How to Change Your Name in Washington State After Marriage

Ready to update your name after tying the knot in the Evergreen State? Plowing through the name change process in Washington can be as refreshing as a stroll through Pike Place Market once you know the steps.

This guide breaks down the process for updating your social security card, driver's license, and other key documents, so you can handle your new name with ease.

Marriage name change

This section covers changing your name after marriage. Information on other name changes, such as those related to divorce or court petitions, will be discussed later.

Pros

• No cost: The process is free.
• Easy to follow: Simple steps to update your name.

Cons

• First name remains: You can't change your first name.
• Middle name remains: Changing your middle name isn't permitted.
• Name options limited: You can only adopt your spouse's surname or hyphenate.

Marriage certificate

To change your name, you'll need an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate. This document can be from other states or countries if you married outside Washington.

If you married in Washington State, you can obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the Washington State Department of Health.

Choose your name

The Washington State marriage license application doesn't have a spot to choose a new name. However, this won't prevent you from changing your name after marriage.

Time limit

There's no time limit for changing your name. You can begin the process right after getting married or choose to postpone it for several years.

But once you initiate the name change process, you must notify the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) within 10 days of updating your social security card.

This is required by Washington statute RCW 46.20.205 to ensure your driver's license or REAL ID is updated with your new name.

Husband taking wife's name

In Washington State, statutes don't specifically address whether a husband can take his wife's last name through marriage, a situation that's common across most states.

In practice, however, men aren't allowed to change their surname to their wives' names simply through marriage. Instead, they must petition the court to legally change their name.

Same-sex couples

While Washington State law doesn't allow men to take their wives' names through marriage, this restriction doesn't apply to same-sex couples.

In fact, same-sex couples in Washington State can adopt each other's names without issue, as confirmed by specific POMS guidelines from the Social Security Administration.

No name change

There's no requirement to change your name after marriage, and if you decide not to, there won't be any legal repercussions.

Traditional name change

The simplest option is to adopt your spouse's full last name. This includes the entire surname as-is—whether it's hyphenated or contains a space.

In contrast, only a few states, such as California and Nevada, allow taking just part of a spouse's last name. In Washington State, you must absorb the entire surname.

Hyphenating last names

You can hyphenate last names in either order. A good compromise, keeping your current name in the mix.

Double-barreled last names

A space-separated (or double-barreled) last name is accepted by the Social Security Administration (SSA), but not by the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL).

Constructing or creating last names

You can't build a new last name by combining segments of existing surnames or by creating an entirely new one through marriage.

If you wish to use parts of your spouse—s surname or invent a completely new last name, you'll need to petition the district court for a legal name change.

Maiden and married name coexisting

If you wish to keep using your maiden name professionally, consider registering it as a trade name or Doing Business As (DBA).

Maiden to middle name swap

Washington State does not allow replacing your middle name with your maiden name through marriage. It—s one of just three states with this restriction, alongside New Jersey and Ohio.

Dropping your middle name

You can't eliminate your middle name or convert it into an initial through a marriage-related name change. To make these changes, you must petition the court.

Returning to a prior or maiden name

Reverting to a maiden name, prior married name, or any other previous name is not possible through a standard marriage name change process.

Such reversions are typically handled during divorce name changes, although a few states do allow them through marriage. Washington isn't one of those states.

First name change

Changing your first name is not possible through marriage. While a few states allow it, Washington isn't one of them. To change your first name, petition the court.

Reversing a name change

If you regret your name change, you can reverse it with the SSA using your marriage certificate, though the DOL may have a different process.

This may seem contradictory to the earlier section about not being able to return to a prior or maiden name through marriage.

However, reversing a name change with the SSA, which they call a "name correction," is a niche process specific to them and doesn't apply universally to all institutions.

This reversal is simpler if you—ve only updated your social security card, as other documents might require additional steps.

Divorce name change

Changing your name through divorce follows gender-neutral rules and applies equally to annulments and domestic partnerships (though domestic partnerships aren—t technically divorces, but rather the end of a partnership).

