Columbia County, WA
How to Change Your Name in Columbia County
File your adult name change petition with the Columbia County District Court. The filing fee is $73. No newspaper publication is required.
Get the full Washington checklist
The court step is one of many — the free state guide maps SSA, DMV, passport and the records that come after.
Court Information
- Court
- Columbia County District Court
- Filing fee
- $73
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- Residents of Columbia County may file for a name change with Columbia County District Court (RCW 4.24.130(1)).
- Court address
- Not recorded — confirm with the clerk
- Court phone
- (509) 382-4812
- Jurisdiction
- District Court (regular public track, RCW 4.24.130(1)); Superior Court (sealed track per RCW 4.24.130(5): emancipated minors, asylum/refugee/SIJS, gender expression/identity, DV/stalking/unlawful harassment/coercive control — file sealed, no public access.)
- Official forms
- columbiaco.com/118/Civil-Small-Claims ↗
- Verification
- Verified· Nov 10, 2026
Filing Requirements in Columbia County
- Newspaper publication
- Not required
- Court hearing
- Required
- How to file
- online (e-filing) or in person
Getting Certified Copies
available
You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport, and your banks — order more than one.
Step-by-Step Process
- Gather documents: certified birth certificate, photo ID, and proof of residency in Columbia County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Columbia County District Court clerk or its website)
- If you cannot afford the filing fee, complete a fee waiver form and file it alongside your petition
- File your petition online (e-filing) or in person with the Columbia County District Court
- Attend the hearing the court schedules
- If approved, get certified copies of the court order — available.
- Update SSA first, then DMV, then passport, then all other records
Check what you are missing before you file
The free readiness score checks documents, forms, fees and privacy across four dimensions — and links the gaps to the same Washington guide.
Not legal advice: Court rules, fees, and procedures vary by county and change over time. Verify current requirements with the Columbia County District Court clerk before filing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a name change cost in Columbia County, Washington?
The court filing fee is $73. A fee waiver is available for petitioners who qualify by income; file the waiver request together with your petition. Certified copies may cost extra; ask the clerk for the current copy fee.
Where and how do I file a name change in Columbia County?
File with the Columbia County District Court. Venue rule: Residents of Columbia County may file for a name change with Columbia County District Court (RCW 4.24.130(1)). Accepted filing methods: online (e-filing) or in person.
Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper in Columbia County?
No — this court reports no newspaper publication requirement. Confirm this with the Columbia County District Court clerk before filing.
Do I need a court hearing for a name change in Columbia County?
A court hearing is required in this county — attend the date the court sets. Confirm the typical timing with the Columbia County District Court clerk.
How do I get certified copies of my name change order in Columbia County?
Available. You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport and financial institutions, so request more than one.