The Washington Petition for Change of Name is the court form an adult or a parent files to ask a judge to legally change a person’s name under RCW 4.24.130. Adults file the petition in the District Court of the county where they live, while petitions to change a minor’s name go to the county Superior Court, and both routes use the standardized Washington Courts NC forms.
Getting the petition wrong creates real consequences, including a rejected filing, a delayed hearing, a denied order, and the inability to update a Social Security card, driver’s license, or passport. The Washington Administrative Office of the Courts processes thousands of name changes each year, and county clerks report that roughly 15–20% of pro se filings get rejected on first submission for missing signatures, missing fee waivers, or missing fingerprint requirements when applicable.
In this guide, you will learn:
- 📝 How to fill out every line of the NC 01.0100 Petition without triggering a clerk rejection
- ⚖️ How to handle adult, minor, joint-parent, and contested-parent scenarios under Washington law
- 💰 How to request a fee waiver using a GR 34 motion when you cannot afford the filing fee
- 🛡️ How to seal your file under GR 22 if disclosure would put your safety at risk
- 📬 How to file by mail, in person, or through county e-filing portals like King County eFiling
What the Petition for Change of Name Is and Who Must File It
The Washington Petition for Change of Name, court form NC 01.0100, is a sworn court request asking a judge to issue an order legally changing a person’s first, middle, or last name. The form lives in the Name Change (NC) family of Washington Pattern Forms, maintained by the Administrative Office of the Courts under the authority of RCW 4.24.130. The current revision date prints in the bottom-left corner of page 1, and you should always confirm you are using the version posted that month on the official forms page.
Any adult who lives in Washington may file the petition in the District Court of the county where they reside. A parent, legal guardian, or person standing in loco parentis files the same petition in Superior Court when the proposed name change is for a minor child. Incarcerated petitioners, registered sex offenders, and people on community custody face extra requirements under RCW 9A.44.130, including written notice to the county sheriff and the State Patrol.
The petition does several things at once. It identifies the petitioner, states the current legal name, states the proposed new name, gives the reason for the change, discloses any criminal history, and asks the court for an order. The signed order, NC 04.0400, is what the Social Security Administration, the Department of Licensing, and the U.S. State Department actually rely on when you update your records.
You cannot use this form to change a name as part of a divorce or paternity case, because those name changes happen inside the family law decree itself. You also cannot use it to commit fraud, escape creditors, or evade a criminal record, and the judge has discretion under RCW 4.24.130 to deny any petition that appears to have an unlawful purpose.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Open the NC 01.0100 Petition only after you have gathered every supporting document, because clerks reject incomplete packets at the counter and by mail. The pre-filing checklist below covers every item adults and minors need, and missing even one item delays your hearing by two to six weeks in most counties.
- Government-issued photo ID. A driver’s license, state ID, military ID, or passport proves identity at the counter and at the hearing, and without it the clerk cannot verify your signature.
- Certified birth certificate. Required for minor name changes, this confirms parentage and the child’s current legal name, and the court will not proceed without it.
- Current legal name documentation. Bring a Social Security card, marriage certificate, or prior court order showing how your name reads now, because a mismatch with state records triggers a hold.
- Proposed new name spelling. Write the new first, middle, and last name exactly as you want them on the new Social Security card and driver’s license, because the order copies your spelling verbatim.
- Filing fee or fee waiver paperwork. Adult District Court fees run roughly $176–$230 depending on county, and a GR 34 fee waiver substitutes when you cannot pay.
- Other parent contact information. For a minor petition, you need the non-petitioning parent’s last known address for service under CR 4.
- Criminal history details. List felony convictions, pending charges, and any sex-offender registration status, because RCW 9A.44.130 requires sheriff notice within five days of the order.
- Sealing motion if needed. Survivors of domestic violence, stalking, or trafficking should prepare a GR 22 motion to seal before the hearing, because the file becomes public the moment it is stamped.
