Washington

ID Documents Center

Welcome to our one-stop hub for name and gender change information. Find out how to update your name and gender on state and federal IDs and records.

COVID-19 disruptions: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many courts and government offices have made significant changes to their operating procedures. This may cause delays in the processing of your name or gender marker change requests as a result. Contact your local court or other government offices for more details. You should keep dated copies of any materials you submit by mail or electronically. We understand this is a hardship for many, and we encourage you to reach out for support if you are distressed.

Not sure where to start? Here's a quick overview.

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Last updated February 2023

Name Change, Driver's License & Birth Certificate Policies in:

Federal IDs and Records:

Washington 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

You will receive an authorization letter and then can receive your new card online or at a driver licensing office.

The Washington State Department of Licensing addresses name change here and gender change here.

Washington Birth Certificate Laws

Starting January 27, 2018, Washington State will change the sex designation on a birth certificate to M, F, or X upon request of the applicant. No provider documentation is required for adults over 18 or emancipated minors.

To apply for an updated birth certificate, the applicant should submit:

If applicant is an adult over 18 years of age or an emancipated minor, a filled out Request to Change Sex Designation on a Birth Certficate for an Adult, signed in front of a notary
If applicant is a minor under 18 years of age, a filled out Request to Change Sex Designation on a Birth Certificate for a Minor, signed by a parent or legal guardian AND a health care/mental health care provider
If changing the name as well, a Court Order Legal Name Change Request and a certified copy of the court ordered name change
There is no fee to amend the record. For a certified copy of the new birth certificate, submit a Mail Order Form along with a personal check or money order of $20 for each birth certificate you are purchasing.

Send the application to:

Washington State Department of Health
Center for Health Statistics
PO Box 47814
Olympia, WA 98504

The Washington State Department of Health has instructions for a gender change on a birth certificate here. For additional help, call (360) 236-4300 or email SexDesignationChange@doh.wa.gov.