- 1). Go to the district clerk of courts where you reside to complete a petition for name change. Bring a government-issued photo ID with you. Only a parent or legal guardian of the child may request a name change.
- 2). Obtain an order for name change through the same court. Only one of the parents needs to petition for the order. However, you must notify the other parent that you are filing for a change. This will give them an opportunity to contest the change. The only exception is when you are filing for a sealed name change. Sealed name changes must be filed with the Superior Court. A sealed name change is requested when a person's name is changed for safety reasons. Contact the Northwest Women's Law Center (see Resources) for filing assistance.
- 3). Pay all the fees associated with changing your child's last name. The fees will vary depending on where you live. Ask your local district clerk of courts what fees you must pay.
- 4). Wait for the court to make a determination. If the petition is approved, submit all certified court documentation along with an Affidavit for Correction (see Resources) to:
Department of Health
Center for Health Statistics
P.O. Box 9709
Olympia, WA 98507-9709 - 5). Allow six to eight weeks for the name change to be recorded. Once the process is complete, you will receive notification by mail.
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