- Two certified-copy fees. Each certified copy of the order costs roughly $5 plus $1 per page, and you need at least two for SSA and DOL.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The official, court-approved version of the petition lives on the Washington Courts Forms portal, and you should download it the same week you plan to file because the AOC updates pattern forms quarterly. The portal offers the petition as a fillable Word document and as a PDF, and either format is acceptable as long as the revision date in the footer matches the current version.
County courts also publish the form locally, and many county clerks add a one-page county cover sheet you must attach. The King County Clerk publishes a name-change packet, the Pierce County Superior Court maintains its own minor-petition packet, and the Spokane County District Court offers an adult-petition packet at the front counter. Always use the county packet in addition to the state pattern form, because the county cover sheet often controls hearing scheduling.
You can fill the form on a computer or print it and write in black ink. Typed entries reduce clerk rejection because handwriting is the single largest cause of unreadable petitions. Do not use cursive, and do not use blue ink for the signature unless the county specifically requires it.
If you cannot access the form online, the county clerk’s office will hand you a paper packet for free. Public libraries in Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, and Vancouver also keep printed packets at the reference desk, and self-help centers like the Northwest Justice Project provide guided assistance for low-income filers.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out NC 01.0100 Line by Line
The petition runs three to four pages depending on the revision, and each section asks for specific information that the judge relies on at the hearing. Use the exact field names and box numbers printed on the form, and follow the six-element walkthrough below for every field.
Caption: Court, County, and Case Number
The caption sits at the very top of page 1 and tells the clerk which court receives the petition. In plain English, this block asks where you are filing and which case this is. Adults write District Court of Washington, County of King (or your county) on the first line, and the clerk assigns the case number when you file, so you leave that line blank.
For example, Maria Lopez filing in Spokane writes Spokane County District Court on the court line and leaves the No. field empty. If you live in two counties, file where you sleep most nights, because venue follows residence under RCW 4.24.130. A common mistake is writing Superior Court on an adult petition, which forces the clerk to reject the filing and send you to District Court.
A widespread misconception is that you can pick any county courthouse for convenience, but the statute ties venue to your actual residence and a wrong county means a void order.
Petitioner’s Current Legal Name
The form asks for Petitioner’s Name exactly as it reads on your birth certificate, most recent court order, or naturalization certificate. Write the full first, middle, and last name in the order they appear on that document, with no nicknames and no initials. Use ALL CAPS only if your county packet instructs you to.
For example, Carlos Andre Mendoza-Reyes writes the hyphen and both surnames because his birth certificate carries both. If your name has accents, diacritics, or non-Latin characters, write them as they appear on your government ID, because the order will copy them verbatim. A common mistake is writing your married name when your legal name is still your maiden name, which causes a Social Security mismatch and a 60-day processing freeze.
The misconception here is that “current legal name” means the name you go by socially, but the court only cares about what state and federal records say.
Proposed New Name
This field, often labeled Petitioner asks the court to change Petitioner’s name to, captures the new first, middle, and last name exactly as you want them printed on every future ID. Write the spelling, capitalization, hyphens, and spaces with care, because the order copies your entry letter for letter.
For example, Janet Marie Whitfield writing the new name Janet Marie Whitfield-Brooks must include the hyphen if she wants one, because Social Security treats Whitfield Brooks and Whitfield-Brooks as different surnames. If you want a single-word mononym, write the single word and leave the other name fields blank, but expect the judge to ask follow-up questions. A common mistake is leaving the middle-name line blank when you actually want to keep your existing middle name, which causes the order to drop the middle name entirely.
The misconception is that the court will “fix” obvious typos at the hearing, but Washington judges sign exactly what the petition says and will not alter spelling on the bench.
Date of Birth
The Date of Birth line asks for your birthdate in MM/DD/YYYY format. Write the digits with slashes, no dashes, and no spelled-out month, because clerks scan the field for date validation.
For example, Aisha Daniels, born March 14, 1985, writes 03/14/1985. If your birth certificate uses a foreign date format, convert it to the Washington format and bring the original document to the hearing. A common mistake is writing the current date instead of your birthdate, which the clerk catches but which delays processing by a full day. The misconception is that an approximate birthdate is acceptable, but Washington requires the exact date as it appears on your birth record.
