How to change a name in Washington

General
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What are the necessary legal steps for a name change in Washington? How can I ensure a smooth process, meeting all documentation and requirements?

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To change your name, file a Petition for Name Change for each person with the Court. Attend a hearing scheduled by the Court. Bring photo ID and residency proof if needed. Minors aged 14-17 must attend. If approved, receive a certified name change order from the Court. The Court records the change with the King County Recorder’s Office, which takes 6-8 weeks.

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To change your name in Washington, follow these steps:

  1. Fill Out Forms: Complete the name change petition and order forms, available from the local county court or online.
  2. File Forms: Submit the completed forms to the county court clerk and pay the filing fee.
  3. Attend Hearing: Attend the scheduled court hearing where a judge will review your petition.
  4. Publish Notice: In some cases, you might need to publish a notice of your name change in a local newspaper.
  5. Get Court Order: If the judge approves your petition, you will receive a court order for your name change.
  6. Update Records: Use the court order to update your name on identification and legal documents, such as your driver’s license, Social Security card, and bank accounts.
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