Free Printable Washington Name Change Petition & Requirements

Legally change your name through the court

Sales Tax: 6.5%Notary: $10Witnesses: 1

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PETITION FOR NAME CHANGE
State of Washington

IN THE [  ] DISTRICT [  ] SUPERIOR [  ] CIRCUIT COURT
OF [COUNTY] COUNTY, WASHINGTON

Case No.: [TO BE ASSIGNED]

PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Petitioner [CURRENT LEGAL NAME] respectfully states:

1. Petitioner resides at [ADDRESS], [COUNTY] County, Washington WA.
2. Petitioner was born on [DOB] in [CITY, STATE].
3. Petitioner's current legal name is: [CURRENT LEGAL NAME]
4. Petitioner requests the name be changed to: [NEW DESIRED NAME]
5. Reason for name change: [  ] Marriage [  ] Divorce [  ] Personal preference [  ] Other: [EXPLAIN]
6. Petitioner is not seeking a name change to defraud creditors or for any illegal purpose.
7. Petitioner [  ] has [  ] has not been convicted of a felony.
8. Petitioner [  ] is [  ] is not a registered sex offender.

WHEREFORE, Petitioner requests this Court grant the name change in accordance with Washington law (WA Statutes).

PETITIONER SIGNATURE: _____________________ DATE: _____
Print Name: _____________________

VERIFICATION:
I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.
Signature: _____________________ DATE: _____

Where to File Your Name Change Petition in Washington

Visit your local County Clerk office to file or notarize your Name Change Petition.

Washington County Clerk

Washington Capital

Main Government Building, Washington

District County Clerk

Washington Metro Area

County Courthouse, WA

Washington Name Change Petition Requirements

Review the following requirements to ensure your Name Change Petition is legally valid in Washington.

Notarization required
1 witness must sign
Vehicle identification number (VIN) required
Odometer disclosure mandatory
Buyer and seller signatures required
Purchase price must be stated
Date of sale required
Blue or black ink only
Electronic signatures accepted
County clerk filing required

Washington Notarization

While notarization may not be required in Washington, it is recommended. Fees range from $10.

Before You Sign

Review all information carefully. In Washington, a 6.5% sales tax may apply.

Legal Protection

Keep copies of all signed documents. Washington law requires all parties to receive copies of executed documents.

Washington Filing Deadlines

Check Washington deadlines for filing or recording this document with the appropriate county clerk's office.

FAQ: Name Change Petition in Washington

Is a Name Change Petition required in Washington?

Yes, in Washington, a Name Change Petition is required for most transactions of this type. Under Washington State Code, the document must include all parties' information, be signed, and witnessed by at least one individual. Failure to use a proper Name Change Petition may result in legal complications.

Does a Name Change Petition need to be notarized in Washington?

Notarization requirements in Washington (WA) vary by transaction type. Notary fees in the state typically range from $10. While not always mandatory, notarization adds an extra layer of legal protection and is recommended for high-value transactions.

What are the tax implications of a Name Change Petition in Washington?

Washington has a base sales tax rate of 6.5%. Depending on the type of transaction documented in your Name Change Petition, additional local taxes may apply. Consult with a Washington tax professional for specific guidance on your situation.

MCE
Reviewed & Fact-Checked

Michael Chen, Esq.

Real Estate Law Consultant

Bar Certified, Real Estate Expert

Expert in property transactions and real estate documentation

This Name Change Petition template for Washington has been reviewed for accuracy and legal compliance.

Last reviewed: March 2026

Name Change Petition Costs in Washington

Estimated fees and processing times

Fee TypeCostNotes
Notary Fee$5-$15 (if required)Washington standard rate: $10
Filing FeeVaries by stateState registration (if applicable)
Processing Time1-3 business daysTypical turnaround in Washington
Sales Tax6.5%Washington base rate (local taxes may apply)
Witness Requirement1 witnessSingle witness sufficient
Our TemplateFREEDownload instantly, no cost
Fees shown are Washington-specific estimates. Contact your local office for exact pricing.

Washington Name Change Petition Legal Guide

According to Washington laws, this agreement holds legal weight once properly signed and notarized, ensuring compliance with state regulations.

For Washington (WA) residents, this Name Change Petition is governed by Washington State Code. Important details: sales tax at 6.5%, notary costs of $10, and a requirement for 1 witness. The document has indefinite validity once properly executed.

This professionally drafted form provides peace of mind knowing you're compliant with all Washington legal requirements.

legal name changecourt petitionname change orderidentity changecourt filing
Every year, thousands of Washington residents need a Name Change Petition for personal or business purposes. Understanding WA regulations ensures your document is enforceable and protects your interests.

Getting It Done Right in Washington

Here's the practical approach: download, fill in your details, get signatures, and handle any WA-required notarization. Washington makes the process relatively straightforward, but attention to detail matters. Keep at least two copies — one for each party involved.

Legal Validity & Enforcement

Once properly executed, your Name Change Petition is legally binding in Washington and enforceable in WA courts. The document remains valid for the duration specified in its terms. Washington courts generally uphold properly executed documents, provided they comply with applicable WA statutes.

What Washington Attorneys Want You to Know

Practicing lawyers in Washington emphasize three things: accuracy, completeness, and compliance with WA statutes. A well-prepared Name Change Petition saves time, money, and potential legal headaches down the road. When in doubt, a brief consultation with a Washington-licensed attorney is worth the investment.

Meeting Washington's Legal Threshold

For your Name Change Petition to hold up in a Washington court, it must satisfy the state's statutory requirements. WA law emphasizes clear language, mutual consent, and proper execution. We've built these requirements directly into our template.

Document Information

Document
Name Change Petition
State
Washington (WA)
Category
Family
Format
PDF / Word / Print
Cost
100% Free
Sales Tax
6.5%
Notary Fee
$10

Washington Legal Requirements

Governing Statute:

State Law

  • Consult with a licensed attorney for specific requirements

Legal Disclaimer

This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in Washington may change. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.