Name Change to Match Gender Identity in District of Columbia: Steps, Cost & Forms

Verified against Superior Court of the District of Columbia — Civil Actions Branch and .gov sources · Last verified July 16, 2026.

Quick answer

A name change to match gender identity in District of Columbia is filed in the DC Superior Court — Civil Actions Branch, costs about $60, and requires no newspaper notice. Most cases finish in 4–10 weeks. You'll need the forms below and certified copies of the signed order to update your IDs.

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What it costs

Filing fee

$60

DC uses the same application for a name change tied to gender identity; the $60 fee is waivable

Court

DC Superior Court — Civil Actions Branch

Civil Actions Branch of the DC Superior Court (500 Indiana Ave. NW, Washington, DC)

Timeline

4–10 weeks

Step by step

1
Complete the Application for Change of Name (Adult) to request the name that matches your gender identity — DC handles name and gender-designation changes under Superior Court Civil Rule 205.
2
Ask the court to seal the record or restrict access to your former name if public disclosure would create a safety risk.
3
File with the Civil Actions Branch, pay or waive the $60 fee, and attend the hearing.
4
Use the signed order to update Social Security, then change the gender marker on your DC license or ID at the DMV, and update your US passport.

Official forms

Every link goes to the official court or government host — never a paid re-host.

Form	Code	Official link
Application for Change of Name (Adult)	—	Open ↗
Superior Court Civil Rule 205 (Change of Name or Gender Designation)	—	Open ↗

Newspaper publication: Not required — No newspaper publication is required, and Superior Court Civil Rule 205 lets the court seal the record or omit the former name from public files to protect privacy and safety.

Background check: No background check

Good to know in District of Columbia:

• DC's Civil Rule 205 specifically covers changes of name and gender designation and allows record sealing for safety.
• The DMV updates the gender marker on a license or ID separately from the court name-change order.

Then update your IDs

Once you have the signed order, update Social Security first, then your District of Columbia license, then your passport and accounts.

Who to notify →Build my checklist →See my timeline →

Gender identity name change in nearby states

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Name Change to Match Gender Identity in District of Columbia: FAQ

How much does a name change to match gender identity cost in District of Columbia?

About $60, filed in the DC Superior Court — Civil Actions Branch. DC uses the same application for a name change tied to gender identity; the $60 fee is waivable.

Do I have to publish a notice in a newspaper in District of Columbia?

No. District of Columbia does not require newspaper publication for this type of name change.

Is a gender-identity name change private in District of Columbia?

No newspaper publication is required, and Superior Court Civil Rule 205 lets the court seal the record or omit the former name from public files to protect privacy and safety.

How long does it take in District of Columbia?

Typically 4–10 weeks from filing to a signed order, then Social Security (7–10 business days), the DMV, and your passport (4–6 weeks).

What do I do after the judge signs my order in District of Columbia?

Order certified copies, then update Social Security first, the DMV next, then your passport, banks, and employer. Our Who-To-Notify Checklist builds the full ordered list.

Sources

Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:

See our verification methodology and themaster source list.

Last verified July 16, 2026Reviewed by the Name Change Atlas Editorial Team against official court and .gov sources.