Current Address
The petition asks for your residential street address, city, state, and ZIP code, because residence controls venue under RCW 4.24.130. Write the physical street address where you sleep, not a P.O. Box, and add an apartment or unit number if you have one.
For example, Marcus Hill writes 4421 NE 65th St, Apt 3B, Seattle, WA 98115. If you live in transitional housing, a shelter, or a vehicle, ask the clerk about the local protocol, because most counties accept a shelter address or a general-delivery address with a sworn statement. A common mistake is using a work address or a relative’s address out of privacy fear, which voids venue if discovered.
The misconception is that your driver’s license address is automatically your “residence,” but the court looks to where you actually live the night you sign the petition. Domestic-violence survivors should consider the Address Confidentiality Program and a GR 22 sealing motion before listing a home address.
Reason for the Name Change
This narrative box, often labeled The reason for the name change is, gives the judge the legal and personal basis for granting the order. Write two to four plain sentences explaining the reason, such as marriage, divorce, gender identity, religious change, family unification, or personal preference.
For example, Riley Chen writes I am affirming my gender identity, and my new name reflects who I am. My family, employer, and medical providers already use this name. If the change is for a minor, explain how it serves the child’s best interests under In re Marriage of Daubert. A common mistake is leaving this box blank or writing personal, which gives the judge no basis to grant the petition and almost guarantees a continued hearing.
The misconception is that you must justify the change with extraordinary reasons, but Washington follows a permissive standard and grants most non-fraudulent petitions.
Criminal History Disclosure
The form asks whether you have been convicted of a felony, are currently charged, or are required to register as a sex offender. Check Yes or No honestly, because the clerk cross-references state criminal databases and false answers expose you to perjury under RCW 9A.72.020.
For example, David Park, with a 2014 felony theft conviction that was vacated in 2022, still checks Yes and writes Vacated 2022, Snohomish County 14-1-12345-6, because the question covers any prior conviction. If you must register as a sex offender, the order does not relieve you of registration, and you must notify the county sheriff within five days under RCW 9A.44.130. A common mistake is checking No because the conviction was old or out of state, which leads to a perjury referral when the judge runs the background check.
The misconception is that a name change “clears” a criminal record, but Washington courts treat name changes and record vacatur as separate proceedings.
Sex Offender Registration Acknowledgment
A separate field requires sex-offender registrants to acknowledge the duty to re-register under their new name within five days. Check the box only if it applies, and add the registration county on the line provided.
For example, Thomas Reyes, registered in Pierce County, checks the box and writes Pierce County Sheriff. The order itself becomes effective only after the sheriff receives written notice and the State Patrol updates the registry. A common mistake is ignoring this field because the petitioner believes a name change ends registration, which it does not.
The misconception is that a successful petition resets the registration clock, but the registration period continues uninterrupted under RCW 9A.44.140.
Minor-Specific Fields (Parent or Guardian Petitions)
When the petition is for a child, additional fields capture both parents’ names, addresses, and consent status. Write each parent’s full legal name, current address, and relationship to the child, and attach written consent or proof of service for any non-petitioning parent.
For example, Janet Whitfield petitioning for her son Liam lists herself as Mother (Petitioner) and writes the father’s full name and address on the Other Parent line. If the other parent objects, the court schedules a contested hearing under In re Daves, and the judge applies the best-interests standard. A common mistake is writing unknown for the other parent without filing a Motion for Service by Publication, which voids the eventual order.
The misconception is that one parent alone can change a child’s name without notifying the other, but Washington requires notice or formal substituted service in nearly every case.
Signature, Date, and Verification
The bottom of the petition contains a signature block, a date line, and a sworn-verification clause stating that the contents are true under penalty of perjury under the laws of Washington. Sign in front of the clerk, a notary, or another authorized officer, and write the date in MM/DD/YYYY format.
For example, Maria Lopez signs Maria Lopez, prints Maria Lopez, and dates 05/22/2026. Electronic signatures are acceptable in counties that accept e-filing, but only if the county packet specifies it. A common mistake is signing before reviewing the form for blanks, because an unsigned or partially blank petition is rejected on intake.
