Marriage Name Change in Washington D.C.

Taking your spouse's name after marriage in Washington D.C. doesn't require a court petition — your certified marriage certificate serves as legal proof of your name change. Here's how to change your name after marriage in Washington D.C.:

Step 1: Get certified copies of your marriage certificate. You'll need multiple certified copies (not photocopies) for various agencies. Order at least 3-4 copies from the D.C. Vital Records office or the office where you were married. Each copy typically costs around $18.

Step 2: Update Social Security first. Visit your local SSA office with your current driver's license, certified marriage certificate, and proof of citizenship. You cannot change your name with Social Security online or by mail. The process is free, and you'll receive your new Social Security card within 2-4 weeks.

Step 3: Update your D.C. driver's license. Wait 24-48 hours after your SSA visit, then head to the DC DMV. Bring your marriage certificate, new Social Security card, current license, and proof of D.C. residency. The replacement license costs $44.00.

Step 4: Update your passport. If your current passport was issued within the last year and you have your marriage certificate, use Form DS-82 to renew by mail for $130. Otherwise, you'll need to apply in person with Form DS-11 at a passport acceptance facility.

Step 5: Notify other agencies. Update your voter registration, bank accounts, employer records, and insurance policies. Most require your new Social Security card as proof of the name change.

Divorce Name Change in Washington D.C.

Restoring your prior name after divorce in Washington D.C. can happen two ways: through language in your divorce decree or with a separate court petition.

Name restoration in divorce decree: The simplest approach is requesting name restoration as part of your divorce proceedings. Your attorney can include a clause in the divorce decree stating your name is restored to your prior name. This decree then serves as your legal documentation — no additional court filing needed.

Separate petition after divorce: If your divorce decree doesn't include name restoration, you'll need to file a separate petition for name change with the D.C. Superior Court. This follows the same process as a court-ordered name change (detailed below), including the $100 filing fee and 4-8 week timeline.

Once you have your divorce decree with name restoration clause, follow the same update sequence as marriage: Social Security first, then DMV, passport, and other agencies. Each agency requires the certified divorce decree as proof of your name change.

Court-Ordered Name Change (Adult) in Washington D.C.

Adult court-ordered name changes in Washington D.C. require filing a petition with the D.C. Superior Court. This process covers name changes for personal, professional, or gender identity reasons that don't stem from marriage or divorce.

The entire process typically takes 6-10 weeks from filing to receiving your certified court order. D.C. courts generally approve name change petitions unless there's evidence of fraudulent intent or the requested name is offensive or confusing.

Minor Name Change in Washington D.C.

Changing a child's name in Washington D.C. requires court approval and varies based on parental consent and custody arrangements.

Both parents consent: When both legal parents agree to the name change, file a joint "Petition for Change of Name of Minor" with the D.C. Superior Court. Both parents must sign the petition and appear at the hearing. The process takes 4-8 weeks and costs $100.

One parent objects or is absent: If one parent objects or cannot be located, the court requires additional steps. You'll need to serve legal notice to the absent parent and demonstrate that the name change serves the child's best interests. This extends the timeline to 8-12 weeks and may require legal representation.

Guardian or other circumstances: Legal guardians can petition for a minor's name change with court permission. Foster parents typically cannot change a child's name without termination of parental rights or specific court authorization.

The court considers factors like the child's preferences (if age-appropriate), relationship with both parents, and potential confusion or hardship caused by the name change. Most petitions are granted when there's clear benefit to the child and no evidence of interference with parental relationships.

Gender Identity Name Change in Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. supports gender-affirming name changes and gender marker updates through both court orders and administrative processes. The district has some of the most inclusive policies in the nation for transgender and non-binary residents.

Name change process: Transgender individuals follow the same court petition process as other adult name changes. File your petition with the D.C. Superior Court, pay the $100 fee, and attend the hearing. Most judges grant these petitions routinely, and you can request that court records be sealed for privacy.

Driver's license gender marker: Washington D.C. allows self-attestation for gender marker changes on driver's licenses and state IDs. No court order, medical documentation, or therapy letters required. Simply visit the DC DMV with your current ID and request the change. Non-binary (X) gender markers are available.

Birth certificate updates: D.C.-born residents can update their birth certificate gender markers through the Department of Health. You'll need a court order for the name change, but gender marker changes require only a sworn affidavit — no medical documentation needed.

Federal document updates: Once you have your court order, update your Social Security records first, then your passport. The Social Security Administration and State Department both accept court orders for transgender name and gender marker changes.

Updating Your Documents After the Court Order

After receiving your certified court order (or marriage/divorce decree), you'll need to update your name with multiple agencies and organizations. Here's the recommended order:

1. Social Security Administration: Visit your local office with photo ID, your court order, and proof of citizenship. This must be done first — your Social Security name change is required by most other agencies.
2. DC Department of Motor Vehicles: Update your driver's license and vehicle registration. Bring your court order, new Social Security card, current license, and proof of D.C. residency. The replacement license costs $44.00.
3. U.S. Passport: Apply for a passport name change using Form DS-82 (by mail) or DS-11 (in person), depending on your current passport's status.
4. Internal Revenue Service: File Form 8822 to notify the IRS of your name change, or simply use your new name when filing your next tax return.
5. Voter Registration: Update your voter registration with the D.C. Board of Elections online or by mail.
6. U.S. Postal Service: Update your name with the post office to ensure mail delivery and set up forwarding if needed.
7. Banks and Credit Cards: Contact your financial institutions to update your accounts. Most require your new Social Security card and court order.
8. Employer: Notify HR to update payroll, benefits, and tax withholding records.
9. Insurance Companies: Update health, auto, and life insurance policies with your new name.
10. Professional Licenses: Contact licensing boards for any professional certifications or licenses you hold.

Washington D.C. DMV Name Change

The DC DMV requires in-person visits for name changes on driver's licenses and state IDs. Online and mail options aren't available for name changes.

What to bring: Your current District of Columbia driver's license or ID, original or certified copy of your name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), your updated Social Security card, and proof of D.C. residency like a utility bill or bank statement.

Cost and timeline: The replacement license fee is $44.00. You'll receive a temporary paper license immediately, and your permanent card arrives by mail in 1-4 weeks.

Scheduling: Appointments are recommended but not always required. Check the DC DMV website at dmv.dc.gov or call 202-737-4404 to schedule and verify current wait times.

Real ID upgrade: If you're upgrading to a Real ID (recommended for domestic air travel), bring additional documents: birth certificate or passport, Social Security card, and two proofs of D.C. residency.

Gender marker changes: Washington D.C. accepts self-attestation for gender marker updates — no medical documentation or court order required. Non-binary (X) markers are available.

Last verified: 2026-03-28