Name Changes
- Name Changes for Minors (under 18) are filed in Superior Court.
- Name change petitions may also be filed and heard in Superior Court by victims of domestic violence wherein the file is sealed due to reasonable fear of safety (Sealed Name Change).
- In Spokane County, Name Changes for Adults (Petitioner must be at least 18 years of age) are filed in District Court
Name Changes for Minors
The Superior Court is the proper court to petition for a name change for a minor (under 18). The Superior Court has minor name change instructions and forms online.
Sealed Name Change
Name change petitions may be filed and heard in Superior Court when the person desiring a change of his or her name or that of his or her child or ward, is a victim of domestic violence. The name change file is sealed due to reasonable fear for the petitioner's safety or that of his or her child or ward.
Birth Certificate Change
Once the name change has been approved, if you wish to change the birth certificate (and the person was born in Washington State) you will need to send certified copies of all completed paperwork to the Department of Health. There is a fee for each new certificate plus you will need to enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return. Please contact the Department of Health for current fees.
Department of Health Center for Health Statistics
1112 SE Quince Street
P.O. Box 9709
Olympia WA 98507-9709
Phone: 360-236-4313