Jefferson County, WA
How to Change Your Name in Jefferson County
File your adult name change petition with the Jefferson County District Court. The filing fee is $93. 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
- Jefferson County District Court
- Filing fee
- $93
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- Regular-track adult name change petitions are filed with the district court (RCW 4.24.130(1)); Jefferson County residents file with Jefferson County District Court. Sealed-track petitions (including gender expression/identity) must be filed in Superior Court (official Jefferson County Name Changes page).
- Court address
- Jefferson County District Court, 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368
- Court phone
- (360) 385-9135
- Jurisdiction
- District Court (regular public track, RCW 4.24.130(1)); Superior Court (sealed track per RCW 4.24.130(5) and the official county page: DV, stalking, sexual assault, unlawful harassment (self/child/ward), gender expression or identity, emancipated minor, asylum/refugee/SIJS — file sealed, no public access.)
- Official forms
- www.co.jefferson.wa.us/381/Name-Changes ↗
- Verification
- Verification in progress
Filing Requirements in Jefferson County
- Newspaper publication
- Not required
- Court hearing
- Required
- How to file
- in person
Getting Certified Copies
available ($5 per copy)
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 Jefferson County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Jefferson 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 in person with the Jefferson County District Court
- Attend the hearing the court schedules
- If approved, get certified copies of the court order — available ($5 per copy).
- 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 Jefferson County District Court clerk before filing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a name change cost in Jefferson County, Washington?
The court filing fee is $93. 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 Jefferson County?
File with the Jefferson County District Court. Venue rule: Regular-track adult name change petitions are filed with the district court (RCW 4.24.130(1)); Jefferson County residents file with Jefferson County District Court. Sealed-track petitions (including gender expression/identity) must be filed in Superior Court (official Jefferson County Name Changes page). Accepted filing methods: in person.
Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper in Jefferson County?
No — this court reports no newspaper publication requirement. Confirm this with the Jefferson County District Court clerk before filing.
Do I need a court hearing for a name change in Jefferson County?
A court hearing is required in this county — attend the date the court sets. Confirm the typical timing with the Jefferson County District Court clerk.
How do I get certified copies of my name change order in Jefferson County?
Available ($5 per copy). You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport and financial institutions, so request more than one.