My question involves name change laws in the State of: Washington
I have a bit of a conundrum trying to get my name changed from the one on my birth certificate to the name of my step father, which I have been using since I was 2 years old (I am now an adult in my 20's).
My biological father is named on my birth certificate, and my last name on both my birth certificate and social security card is listed as his. I have had no contact with my biological father since infancy, and my mother remarried when I was 2 years old. Since that time I have been using my step-father's last name. All of my official identification (photo ID/driver's license), academic records, bank and financial information display the last name of my step-father. In fact, I was not even aware of the discrepancy between my birth name and the name I have been using for my entire life. Now I would like to rectify this discrepancy by officially petitioning the court for an order of name change. However, I have absolutely no identification of any kind in my birth name aside from my birth certificate (my original social security card was lost by my parents and I cannot replace it without identification in the name in which the card was issued). I have no documents sufficient to establish identity in my birth name to even obtain a new identification card or passport in my birth name. So I'm at a bit of a loss on how to proceed here. Even if I can obtain the court order for name change it seems that I need at least one form of photo ID in my birth name in order to apply for a new social security card. I was hoping I could get some advice without having to consult a lawyer - my financial situation is pretty tight. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

