Guidelines

Where & When to File

A person desiring to change their name or that of a child or ward may file a petition in the judicial district in which they reside. The petition must be filed from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (except holidays). Hearings are held by appointment on Fridays at 1:30 p.m.

How to File

A petitioner must fill out a Petition for Name Change (PDF). The petitioner must appear in court for the hearing. The name cannot be changed by mail. Bring picture ID with you for your hearing. If you are requesting a name change for a minor child, it is suggested that you bring the following information:

• A copy of the child's birth certificate and social security card
• An affidavit signed by both the child's legal parents agreeing and consenting to the name change; or, alternatively, information or documentation showing the measures you have taken to notify the other parent of the requested change and the date and time of the hearing
• Picture ID for yourself, and for your child (if available, e.g. school ID card)

It is suggested that minors age 10 and above be present at the court hearing. A separate petition must be filed for each name changed. Each petition filed will be charged a filing fee of $296.50.

If you are seeking a sealed name change order under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, you must contact the Whatcom County Superior Court for filing information.

Filing Fees

The filing fee is $296.50 and we accept cash only, or you may submit a Motion for Waiver of Civil Fees. This is a non-refundable fee, which includes the fee to record the name change with the Whatcom County Auditor and an additional fee to provide you with 2 certified copies of the Name Change Order.