California requires you to go through Superior Court to change your name legally

A legal name change in California happens through a court petition, not through a government office or by filing paperwork with a single agency. You file a form called a Petition to Change Name with your county's Superior Court, pay a filing fee (usually between $200 and $400, depending on the county), and attend a brief hearing where a judge approves or denies your request. The whole process typically takes four to six weeks from filing to final order.

You do not need a lawyer to change your name in California, though some people hire one. The court system provides the forms you need, and the process is designed for people to handle on their own. Once the judge signs your order, you receive a certified copy that you use to update your name with the Social Security Administration, the DMV, your bank, employer, and other institutions.

Key Takeaways

  • File a Petition to Change Name (Form NC-100) with your county Superior Court, along with a declaration explaining your reason for the change.
  • Pay the filing fee, which varies by county but is typically $200 to $400, though you may request a fee waiver if you cannot afford it.
  • Publish a notice of your petition in a local newspaper for four weeks before your court hearing, unless the court waives this requirement.
  • Attend your court hearing, where the judge will review your petition and usually approve the change on the spot if everything is in order.
  • Obtain certified copies of your court order and use them to update your name with Social Security, the DMV, and other agencies.

Where to file and what forms you need

Start by contacting your county's Superior Court clerk's office. You can find the address and phone number on the court's website by searching "[your county] Superior Court" plus "name change." The clerk's office will confirm the current filing fee for your county and tell you whether they have printed copies of the forms or if you need to read them.

The main form is the Petition to Change Name (Form NC-100). You also need a Declaration Under Penalty of Perjury (Form NC-110), where you explain why you want to change your name. California law does not require you to have a specific reason—you can change your name for any reason except to commit fraud or evade the law. Many people change their name after marriage or divorce, to match their gender identity, to escape a family name associated with trauma, or straightforward because they prefer a different name. Your declaration should be straightforward and honest.

If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can request a fee waiver by filing a Request to Waive Court Fees (Form FW-001). The court will review your income and assets and either waive the fee or reduce it. This request does not delay your case.

Publishing notice and the newspaper requirement

California requires you to publish a notice of your name change petition in a newspaper in your county for four consecutive weeks. This is called publication, and it gives the public a chance to object to your name change (though objections are rare). You must use a newspaper of general circulation—not a legal-only publication—and you must publish the notice before your court hearing.

Contact newspapers in your county and ask which ones handle name change publications. The newspaper will tell you the cost (usually $100 to $300 total) and the timeline. You pay the newspaper directly, not the court. After publication is complete, the newspaper gives you an Affidavit of Publication, which you bring to your court hearing as proof that you published the notice.

The court can waive the publication requirement in some cases—for example, if you are a minor or if publishing would put you at risk of harm. Ask the court clerk whether you might may have access to for a waiver before you pay for publication.

Preparing your petition and filing with the court

Fill out Form NC-100 (Petition to Change Name) with your current legal name, the name you want to change to, and your reason for the change. You will also provide your date of birth, current address, and information about any criminal history (the form asks whether you have been convicted of a felony). Be accurate and complete—incomplete petitions are returned unfiled.

Complete Form NC-110 (Declaration Under Penalty of Perjury) by describing your reason for the name change in your own words. Keep it brief and factual. Sign the declaration in front of a notary public or court clerk (many court clerk offices will notarize for free or a small fee). This signature confirms that you are telling the truth.

Make copies of all your forms. You need the original plus at least two copies—one for the court file and one for yourself. Bring or mail these to your county Superior Court clerk's office along with the filing fee. The clerk will stamp your copies and give you a case number and hearing date. Write down both.

What happens at your court hearing

Your hearing is usually brief—often just five to ten minutes. You appear before a judge, who reviews your petition and asks you a few questions to confirm that you completed the process correctly and that you are not changing your name to commit fraud. The judge will ask something like "Is this your true petition?" and "Are you changing your name for any unlawful purpose?" Answer honestly and clearly.

If you have published notice in the newspaper and everything on your petition is complete and truthful, the judge will almost always approve your name change on the spot. The judge signs an Order to Change Name (Form NC-120), and you receive a certified copy. Some courts mail this to you; others give it to you at the hearing. If the court mails it, allow a few days.

If you cannot attend the hearing, contact the court clerk in advance to ask whether you can appear by phone or video. Some courts allow this; others do not. Do not skip your hearing without permission—the court may dismiss your petition.

Updating your name after the court order

Once you have your certified court order, you use it to change your name with government agencies and private institutions. Start with the Social Security Administration. Visit your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment. Bring your certified court order, a photo ID, and your Social Security card. The SSA will issue you a new card with your new name within two weeks.

Next, update your name with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Visit a DMV office or explore online through the DMV website. You will need your certified court order, your current driver's license or ID card, and proof of residence (a utility bill or lease). The DMV will issue a new license or ID card with your new name.

After that, contact your bank, employer, insurance companies, and any other institutions that have your name on file. Each will have its own process, but they all require a certified copy of your court order. Keep several certified copies—the court clerk can provide them for a small fee (usually $1 to $2 per copy). You may also want to update your name with the U.S. Postal Service if you want mail forwarded under your new name.

Special situations: minors and name changes related to gender identity

If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must file the petition on your behalf, though you may be required to attend the hearing. The process is the same, but the court may ask additional questions to may support the name change is in your best interest.

California law does not require you to disclose your reason for changing your name, including if the change is related to your gender identity. You can straightforward state "personal reasons" on your declaration. However, some people choose to be specific, and the court will not deny your petition based on your reason. The process is identical regardless of whether your name change is related to gender identity, marriage, divorce, or any other reason.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name if I have a criminal record?

Yes. California does not automatically deny name changes to people with criminal records. However, the court may deny your petition if it believes you are changing your name to evade law enforcement or to commit fraud. If you have a record, be honest about it on your petition—the form asks directly. The court will decide whether your reason for changing your name is legitimate.

How much does a name change cost in California?

The filing fee ranges from about $200 to $400 depending on your county. You also pay the newspaper for publication, which usually costs $100 to $300. If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can request a fee waiver. The newspaper fee is separate and cannot be waived, but some newspapers offer reduced rates for people with low income.

Do I need to publish notice if I am changing my name for safety reasons?

You can ask the court to waive publication if you can show that publishing your name change would put you at risk of harm—for example, if you are fleeing domestic violence. Contact the court clerk to ask about the waiver process and what documentation you need to provide. The court will review your request and decide whether to grant it.

What if someone objects to my name change at the hearing?

Objections are rare. If someone does object, the judge will hear their reason and then decide whether to approve your petition anyway. Most objections do not succeed unless the objector can show that you are changing your name to commit fraud or evade the law. You have the right to respond to any objection.

How long does it take to get my new Social Security card after I change my name in court?

The Social Security Administration usually issues a new card within two weeks of your visit to a local office. You can use your certified court order as proof of your name change in the meantime. Some employers and institutions will accept the court order even before your new Social Security card arrives.