The misconception is that a notary is always required, but most Washington courts accept a sworn signature in front of the clerk at the counter under GR 13.
Request for Order
The final clause asks the judge to grant the petition and issue the Order Changing Name (NC 04.0400). You do not need to write anything new here, but you must attach the proposed order to the petition packet, because the judge cannot sign an order that is not in the file.
For example, Carlos Mendoza-Reyes fills out NC 04.0400 with the same caption, the same current name, and the same proposed name, and clips it to the back of the petition. A common mistake is leaving the proposed order out, which forces a continuance to the next docket. The misconception is that the court drafts the order, but in Washington the petitioner drafts and submits both documents.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
These three scenarios show how three different filers complete the petition from start to finish. Each table uses the form’s actual section names so you can match your packet line by line.
Scenario 1: Adult Restoring a Maiden Name After Divorce
| Form Section | What Maria Enters |
|---|---|
| Court and County | Spokane County District Court |
| Case Number | (left blank for clerk) |
| Petitioner’s Current Legal Name | Maria Theresa Lopez-Brennan |
| Proposed New Name | Maria Theresa Lopez |
| Date of Birth | 03/14/1985 |
| Current Address | 812 W 9th Ave, Spokane, WA 99204 |
| Reason for Name Change | I want to restore my birth name after my divorce was finalized in 2024. |
| Criminal History | No |
| Sex Offender Registration | Not applicable |
| Signature and Date | Maria T. Lopez-Brennan, 05/22/2026 |
Scenario 2: Parent Petition for a Minor With Both Parents Consenting
| Form Section | What Janet Enters |
|---|---|
| Court and County | King County Superior Court |
| Petitioner’s Name | Janet Marie Whitfield (mother and legal guardian) |
| Minor’s Current Legal Name | Liam Robert Brooks |
| Proposed New Name for Minor | Liam Robert Whitfield-Brooks |
| Minor’s Date of Birth | 07/02/2018 |
| Current Address | 4421 NE 65th St, Seattle, WA 98115 |
| Other Parent’s Name and Address | Daniel Brooks, 215 Pine St, Bellevue, WA 98004 |
| Other Parent’s Consent | Attached, signed and notarized |
| Reason for Name Change | Both parents agree the child should carry both family surnames. |
| Signature and Date | Janet M. Whitfield, 05/22/2026 |
Scenario 3: Adult Survivor With Sealing Request Under GR 22
| Form Section | What Riley Enters |
|---|---|
| Court and County | Pierce County District Court |
| Petitioner’s Current Legal Name | Riley Alexandra Chen |
| Proposed New Name | Riley Alexandra Park |
| Date of Birth | 11/29/1992 |
| Current Address | (ACP substitute address) PO Box 257, Olympia, WA 98507 |
| Reason for Name Change | I am a survivor of domestic violence, and the new name protects my safety. |
| Criminal History | No |
| Sex Offender Registration | Not applicable |
| Sealing Request | Motion to seal under GR 22 attached |
| Signature and Date | Riley A. Chen, 05/22/2026 |
How to File the Completed Form
Washington offers three filing channels, and your county controls which channels are open for name-change petitions. Always confirm by calling the clerk before you make the trip, because some smaller counties accept only in-person filings.
In person. Walk the petition, the proposed Order Changing Name, the cover sheet, and the filing fee to the county clerk’s counter. The District Court clerk handles adult petitions, and the Superior Court clerk handles minor petitions. The clerk stamps the file, schedules a hearing within two to six weeks, and hands you a stamped copy as proof of filing. Pay by cash, check, money order, or card, depending on the county.
By mail. Send the original signed petition, the proposed order, the cover sheet, and a check or money order for the filing fee to the clerk’s mailing address. Use certified mail with return receipt, because the postmark and the return card are your proof of filing if anything goes missing. Processing takes one to two weeks longer than in-person filing.
