Name Change
If you are a resident of the state of Washington and wish to change your name, you may petition the Clallam County District Court 1.
Per RCW: 4.24.130, if you are changing your name due to gender expression or identity or due to reasonable fear of domestic violence, stalking, unlawful harassment or coercive control and you wish to have the name change file sealed, you may file your Petition for Name Change with the Clallam County Superior Court.
Fees:
- $93.00 Filing fee
- $203.50 Auditor’s recording fee
- Total: $296.50
- If you can not afford the filing and recording fee, file a Name Change Motion for Waiver of Fees when the Name Change Petition is filed.
- How do I petition to change my name?
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File a completed Petition of Name Change with Clallam County District Court 1.
Which includes:
- The completed petition
- Payment
- Photo identification of the petitioner
You will then be provided with a hearing date for your petition. Name change hearings are completed on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month at 9:00AM.
Documents:
- How do I petition to change a minor’s name?
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File a completed Petition of Name Change with Clallam County District Court 1.
Which includes:
- The completed petition
- Copy of the minor Birth Certificate
- Photo identification of the petitioner
- Completed and notarized Consent of Natural Parent for Change of Name of parent not present in court, Declaration of Non-Consenting Natural parent, or Order giving guardian authority to change Minor’s name.
Documents:
- If under Department of Corrections Supervision:
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The court is required by law to ask if you are under supervision of the Department of Corrections (DOC). If you have been convicted of a felony crime, and are under the supervision of the state Department of Corrections, the Court will not grant the petition to change your name without proof that a copy of the petition has been mailed to the DOC at least five (5) days before the hearing, and that changing your name will not interfere with legitimate penological interests. (RCW 4.24.130(2)) The person who received an order changing their name must submit a copy of the order to DOC within five (5) working days of the entry of the order.
The Court can deny a petition if it finds the name change would interfere with legitimate penological interest, unless the name change is requested for religious or legitimate cultural reasons or in recognition of marriage or dissolution of marriage.
Documents:
- If required to register as a sex offender:
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The court is required by law to ask you if the person whose name is being changed is required to register as a sex offender. If the person who’s name is being changed is required to register as a sex offender with state and local law enforcement, the court will not grant the petition unless it is proven that a copy of the petition has been served on both the Sheriff's Office in the county of person's residence and the Washington State Patrol at least five (5) days prior to the date set for the hearing, and that changing the name does not interfere with legitimate law enforcement interests. Any registered sex offender who receives an order changing their name is required to submit a copy of the order to the county Sheriff of the county they reside and to the Washington State Patrol within five (5) working days of the entry of the order.
The Court can deny a petition if it finds the name change would interfere with legitimate penological interest, unless the name change is requested for religious or legitimate cultural reasons or in recognition of marriage or dissolution of marriage.
Documents:
- Copies of Order Changing Name:
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If you would like a certified copy of your name change, contact the Clallam County Auditors Office in Person at 223 E. 4th Street Suite 1 Port Angeles, WA 98362 or by phone at 360-417-2568.
- Who should receive copies of the Name Change Order:
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Birth state is Washington state: Washington State Department of Vital Records requires a certified copy to the Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics, PO BOX 9709, Olympia, WA 98507.
Any other Birth state: Check with your State’s Department of Vital Records or equivalent agency to determine if they require a copy of the Order Changing Name.