How Do You Change Your Name in Washington?

The Washington rule in one table

What makes Washington different

Washington is the district-court state: while most states route name changes to a superior or circuit court, Washington lets you file in any district court — and that is also why there is no statewide form set. Your county's clerk packet is the form set; call the clerk first and use the court's forms where provided.

The second difference is the recording step. The order is recorded with the county auditor — that recording step, and its fee, is part of the process, not an afterthought. Budget both fees together: in King County that is $98 plus $203.50 per named person, and Grant County shows the same shape at different numbers ($78.50 filing plus $203.50 recording). The sealed track is the exception to district-court routing: emancipated minors, asylum/refugee petitioners, gender-expression or identity changes, and survivors of domestic violence, stalking, unlawful harassment, or coercive control file in superior court, where the file is sealed.

The process, step by step

1. Get your county's packet. The district court of any judicial district, under RCW 4.24.130 — superior court only for the sealed track. Washington publishes no statewide official name-change form, so pick up your district court's packet from the clerk.
2. File and pay. Fees are county-set — King County charges a $98 filing fee plus $203.50 recording per named person, and a hardship affidavit can waive all filing and recording fees. Bring photo identification, and a certified birth certificate if changing a child's name.
3. Attend the hearing if one is set. No — Washington requires neither publication nor fingerprints for an adult name change, so there is no newspaper run and no background-check wait between filing and decision.
4. Record the order. The order is recorded with the county auditor — that recording step, and its fee, is part of the process, not an afterthought. Bring the separate recording payment to the hearing.
5. Get certified copies and update your records. The filing fee includes one certified copy of the order in King County; additional copies are $5 each. Update your Social Security record first, then your driver license, passport, and vehicle record.

Comparing states — because the state across the border plays by different rules — the Name Change Laws by State directory puts all seven side by side.

Changing your name in another state

Changing your name in another state? See How to Change Your Name in Oregon and How to Change Your Name in Colorado.

Source

Court routing, fees, and the sealed track on this page come from county court materials and the statute: Grant County District Court — Name Change Information, King County District Court name change costs via county guidance. Facts verified 2026-10-24.

This page explains how the process works and what the official rules say. It is general information, not legal advice — for a dispute about your specific situation, talk to a lawyer or your state court.