does not show your residency in Washington state, you will need to submit documentation showing you are a current Washington resident. The judge may require a certified copy of the birth certificate for minor children.

Name Change fees vary depending upon the number of persons named on the Order. Individual petitions must be submitted for each person and minor child, but only one order will be necessary. The King County District Court fee for name changes is $301.50 which includes an $83 filing fee, a $10 administrative cost, a $203.50 recording cost per named individual and $5 for one certified copy.  Additional certified copies are $5 per copy.  A separate recording fee is charged for each additional person named on the order.

• Applicants filing a petition and paying all fees with cash or approved voucher from King County may have a hearing on the petition by the court on any name change calendar within 90 days.
• Applicants filing their petition and paying the fees with any other mode of payment shall have the payment processed immediately and the hearing scheduled no earlier than 30 days after making payment.
• If you do not have the ability to pay the filing fee and/or recorder's fee, you may request a waiver by completing a Motion and Declaration for Waiver of Civil Fees and Surcharges which will be reviewed by a judge.
• If the person for whom you are seeking a name change is 14 through 17 years old, they must attend the hearing. Children under 14 years old might be required to attend, at the judge's discretion.

If you were born in Washington State and wish to change your birth certificate, you must send certified copies of all the paperwork to:

Department of Health
Center for Health Statistics
P.O. Box 9709
Olympia, WA 98507-9709

The Court will record your Name Change with the King County Recorder's Office. Only the Order needs to be recorded. Recording takes 6 to 8 weeks and a copy with the Recorder's Number will be returned to you.

King County Community Service Center locations.

Name Change Filing and Hearing Schedule

NOTE: This schedule is posted for informational purposes only and may not be accurate. Name Change Calendars may not be held during Jury Week and the schedules may be changed due to volume. All hearing dates are assigned by the court division only. The Name Change Days and Times listed below may be changed by the division at any time. Photo ID may be required.

Name Change Forms

Motion and Declaration for Waiver of Civil Fees and Surcharges

Name Change Procedures

Petition for Name Change (Individual)

Petition for Minor Child Name Change

Formas en Español