King County, WA
How to Change Your Name in King County
Court Information
- Court
- King County Superior Court (Ex Parte & Probate Department)
- Filing fee
- $290
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- county of residence
- Jurisdiction
- Superior Court handles only sealed name changes (domestic violence/gender identity/LGBTQ etc., RCW 4.24.130(5)); regular name changes go to District Court
- Official forms
- kcll.org/sealed-name-change-order/ ↗
- Last verified
- August 17, 2026
Filing Requirements in King County
- Newspaper publication
- Not required
- Court hearing
- Required
- How to file
- online (e-filing), by mail or in person
Getting Certified Copies
KC Script Portal / in-person / mail
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 King County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the King County Superior Court (Ex Parte & Probate Department) clerk or website)
- If you cannot afford the filing fee ($290), complete a fee waiver form and file it alongside your petition
- File your petition online (e-filing), by mail or in person with the King County Superior Court (Ex Parte & Probate Department)
- Attend your hearing if the court schedules one
- If approved, get certified copies of the court order — kc script portal / in-person / mail
- 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 King County Superior Court (Ex Parte & Probate Department) clerk before filing.