How to Change Your Name in Washington, D.C. — Complete 2026 Guide

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. The fee for each copy varies; check the vital records office.

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 5-10 business days by mail after SSA processes your request.

Step 3: Update your D.C. driver's license. After your SSA update, head to the DC DMV. Bring your marriage certificate, new Social Security card, current license, and proof of D.C. residency. The license fee varies; check your state's DMV.

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.

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 step (rules vary by state).

Name restoration in divorce decree: The simplest approach is requesting name restoration as part of your divorce proceedings. If you have a lawyer, ask them to include a name-restoration clause; if not, ask the court self-help center how to request one. This decree then serves as your legal documentation — no additional court filing needed.

a separate court step after divorce (rules vary by state): If your divorce decree doesn't include name restoration, you'll need a separate court step (rules vary by state). In many states this works like a regular court name change, which can include a petition, fees and sometimes publication; check your state's court site.

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.

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 varies in length. D.C. courts generally approve name change petitions unless there's evidence of fraudulent intent or the requested name is offensive or confusing.

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 varies in length and varies to file.

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.

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.

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 fee, and attend the hearing. Most judges grant these petitions routinely, and you can request that court records be sealed for privacy. Fees and timing vary by court.

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.