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.