Thurston County, WA
How to Change Your Name in Thurston County
File your adult name change petition with the Thurston County District Court. Our directory does not record the filing fee — confirm it with the clerk. 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
- Thurston County District Court
- Filing fee
- Not recorded — confirm with the clerk
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- File at Thurston County District Court, Building 3, 2000 Lakeridge Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502 (official).
- Court address
- Thurston County District Court, Building 3, 2000 Lakeridge Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502
- Court phone
- 360-786-5450
- Jurisdiction
- District Court (regular public track, RCW 4.24.130(1)); Superior Court (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
- www.thurstoncountywa.gov/departments/district-court ↗
- Verification
- Verification in progress
Filing Requirements in Thurston County
- Newspaper publication
- Not required
- Court hearing
- Required
- How to file
- 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 Thurston County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Thurston 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 Thurston 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 Thurston County District Court clerk before filing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a name change cost in Thurston County, Washington?
Our directory does not record a filing fee for the Thurston County District Court. Confirm the current amount with the Thurston County District Court clerk before filing. A fee waiver is available for petitioners who qualify by income; file the waiver request together with your petition.
Where and how do I file a name change in Thurston County?
File with the Thurston County District Court. Venue rule: File at Thurston County District Court, Building 3, 2000 Lakeridge Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502 (official). Accepted filing methods: in person.
Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper in Thurston County?
No — this court reports no newspaper publication requirement. Confirm this with the Thurston County District Court clerk before filing.
Do I need a court hearing for a name change in Thurston County?
A court hearing is required in this county — attend the date the court sets. Confirm the typical timing with the Thurston County District Court clerk.
How do I get certified copies of my name change order in Thurston County?
Available. You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport and financial institutions, so request more than one.