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Office of the Presiding Judge
King County District Court
W-1034 King County Courthouse
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-205-9200
Fax: 206-296-0596
kcdc.webmaster
@kingcounty.gov

Name Change Overview 

The information contained here is intended to address the most frequently asked questions. It is not comprehensive and should not be construed as legal advice. Those in need of legal advice should consult an attorney.

Applications for Name Changes may be filed in the county where you reside. The process consists of completing a Petition for Name Change and an Order for Name Change. The original Petition is filed with the clerk in any district court division located within the county of your residence. Photo ID may be required.  If a sealed name change is required, the petition must be filed with the Superior Court.

Name Change fees vary depending upon the number of persons named on the Petition. The King County District Court fee for name changes is $150 which includes the $73 filing fee, a $10 administrative cost, a $62 recording cost per named individual and one certified copy.  Additional certified copies are $5 per copy.

Once the Petition has been completed, the case will be presented to a judge for approval and signature.

If you were born in Washington State and wish to change your birth certificate, you must send certified copies of all the paperwork to:

    Department of Health
    Center for Health Statistics
    P.O. Box 9709
    Olympia, WA 98507-9709

The Court will record your Name Change with the King County Recorder's Office. Only the Order needs to be recorded. Recording takes 6 to 8 weeks and a copy with the Recorder's Number will be returned to you.

Name Change Filing and Hearing Schedule

NOTE: This schedule is posted for informational purposes only and may not be accurate. Name Change Calendars may not be held during Jury Week and the schedules may be changed due to volume. All hearing dates are assigned by the court division only. The Name Change Days and Times listed below may be changed by the division at any time. Photo ID may be required.

DivisionHearing Days and TimeOffice Hours for Filing
Bellevue Courthouse
585 112th Ave. S.E.
Bellevue, WA 98004
Daily 1:00 p.m.
Petition must be filed no later than 10:30 a.m. or hearing will be next day
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Burien Courthouse
601 S.W. 149th St.
Seattle, WA 98166
Daily 8:30 a.m.
Petitions must be completed and filed the day prior to the hearing
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Issaquah Courthouse
5415 220th Ave. S.E.
Issaquah, WA 98027
Daily at 1:00 p.m.
Petition must be completed prior to hearing
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Kent Courthouse
1210 South Central
Kent, WA 98032
Monday through Friday at 1:25 p.m..  Must appear and complete paperwork by 11:00 a.m. to be included on the daily calendar Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Redmond Courthouse
8601 160th Ave. N.E.
Redmond, WA 98052
Daily
No hearings between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Seattle Courthouse
E-327 King County Courthouse
Seattle, WA 98104
Daily at 1:30 p.m.
Petitions must be completed and filed no later than 11:00 a.m.
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Shoreline Courthouse
18050 Meridian Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98133
Daily to 3:00 p.m.. Petitions must be filed no later than 3:00 p.m. or they will be scheduled on the next days calendar Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.