Name changes - District Court

You can file an application to change your legal name in any district court in Washington.

The person requesting a name change is called the “petitioner.” More than 1 petitioner may be included in a name change case. For example, a married couple, or a mother and her child, may be included in 1 name change case.

Name change process

The first step to change your name is to file a Petition for Name Change with the Court. You must submit a separate Petition for Name Change for each person you are requesting a name change for. If a judge grants your name change request, the Court will issue a single order that changes all person’s names.

After you file your Petition for Name Change, the Court will schedule you to appear before a judge (this appearance is called a “hearing.”) The Court will let you know when and where your hearing is held.

Photo ID is required. You must bring your photo ID to your Name Change hearing. If your Photo ID does not show that you live 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. The judge also may require consent of both parents either in person or with notarized written consent.

If the person for whom you are seeking a name change is a minor, 14 to 17 years old, they must attend the hearing. Children under 14 years old may be required to attend at the judge's discretion.

If a judge grants your name change request, the Court provides you a certified copy of the name change order after your hearing. The Court also records your name change with the King County Recorder's Office.

Only the Order needs to be recorded, not your Petition for Name Change. Recording takes 6 to 8 weeks, and a copy with the Recorder's number will be returned to you.

Name change costs

There are TWO FEES you must pay for a name change: 1) Filing fee; and 2) Recording fee.

1. Filing fee

This fee includes 1 certified copy of the name change order; additional certified copies are $5 each.

Cost

$98 per application

Payment method

Payable to King County District Court by:

• Cash
• Check
• Money order
• Credit card

2. Recording fee

A separate check is required for each named individual in the Petition for Name Change. You must bring this payment to your scheduled hearing.

Cost

• Individual name change petition: $203.50.
• Family name change petition: $204.50 for the first named person, plus $203.50 for each additional named person.

Payment method

This payment must be made payable to King County Recorder's Office in the form of a:

• Check
  • Must have pre-printed name and address
  • Check number must be higher than 100

• Money order
• Cashier's check

File a name change petition

You can file a petition to change your name in 1 of 3 ways:

In person

1. Fill out the appropriate form for your situation:
   • Petition for Name Change (Individual)
   • Petition for Minor Child Name Change
2. Hand in the completed form to the clerks at any King County District Court location.
3. Pay the King County District Court filing fee and recording fee.

Online

Refer to instructions to e-file for a name change

1. Register for a free e-filing portal account.
2. Log into the District Court e-filing portal
3. Fill out the appropriate form for your situation:

• Petition for Name Change (Individual)
• Petition for Minor Child Name Change

• The system will direct you to pay the King County District Court filing fee.

• Although you will have paid the filing fee online, you must bring the Recording fee with you to your hearing – in the form of a check, money order or cashier's check made payable to the King County Recorder’s Office.

By mail

1. Fill out the appropriate form for your situation:
   • Petition for Name Change (Individual)
   • Petition for Minor Child Name Change
   • Mail the completed form to any King County District Court location.
   • Include the King County District Court filing fee as listed under Name Change Costs. You must bring the Recording fee with you to your hearing.

Name change hearing timeline and schedule

Hearing scheduling timeline

The Court will schedule your name change hearing based on the form of payment you use for the King County District Court fees:

• Within 90 days if you pay by cash or approved voucher from King County.
• After 30 days, but no more than 90 days, if you pay by any other method than cash or approved voucher.

Filing and hearing schedule

The District Court typically holds name change hearings on the following days and times. These days and times are subject to change. The Court will notify you when and where your name change hearing will be held.