Electronic filing. Counties such as King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Spokane accept e-filing through their portals, including King County eFiling and the Washington Courts Portal. Upload the petition as a PDF, attach the proposed order, pay the fee with a credit card (with a small convenience surcharge), and download the file-stamped copy as proof of filing. Processing time matches in-person filing in most counties.
Filing fees in 2026 typically run $176 for District Court adult petitions and $240 for Superior Court minor petitions, plus $5 plus $1 per page for each certified copy of the order. If you cannot pay, file a GR 34 Motion to Waive Fees at the same time you file the petition, and the judge can waive all fees for indigent filers.
What Happens After You File
After the clerk stamps your petition, the court sets a hearing date, usually two to six weeks out. The clerk hands you (or mails you) a notice of hearing showing the date, time, courtroom, and judge. Adult District Court hearings are short, often five to ten minutes, and the judge typically asks the petitioner to confirm the new name, the reason, and the criminal history disclosure on the record.
For minor petitions, both parents must receive notice under CR 4, and the hearing may be longer if the other parent objects. The judge applies the best-interests standard, considers any objection, and either grants the petition, denies it, or continues it for more evidence. If the judge grants the petition, sign and submit the Order Changing Name for the judge to sign at the bench.
After the order is signed, buy at least two certified copies from the clerk. Send one to the Social Security Administration to update your SSN record, and bring one to the Washington Department of Licensing to update your driver’s license. Update your passport with the U.S. State Department, update your voter registration, and notify your bank, employer, school, and health insurer.
If the judge denies the petition, you have 30 days to file a notice of appeal under RAP 5.2. Most denials happen in contested minor petitions or where the judge suspects fraud, and consulting a family-law attorney before re-filing avoids repeat denials.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
- Filing in the wrong court. Adults filing in Superior Court (or vice versa) face immediate rejection and a wasted filing fee.
- Leaving the reason blank. A blank reason field gives the judge no basis to grant the petition and almost always triggers a continuance.
- Misspelling the proposed new name. The order copies your spelling exactly, and a misspelled name forces a corrective petition costing another full fee.
- Hiding criminal history. Failing to disclose a felony or pending charge exposes you to a perjury referral under RCW 9A.72.020.
- Skipping sex offender notice. Registrants who do not notify the sheriff within five days of the order face a new felony charge under RCW 9A.44.130.
- Forgetting the proposed order. Without the NC 04.0400 order attached, the judge has nothing to sign and the case is continued.
- Skipping the other parent. Filing a minor petition without notice to the other parent voids the order even after the judge signs it.
- Using a P.O. Box for residence. Venue depends on physical residence, and a P.O. Box raises a venue challenge.
- Filing without the fee or a fee waiver. Clerks reject any petition without payment or a GR 34 motion.
- Forgetting certified copies. SSA and DOL will not accept a plain photocopy, and ordering certified copies later costs another trip and another fee.
- Skipping the GR 22 sealing motion. Survivors who file without sealing expose their address and identity in a public record.
- Signing before completing the form. A signed petition with blank fields is treated as incomplete and rejected at intake.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
- Do download the petition from the Washington Courts Forms portal the same week you plan to file, because revisions roll out quarterly.
- Do type your entries when possible, because typed petitions clear intake faster than handwritten ones.
- Do bring two forms of ID to the hearing, because some judges ask for secondary identification when the photo is old.
- Do request at least two certified copies of the order, because SSA and DOL each need an original.
- Do file a GR 22 sealing motion if your safety is at risk.
- Do confirm county-specific rules by calling the clerk, because local rules vary widely.
Don’ts
- Don’t write nicknames in the current-name field, because the court only recognizes legal names.
- Don’t leave the criminal-history box unchecked, because a blank box reads as nondisclosure and triggers a perjury concern.
- Don’t file in a county where you do not actually live, because venue follows residence under RCW 4.24.130.
- Don’t forget to serve the other parent for a minor petition, because unserved orders are voidable.
- Don’t sign without reading the verification clause, because you are signing under penalty of perjury.
- Don’t assume the order changes your records automatically, because you must update SSA, DOL, and the State Department yourself.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Pros of pro se filing
- Lower cost, since you pay only the filing fee and skip attorney fees.
