Washoe County, NV
How to Change Your Name in Washoe County
File your adult name change petition with the Second Judicial District Court. Our directory does not record the filing fee — confirm it with the clerk. Newspaper publication is required.
Get the full Nevada 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
- Second Judicial District Court
- Filing fee
- Not recorded — confirm with the clerk
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- Confirm with the clerk
- Court address
- Second Judicial District Court — Resource Center, 1 South Sierra Street, 3rd Floor, Reno, NV 89501 (mailing: 75 Court Street, Reno, NV 89501)
- Court phone
- (775) 328-3110
- Jurisdiction
- District Court
- Official forms
- www.washoecourts.com/Main/FormsAndPackets ↗
- Verification
- Verification in progress
Filing Requirements in Washoe County
- Newspaper publication
- Required
- Court hearing
- Not required for uncontested adult petitions
- How to file
- online (e-filing) or in person
Getting Certified Copies
available ($3 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 Washoe County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Second Judicial 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 online (e-filing) or in person with the Second Judicial District Court
- Arrange the required newspaper publication — confirm the approved newspaper with the clerk before you publish
- No hearing is normally required for an uncontested adult petition in this county
- If approved, get certified copies of the court order — available ($3 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 Nevada guide.
Not legal advice: Court rules, fees, and procedures vary by county and change over time. Verify current requirements with the Second Judicial District Court clerk before filing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a name change cost in Washoe County, Nevada?
Our directory does not record a filing fee for the Second Judicial District Court. Confirm the current amount with the Second Judicial 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 Washoe County?
File with the Second Judicial District Court. Accepted filing methods: online (e-filing) or in person.
Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper in Washoe County?
Yes — newspaper publication is required in Washoe County. Confirm the approved newspaper and notice language with the Second Judicial District Court clerk before publishing.
Do I need a court hearing for a name change in Washoe County?
No hearing is normally required for an uncontested adult petition, though the court can still schedule one if it has questions.
How do I get certified copies of my name change order in Washoe County?
Available ($3 per copy). You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport and financial institutions, so request more than one.