District of Columbia County, DC
How to Change Your Name in District of Columbia County
Court Information
- Court
- Superior Court of the District of Columbia - Civil Division, Civil Actions Branch
- Filing fee
- $60
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- DC Superior Court (adults 21 and older use the Civil Actions Branch; younger applicants use Family Court)
- Jurisdiction
- DC Superior Court; DC Code §16-2501 et seq.; Civil Rule 205
- Last verified
- August 17, 2026
Filing Requirements in District of Columbia County
- Newspaper publication
- Not required
- Court hearing
- Required
- How to file
- online (e-filing), by mail, in person or by drop box
Getting Certified Copies
At least 5 certified copies provided after approval; more may be requested at the hearing
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 District of Columbia County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Superior Court of the District of Columbia - Civil Division, Civil Actions Branch clerk or website)
- If you cannot afford the filing fee ($60), complete a fee waiver form and file it alongside your petition
- File your petition online (e-filing), by mail, in person or by drop box with the Superior Court of the District of Columbia - Civil Division, Civil Actions Branch
- Attend your hearing if the court schedules one
- If approved, get certified copies of the court order — at least 5 certified copies provided after approval; more may be requested at the hearing
- Update SSA first, then DMV, then passport, then all other records
Not legal advice: Court rules, fees, and procedures vary by county and change over time. Verify current requirements with the Superior Court of the District of Columbia - Civil Division, Civil Actions Branch clerk before filing.