- Faster start, because you can download the form and file the same day.
- Simple cases, like an uncontested adult name change, rarely need legal training.
- Free help is available through the Northwest Justice Project and county self-help centers.
- You stay in control of the timing, the spelling, and the personal narrative.
Cons of pro se filing
- Contested minor cases can spiral without an attorney, especially under In re Daves.
- Sealing motions under GR 22 involve briefing that benefits from legal training.
- Sex-offender petitioners face complex notice requirements under RCW 9A.44.130 that an attorney handles routinely.
- A denied petition costs another full filing fee on re-filing.
- Mistakes on spelling, criminal history, or service can void an order years later.
Adult vs. Minor Petition at a Glance
| Feature | Adult Petition (District Court) |
|---|---|
| Court | District Court of county of residence |
| Statute | RCW 4.24.130 |
| Filing fee (2026) | Approximately $176 |
| Notice required | Self only |
| Hearing length | 5–10 minutes typical |
| Standard | Non-fraudulent purpose |
| Feature | Minor Petition (Superior Court) |
|---|---|
| Court | Superior Court of county of residence |
| Statute | RCW 4.24.130 plus best-interests case law |
| Filing fee (2026) | Approximately $240 |
| Notice required | Both parents and any guardian |
| Hearing length | 15–45 minutes if contested |
| Standard | Best interests of the child |
FAQs
Do I need a lawyer to file the Petition for Change of Name?
No. Most adults file pro se without difficulty, but contested minor petitions, sealing motions, and sex-offender cases benefit from a Northwest Justice Project referral or a private attorney.
Can I file the petition in any Washington county?
No. You must file in the District Court (adult) or Superior Court (minor) of the county where you actually live, because venue follows residence under RCW 4.24.130.
Do I write my maiden name or married name in the current-name field?
Yes, write whichever name is your current legal name as shown on your most recent court order, marriage certificate, or birth certificate, because the court compares the entry to state records.
Do I have to disclose a vacated felony conviction?
Yes. The criminal-history field covers all prior convictions, even vacated ones, and you should write the cause number and the vacatur date next to the Yes checkbox.
Can I leave the middle-name line blank if I want to keep my middle name?
No. A blank middle-name line tells the judge to drop the middle name, so always write the middle name you want, even if it stays the same.
Do I need a notary to sign the petition?
No. Most counties accept a sworn signature in front of the clerk under GR 13, but a notary is acceptable and sometimes required for mailed filings.
Can I change my child’s name without the other parent’s consent?
No. You must give legal notice to the other parent under CR 4, and if the parent objects, the judge applies the best-interests standard.
How long does the whole process take?
Yes, typically two to six weeks from filing to hearing, plus another one to two weeks for SSA and DOL updates after the order is signed.
Can I seal the file if I am a domestic-violence survivor?
Yes. File a GR 22 motion at the same time you file the petition, and ask the judge to seal the case at the hearing.
Do I have to publish notice of the name change in a newspaper?
No. Washington does not require newspaper publication for a typical adult or minor name change, unlike some other states.
Can I waive the filing fee?
Yes. Indigent filers can attach a GR 34 Motion to Waive Fees, and the judge can waive the filing fee, the certified-copy fees, and any service fees.
Does the order automatically update my Social Security card?
No. You must take a certified copy of the Order Changing Name to the Social Security Administration yourself, because no Washington court updates federal records.
Can I change my name to anything I want?
No. Washington judges deny petitions for fraudulent, obscene, or harassing names, and they may deny a name that includes numbers, symbols, or trademarked terms.
What if I make a typo on the proposed new name?
No, the judge will not fix it at the hearing, and you must file a corrective petition with another full fee, so proofread the proposed name three times before signing.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out California Form NC-100 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Illinois Petition for Change of Name (Adult) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Illinois Petition for Change of Name (Minor) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Washington Order Changing Name + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Washington FL Modify 601 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Washington FL Modify 631 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-120 (w/Examples) + FAQs