What documentation does the department require to change my name as shown on the certificate of ownership? In addition to other documents required by chapters 88.02 RCW and 308-93 WAC, the department requires:

(1) A copy of a court order from any district or superior court of this state authorizing the change of name if the name was changed by a court action; or

(2) An affidavit signed by you stating:

(a) Your previous and current names; and

(b) The reason for the name change; and

(c) That the purpose of the name change is not to defraud creditors.

(3) What documentation does the department require to change the name of a business or corporation as shown on the certificate of ownership?

(a) If two or more businesses merge and a new UBI number is created, applications for each vessel in the new company name and documentation substantiating the name change and/or merger. All certificates of ownership changing from the previous business name(s) to the new business are processed as transfers.

(b) If two or more businesses merge and one of the UBI numbers is retained for the new business, notarized signatures are required on the new application. The certificate of ownership transactions for the business whose UBI number is retained will be processed as name change transactions; certificate of ownership transactions from the other business will be processed as transfers.

(c) If a business has changed names without a change in ownership, documentation such as a copy of the new business or corporate license must be submitted with the application for certificate of ownership and the existing ownership document or an affidavit in lieu. The certificate of ownership will be reissued in the new business name.