Pierce County, WA
How to Change Your Name in Pierce County
Court Information
- Court
- Pierce County District Court (WA); sealed/confidential name changes go to Pierce County Superior Court
- Filing fee
- $308.5
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- county of residence
- Jurisdiction
- District Court, RCW 4.24.130 (confidential name changes go to Superior Court (5))
- Official forms
- www.piercecountywa.gov/863/Name-Change-Forms-Resources ↗
- Last verified
- August 17, 2026
Filing Requirements in Pierce County
- Newspaper publication
- Not required
- Court hearing
- Required
- How to file
- online (e-filing), in person or by email
Getting Certified Copies
Pick up 2 certified copies in person after 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 Pierce County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Pierce County District Court (WA); sealed/confidential name changes go to Pierce County Superior Court clerk or website)
- If you cannot afford the filing fee ($308.5), complete a fee waiver form and file it alongside your petition
- File your petition online (e-filing), in person or by email with the Pierce County District Court (WA); sealed/confidential name changes go to Pierce County Superior Court
- Attend your hearing if the court schedules one
- If approved, get certified copies of the court order — pick up 2 certified copies in person after 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 Pierce County District Court (WA); sealed/confidential name changes go to Pierce County Superior Court clerk before filing.