Updated April 04, 2024
Washington D.C. name change forms can be used by anyone who has lived in D.C. for more than six months to apply for a legal name change. Name changes related to marriage and divorce are part and parcel of existing court proceedings, but the process for changing a name for any other reason includes filling out court forms, preparing supporting documentation, and appearing before a judge-in-chambers.
Name Change After Marriage
Legally changing your last name after marriage doesn’t require going through the court. To change a last name after marriage, request to do so on your marriage license application, then obtain a certified copy of the marriage certificate from the Washington D.C. courts system’s online portal.
The certificate can then be used to change your name with other government agencies, starting with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Bring the certificate to the nearest SSA office to complete the process.
Name Change After Divorce
Changing one’s name in the event of a divorce does not require a petition. State in the marital settlement agreement and during the divorce proceedings a desire to revert to a maiden or another previous name. Once this is made clear in court, a clause will be included in the divorce decree. The name change will take effect when the judge signs the order, and as with a marriage certificate, the document can then bu used to change other
Certified copies of a divorce decree can be obtained from the court system’s Domestic Relations Branch. You can visit the Moultrie Courthouse, call (202) 879-1212, or email FamilyCourtCertifiedCopies(at)dcsc.gov.
How to Change Your Name (6 steps)
- Verify Eligibility
- Download Application
- Gather Documentation
- File Petition
- Notify Interested Parties
- Final Hearing
2. Download Application
3. Gather Documentation
A Proof of Identity and Residency is required when filing a name change petition.[3] Have an original birth certificate and make a certified copy of the driver’s license and passport as well as utility bills, bank statements, or pay stubs before submitting the petition to the court clerk; the court may require multiple means of proving residency, so it’s best to bring several of these.
If your birth certificate is in a foreign language, you must have a translated copy to provide to the clerk.
4. File Petition
Visit the Civil Actions Branch of the DC Superior Court and file the petition with the court clerk. The filing fee is $60, payable in cash or money order. To apply for a fee waiver, file an Application to Waive Court Costs and Fees. Once it is confirmed that the application has been completed and all required documents are attached, an Order and Notice of Final Hearing will be provided.
5. Notify Interested Parties
Publication is no longer required for adult name change applications in the district.[4] However, you are required to notify creditors and other “interested parties” of your application. The court will inform you of who the interested parties are once a hearing date is set, but common examples include:
- Banks
- Landlords
- Utilities
- Credit Card Companies
Additionally, if you have previously been convicted of a felony, or are on probation or parole (including outside of the district) you must inform the law enforcement agency with jurisdiciton over your case.
All notifications must occur within 10 days of submitting your Application for Change of Name of an Adult to the court. You personally serve notice or send it through registered mail, but you must file an Affidavit of Service by Individual for each interested party.
Driver’s License
One of the first things that should be undertaken after a legal name change is updating one’s driver’s license. This can be done by visiting the nearest DMV and bringing a current driver’s license in addition to a court-certified Order for Name Change, marriage certificate, or divorce decree.
Voter Registration
Updating voter registration can be accomplished online, by mail, or in person. To update the registration information online, visit the online voter registration page and follow the prompts. To update by mail or in person, download and complete the Voter Registration Form. Hand-deliver or mail this form to the DC Board of Elections office.