How to Change Your Name in Washington, D.C. — Complete 2026 Guide
Marriage, divorce, court, minor, gender — every D.C. name change path in one place.
Changing your name in Washington, D.C. means picking the right path — your marriage certificate, your divorce decree, or a Petition for Change of Name filed at the D.C. Superior Court at 500 Indiana Avenue NW. We fill out every government form for you, free, and walk you through what to file in what order. Filing fees run $90–$120 — on the lower end nationally — and most court-ordered changes wrap in 4–8 weeks. Marriage and divorce name changes are immediate once you have certified documents.
Quick Facts: Washington, D.C. Name Change
The numbers you'll come back to. D.C. runs a unified court system, so every petition lands at the same address.
| Court Filing Fee | $90–$120 (D.C. Superior Court) |
|---|
| Newspaper Publication | $60–$150 (3 weeks; judge-ordered exceptions only) |
|---|
| Certified Copies | ~$10–$20 each (court order); ~$25 (marriage certificate) |
|---|
| DMV Driver's License Fee | $44 (in-person, no form download) |
|---|
| Court-Ordered Timeline | 4–8 weeks from filing to certified order |
|---|
| Marriage/Divorce Timeline | Immediate with certificate or decree |
|---|
| Court Jurisdiction | D.C. Superior Court, Civil Division (500 Indiana Ave NW) |
|---|
| Publication Required? | Usually no — judge-ordered exceptions only |
|---|
Washington, D.C.-Specific Details
The District of Columbia operates its own unified court system separate from any state — adult name change petitions are filed in the D.C. Superior Court, Civil Division, located at 500 Indiana Avenue NW in Washington. The D.C. Superior Court has exclusive jurisdiction over name change petitions in the District. Filing fees range $90–$120, on the lower end nationally for major-metro courts. Publication is required for three weeks in a D.C.-approved newspaper at $60–$150.
The Washington Times and the Daily Washington Law Reporter (D.C.'s legal newspaper) are the most widely-used publication outlets for name change notices, with the Washington Post handling some general-circulation notices. D.C. courts will also seal name change records on good cause shown — particularly common in cases involving domestic violence, gender transition, or witness protection situations. The District has notably progressive identity-document policies — the D.C. DMV allows self-attestation for gender marker changes and offers a nonbinary "X" option on driver's licenses, no court order or medical documentation required for the gender update itself.
For your driver's license update, the D.C. DMV charges $44 — reflecting the District's higher general cost structure — and requires an appointment at any of the Service Centers (Rhode Island Avenue, Georgetown, or Southwest). Book at dmv.dc.gov. The Rhode Island Avenue center sees the heaviest volume; the Southwest center typically has shorter waits. Bring your certified court order, current license, and updated Social Security card. D.C.'s REAL ID compliant license serves as federal-travel-acceptable identification. Your new license arrives by mail in 1–4 weeks. Estimate your total at our cost calculator.
Pick Your Washington, D.C. Name Change Path
Each path has its own paperwork, court involvement, and timeline. Tap a card to see how it works in D.C., then jump to the full guide.
Marriage Name Change in Washington D.C.
In D.C., your certified marriage certificate is your legal name change document — no court petition, no publication, no extra fees beyond certified copies from D.C. Vital Records.
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.
Full marriage name change guide →
Divorce Name Change in Washington D.C.
D.C. offers two paths: name restoration written into your divorce decree (free, easy), or a separate $100 petition with the D.C. Superior Court after the divorce is final.
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.
Full divorce name change guide →
Court-Ordered Name Change in Washington D.C. (Adult)
For any name change that's not through marriage or divorce. File a Petition for Change of Name with the D.C. Superior Court at 500 Indiana Ave NW. $100 filing fee, 4–8 week timeline, no newspaper publication required.
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.
Step 1: Complete your petition. File a "Petition for Change of Name" with the D.C. Superior Court. The petition requires your current name, desired new name, reason for the change, and confirmation that you're not seeking the change to avoid legal obligations or deceive creditors.
Step 2: File with the court clerk. Submit your petition to the D.C. Superior Court clerk along with the $100 filing fee. The court will assign you a case number and hearing date, typically 4-6 weeks out.
Step 3: Publication (usually not required). Washington D.C. typically doesn't require newspaper publication for adult name changes, unlike many states. However, the judge may order publication if they have concerns about the petition.
Step 4: Attend your hearing. Appear before the judge on your scheduled date. Bring photo ID and be prepared to explain your reason for the name change. Most hearings take 5-10 minutes if there are no objections.
