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NameRight provides procedural guidance, not legal advice.
Verify requirements with official courts and agencies. Full legal disclaimer
This guide summarizes official-source basics for changing your legal name in District of Columbia. Court and agency requirements can change, so verify current instructions with the official court or agency before filing.
Where you file
Superior Court
Estimated court fee
$60
Typical timeline
Check with the court or agency
Residency rule
Varies; check with your local court
Publication for general filings
Not typically required
Fee waiver available
Available
Gender marker options
M / F / X
pdf_DC_52e1195e3ff3 — Name Change Petition
Official petition for District of Columbia name change process.
View form Source: District of Columbia CourtsFiling fees in District of Columbia: $60. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount with the court before filing.
Fee waiver available: Yes
Fee waiver available. Check with the court for specific waiver requirements.
No, newspaper publication is not typically required for a standard name change in this state.
If publication raises safety concerns, ask the court about available options or waivers.
Available options: M, F, X. Self-attestation is allowed. Rules can change, so verify with the relevant state agency before submitting documents.
Agency by agency
Gender marker rules differ by agency — driver license / ID, birth certificate, passport (federal), and SSA (federal) can each have different options and proof rules. Confirm the options for each record you plan to update.
Self-attestation: Yes
Medical proof required: Verify with the relevant agency
Agency rules can change. Verify current requirements with the relevant state agency before submitting documents.
After receiving your court order, update your records with key agencies. The following list is a general starting point — priorities may vary by situation.
County procedures can vary. Always confirm filing steps with your local court.
Free guides explain the general process. Complete helps apply the process to your situation.
In District of Columbia, you file a name change petition with the Superior Court in the county where you live. Requirements can vary by county and situation, so verify current instructions with the official court source before filing.
Available source data lists the filing fee as $60. Fees can change, and additional costs may apply (e.g., publication fees, certified copies). Confirm the current amount with the court before filing.
No, newspaper publication is not typically required for a standard name change in this state.
Yes, a court hearing is generally required.
Available options: M, F, X. Self-attestation is allowed. Rules can change, so verify with the relevant state agency before submitting documents.
Start with the official court or agency source linked on this page. NameRight provides informational guidance and preparation tools, not legal advice. Court and agency rules can change, so always verify before filing or paying fees.
Every claim on this page points back to an official source. Here is what each source supports and when it was last checked — verify details with the source before filing.
Get a personalized filing path based on your situation.
NameRight is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We provide self-help information, document preparation tools, and public court process guidance based on publicly available information. Court procedures and eligibility rules can change, and your situation may require advice from a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction. Full legal disclaimer