Changing Your Name in Washington
How adults change their legal name in Washington: the court petition, publication, fees, and restoring a name after divorce.
Short answer: File a petition with the district court of any judicial district in Washington; the court may order the change in its discretion. RCW 4.24.130
| Legal name change | File a petition with the district court of any judicial district in Washington; the court may order the change in its discretion. Petitions by emancipated minors, people with asylum, refugee or special immigrant juvenile status, or for reasons related to gender identity or domestic violence, stalking or harassment may instead be filed in any superior court, which seals the file. The court collects the county recording fees under RCW 36.18.010 and must waive them for financial hardship. Offenders under Department of Corrections jurisdiction and registered sex offenders must follow extra procedures. The statute does not require newspaper publication. Source: RCW 4.24.130 |
|---|---|
| Changing your name after divorce | At the request of a party whose marriage is dissolved or declared invalid, the court must order a former name restored, or may, in its discretion, order a change to another name. Source: RCW 26.09.150(3) |
Where to get help in Washington
More Washington divorce & family law
- Getting a Marriage License in Washington
- Adopting a Child in Washington
- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in Washington
- Establishing Paternity in Washington
- Child Custody Laws in Washington
- How Child Support Is Calculated in Washington
- Divorce Records in Washington
- Alimony and Spousal Support in Washington
- How to File for Divorce in Washington
- Legal Separation and Annulment in Washington
- All Washington divorce & family law rules
FAQ
How do you legally change your name in Washington?
File a petition with the district court of any judicial district in Washington; the court may order the change in its discretion. Petitions by emancipated minors, people with asylum, refugee or special immigrant juvenile status, or for reasons related to gender identity or domestic violence, stalking or harassment may instead be filed in any superior court, which seals the file. The court collects the county recording fees under RCW 36.18.010 and must waive them for financial hardship. Offenders under Department of Corrections jurisdiction and registered sex offenders must follow extra procedures.
How do you change your name back after a divorce in Washington?
At the request of a party whose marriage is dissolved or declared invalid, the court must order a former name restored, or may, in its discretion, order a change to another name.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.