The process is virtually identical to changing your name through marriage—essentially, you—re swapping the marriage certificate for a divorce decree.

This applies to all federal and state government institutions.

Overview

Changing your name during or after a divorce can be straightforward, but there are specific considerations to keep in mind:

Pros

• Free
• Simple
• Gender-neutral

Cons

• Can't change first name
• Must wait until divorce is final
• Limited to birth name or any prior name

Proof of divorce document

To change your name, you’ll need an original or certified copy of your divorce certificate, not the divorce decree.

The divorce certificate is a one-page document confirming your divorce, while the decree is a multi-page document detailing the terms of your divorce. It's important to note that these aren't interchangeable.

If your divorce occurred in Washington State, you can order a certified copy of your divorce certificate from the Department of Health for $25. The typical turnaround time is 3 to 7 business days.

The Department of Health holds records from January 1, 1968, onward. For divorces prior to this date, contact the county superior court clerk where the divorce was finalized.

Old name

You can return to your maiden name or any prior surname. Middle name change is a gray area left up to the judge. First name changes are a nonstarter.

Tell the judge

During divorce proceedings, tell the divorce judge which old name you want restored in your final decree of divorce.

Even if you intend to keep your married name after divorce, asking for a nonbinding restoration order keeps your options open.

Restoration missing

If your divorce decree is missing an order restoring your preferred name, ask the judge to amend it.

If the judge denies your request, your only remaining remedy is to seek a court-petitioned name change.

SSA flexible, others not

Although the SSA will allow you to revert to any prior name on file, even if your divorce decree omits a restoration order, most other institutions won't (e.g., DOL).

Unless you want to embark on a patchwork name change journey, get the name you want inscribed in your decree.

Name change before divorce

If you're unwilling to wait to change your name until after the judge finalizes your divorce, you can opt for a court-petitioned name change.

You must decide whether it's worth the extra time and expense of changing your name through court instead of waiting to do it for free after divorce.

Forced name change

Your ex-spouse (or soon-to-be ex) can't force you to change your name, nor would a judge honor such an absurd demand.

Court name change

You can undergo a legal adult name change in Washington State by filing a petition in a district court within your county of residence.

Pros

• Can change full name

Cons

• Expensive
• Time-consuming
• Possibility of rejection
• Unlimiited name possibilities

Filing fee

It costs between $100 and $400 for a court-petitioned name change. Fees vary by court. Pay up front and in full.

Accepted forms of payment vary by court, but most will accept cash, a money order, or a certified check.

If you can't afford the filing fee, the court may grant a hardship waiver. Show proof of your inability to pay, such as bank statements, public benefit proofs, or pay stubs.

Filing procedure

File an Order for Name Change. Detail your current name, new name, reason for changing, and that you're not trying to commit fraud or harm others.

You needn't elaborate on "why" you're changing. No need for a speech. Judges approve most petitions without a fuss.

You must be at least 18 years old to petition the court without parental consent and participation.

If both you and a spouse or partner are petitioning the court, file separate petitions. This entails separate fees and hearings.

Schedule your hearing

The court clerk will assign a case number and schedule your hearing for the same day or soon thereafter. Most hearings last mere minutes.

Judge's verdict

A judge or court commissioner will rule on your petition, which will become a public record. They grant most requests.

Signed order

Once the judge approves your name change, take your signed court order and begin changing your name.

You may have to pay a filing fee to record your Order with the court clerk or county auditor. Certified copies cost extra.

Updating documents

Birth certificate

You may change the name on your Washington State birth certificate with a court order, but not a marriage certificate or divorce decree.

Send a certified copy of the court order and any other documentation required to the Department of Health in the Center for Health Statistics in Washington.

Social security card and driver's license

When you complete a name change, always update your social security card first so that the Social Security Administration correctly records your earned benefits.

If you don't report on time, the IRS may delay your income tax refund.

Approach the Washington State's DOL for a new driver's license or ID card. Show a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Don't forget to update your name with non-governmental institutions, such as insurance companies, banks, creditors, employers, schools, military, and voter registration, among others.

If you have questions about changing your name in Washington State, leave them in the comments section below.