Moving To Washington? Name Change Laws- Advocates for Trans Equality
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Moving to Washington – Transgender Name Change Laws
To obtain a legal name change in Washington State, an applicant must submit a petition to the court. No publication is required. The court case file can be sealed for the applicant’s safety if the individual is a victim of domestic violence. Individuals under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections must give the department a copy of the application at least five days before the order is entered. The court can deny the application except for legitimate religious, cultural, or marital reasons. (Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 4.24.130).
For instructions on legal name changes for minors under 18 in Washington, see NCTE’s Name Changes for Minors in Washington resource.
Washington Drivers License Policy & Procedures
Washington state will issue a driver’s license or state ID with a gender marker of M, F, or X. No documentation from a doctor or a court is needed.
To update the name and/or gender on a Washington state ID:
- If changing name, a document demonstrating the name change, such as a court order or birth certificate,
- If changing gender, a Change of Gender Designation Request form indicating M, F, or X, signed by the applicant.
- A copy of your valid WA driver license, ID card, EDL, EID, or instruction permit
- Payment of the driver licensing fee.
You can submit the form at a driver licensing office location or mail the Change of Gender Designation Request Form to the following address:
Programs and Services, Record Response
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9030
Olympia WA 98507-9030
Moving to Washington – Transgender Name Change Laws You will receive an authorization letter and then can receive your new card online or at a driver licensing office.