Step 5: Get certified copies of your court order. Once the judge grants your petition, request at least 3-4 certified copies of the court order from the clerk's office. These typically cost $5-10 each and serve as legal proof of your name change.
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.
Full court-order name change guide →
Minor Name Change in Washington D.C.
D.C. requires court approval for any minor name change. Both legal parents must consent and appear at the D.C. Superior Court hearing — single-parent and contested cases extend the timeline.
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.
Full minor name change guide →
Gender Identity Name Change in Washington D.C.
D.C. is one of the most accessible jurisdictions for gender marker updates — DMV self-attestation, sworn-affidavit-only birth certificate updates, and a nonbinary "X" option, no medical documentation required.
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.
Full gender identity guide →
Updating Your Documents After Your D.C. Name Change
Work through these in order — federal first, then D.C., then private. Your Social Security card unlocks every other update.
- Social Security Administration. Update your card first — every other agency verifies against SSA records.
- D.C. DMV. 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.
- U.S. Passport. Change your passport name using DS-82 (by mail) or DS-11 (in person), depending on your current passport's status.
- IRS. File Form 8822 to notify the IRS, or simply use your new name when filing your next tax return.
Show 6 more agencies + accounts to update
- Voter Registration. Update your voter registration with the D.C. Board of Elections online or by mail.
- U.S. Postal Service. Update your name with the post office to ensure mail delivery and set up forwarding if needed.
- Banks and Credit Cards. Contact your financial institutions to update your accounts. Most require your new Social Security card and court order.
- Employer. Notify HR to update payroll, benefits, and tax withholding records.
- Insurance Companies. Update health, auto, and life insurance policies with your new name.
- Professional Licenses. Contact licensing boards for any professional certifications or licenses you hold.
Washington D.C. DMV Name Change Requirements
In-person visit required. Update Social Security first, then wait 24-48 hours so the DC DMV can verify your new name against SSA records.
What to bring:
- Your current District of Columbia driver's license or state ID.
- Original or certified copy of your name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
- Your updated Social Security card with your new name.
- Proof of D.C. residency (utility bill, bank statement, or lease).
- $44.00 replacement license fee.
The DMV process: Online and mail options aren't available for name changes. Appointments are recommended but not always required. Schedule at dmv.dc.gov or call 202-737-4404. You'll receive a temporary paper license immediately, and your permanent card arrives by mail in 1-4 weeks.
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.
DMV contact: dmv.dc.gov · 202-737-4404 · Service Centers at Rhode Island Avenue, Georgetown, and Southwest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a name change cost in Washington D.C.?
Court-ordered name changes in Washington D.C. cost $100 for the filing fee, plus $44 for a new driver's license. Marriage and divorce name changes don't require court fees, but you'll still pay $44 for license updates and fees for certified copies of your marriage certificate or divorce decree.
How long does a name change take in Washington D.C.?
Court-ordered name changes typically take 4-8 weeks from filing to receiving your certified court order. Marriage and divorce name changes are immediate once you have your certified documents. Updating all your records with various agencies takes an additional 2-6 weeks.
Do I need a lawyer to change my name in Washington D.C.?
No, you don't need a lawyer for most name changes in Washington D.C. The court petition process is straightforward, and most hearings are routine. However, complex cases involving parental objections to minor name changes or contested situations may benefit from legal representation.
Can I change my name without a court order in Washington D.C.?
Yes, if you're changing your name due to marriage or divorce. Your certified marriage certificate or divorce decree with name restoration serves as legal proof. All other adult name changes require a court order from the D.C. Superior Court.
Where do I file for a name change in Washington D.C.?
File your name change petition with the D.C. Superior Court, located at 500 Indiana Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001. The court clerk's office handles all name change petitions and can provide forms and guidance on the filing process.
Does Washington D.C. require newspaper publication for name changes?
No, Washington D.C. typically doesn't require newspaper publication for adult name changes. The judge may order publication in unusual circumstances, but most routine name change petitions proceed without publication requirements.
Can I change my gender marker without a court order in Washington D.C.?
Yes, Washington D.C. allows self-attestation for gender marker changes on driver's licenses and state IDs. For birth certificates, you need only a sworn affidavit — no medical documentation or court order required. This makes D.C. one of the most accessible jurisdictions for gender marker updates.
Free
No account needed
Your SSN stays on your device
All 50 states + D.C.