Whitman County, WA

How to Change Your Name in Whitman County

File your adult name change petition with the Whitman County District Court. The filing fee is $281.50. No newspaper publication is required.

Get the full Washington checklist

The court step is one of many β€” the free state guide maps SSA, DMV, passport and the records that come after.

Court Information

Court
Whitman County District Court
Filing fee
$281.50
Fee waiver
Available for qualifying petitioners
Where to file
File the petition at the Whitman County District Court clerk's office (Colfax or Pullman branch). (Official petition instructions.)
Court address
Colfax Branch: Whitman County Courthouse, 400 N Main Street, Colfax, WA 99111; Pullman Branch: 325 SE Paradise Street, Pullman, WA 99163
Court phone
509-397-6260
Jurisdiction
District Court (regular public track, RCW 4.24.130(1)); Superior Court (sealed track per RCW 4.24.130(5): emancipated minors, asylum/refugee/SIJS, gender expression/identity, DV/stalking/unlawful harassment/coercive control β€” file sealed, no public access.)
Verification
VerifiedΒ· Nov 10, 2026

Filing Requirements in Whitman County

Newspaper publication
Not required
Court hearing
Required
How to file
online (e-filing) or in person

Getting Certified Copies

available ($5 per copy)

You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport, and your banks β€” order more than one.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Gather documents: certified birth certificate, photo ID, and proof of residency in Whitman County
  2. Complete the name change petition form (available from the Whitman County District Court clerk or its website)
  3. If you cannot afford the filing fee, complete a fee waiver form and file it alongside your petition
  4. File your petition online (e-filing) or in person with the Whitman County District Court
  5. Attend the hearing the court schedules
  6. If approved, get certified copies of the court order β€” available ($5 per copy).
  7. 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 β€” 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 Whitman County District Court clerk before filing.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a name change cost in Whitman County, Washington?

The court filing fee is $281.50. 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 Whitman County?

File with the Whitman County District Court. Venue rule: File the petition at the Whitman County District Court clerk's office (Colfax or Pullman branch). (Official petition instructions.). Accepted filing methods: online (e-filing) or in person.

Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper in Whitman County?

No β€” this court reports no newspaper publication requirement. Confirm this with the Whitman County District Court clerk before filing.

Do I need a court hearing for a name change in Whitman County?

A court hearing is required in this county β€” attend the date the court sets. Confirm the typical timing with the Whitman County District Court clerk.

How do I get certified copies of my name change order in Whitman 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.

NameRight provides procedural guidance, not legal advice.

Verify requirements with official courts and agencies. Full legal disclaimer