California name changes go through superior court in your county, cost between $200 and $400, and take about six to eight weeks from filing to final order
You file a petition with your local superior court, attend a brief hearing (often waived), and receive a court order that you then use to update your ID, Social Security record, and other documents. The process is the same whether you are changing your name for personal reasons, after marriage or divorce, or any other circumstance. California does not require you to prove a reason.
The court handles the paperwork, not a private company or online service. You can file the petition yourself without a lawyer, though some people hire one to handle the forms. The filing fee varies slightly by county but is typically $200 to $400, with a possible fee waiver if you cannot afford it.
Key Takeaways
- You file a petition in the superior court of the county where you live, using forms available free from the court website or clerk's office.
- The court charges a filing fee of $200 to $400, but you can request a fee waiver if you meet income limits.
- Most name change petitions are granted without a hearing, though you may be asked to appear briefly in court.
- After the court issues your order, you must update your Social Security record, driver's license, and other documents separately using that order as proof.
- The entire process from filing to receiving your final order usually takes six to eight weeks.
Where to file and what forms you need
You file in the superior court of the county where you currently live. Go to your county's court website and search for "name change" or "petition for change of name." Most California counties post the required forms free to read. If the forms are not online, call or visit the court clerk's office in person — they will give you the forms at no charge.
The main form is the Petition for Change of Name (usually Form NC-100 or similar, depending on your county). You will also need a Proposed Order (Form NC-120 or equivalent). Some counties require an additional Information Sheet about the person whose name is changing. Fill out the forms completely, sign them in front of a notary public, and make copies — you will file the original plus copies with the court.
If you cannot afford the filing fee, complete a Declaration Under Penalty of Perjury Re: Waiver of Court Fees and Costs (Form FW-001) at the same time you file your petition. The court will decide whether to waive the fee based on your income and household size.
The filing process and what happens next
Take your completed petition, proposed order, and any fee waiver form to the court clerk's office. Bring the original plus at least two copies of each document. The clerk will stamp them, keep the originals, and give you copies back with a case number. You will pay the filing fee at this time unless your fee waiver was approved in advance.
After filing, the court reviews your petition. In most cases, the judge signs the order without requiring you to appear in court. You will receive notice by mail within a few weeks telling you whether your petition was granted. If the judge wants to see you, the notice will include a hearing date and time.
If you do have a hearing, it is usually very brief. You go to court, confirm your identity, state your reason for the name change (if asked), and the judge signs the order. You do not need a lawyer for this hearing.
Updating your Social Security record
Once you have your court order, take it to your local Social Security office to update your record. Bring the original court order, your current Social Security card, and a photo ID. The Social Security Administration will issue you a new card with your new name at no charge. This usually takes one to two weeks.
You can also mail your documents to Social Security, but going in person is faster. Find your nearest office at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm what documents they need before you go.
Updating your driver's license and state ID
Visit the California Department of Motor Vehicles with your court order, current driver's license or ID, and proof of residence (a recent utility bill or lease works). The DMV will issue you a new license or ID card with your new name. The fee is $38 for a replacement license or $32 for a replacement ID card.
You can explore online at dmv.ca.gov if you are renewing at the same time, but for a name change you will likely need to visit a DMV office in person. Check the website for your local office's hours and whether you need an appointment.
Updating other important documents
Bring your court order to your bank, insurance companies, employer, and any other organization that has your name on file. Most will update your records once they see the court order. Keep several certified copies of your order — the court clerk can provide these for a small fee (usually $1 to $2 per copy).
If you have a passport, you will need to explore for a new one through the U.S. State Department. Bring your court order, current passport, and a new passport photo. The process takes several weeks and costs $130 for a replacement passport book.
Update your voter registration by contacting your county registrar of voters. Update your property deed if you own real estate by filing a change of name document with your county recorder's office — your title company or a lawyer can help with this if needed.
Costs and timeline
The court filing fee is the largest cost and ranges from $200 to $400 depending on your county. DMV replacement fees add $32 to $38. Certified copies of your court order cost $1 to $2 each. If you hire a lawyer, expect to pay $500 to $1,500 depending on the attorney's rates and how much work they do.
The timeline from filing to receiving your final court order is usually six to eight weeks. Updating your Social Security record takes one to two weeks after that. DMV processing is typically one to two weeks. Plan for the entire process to take two to three months from start to finish if you are doing everything yourself.
If you need a lawyer
You do not need a lawyer to change your name in California — the process is straightforward enough to handle yourself. However, some people hire one if they are unfamiliar with court forms or want someone else to manage the paperwork. If you choose to hire a lawyer, look for one who handles family law or name changes specifically.
If you cannot afford a lawyer, contact your county bar association to ask about low-cost or free legal clinics. Some nonprofits also offer free help with name change petitions. Search online for "free legal aid [your county name]" to find local resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reason to change my name in California?
No. California law does not require you to state a reason or prove one. You can change your name for any reason or no reason at all. The court will grant your petition as long as the paperwork is filled out correctly and you are not trying to change your name to commit fraud or evade the law.
Can I change my name if I have a criminal record?
Yes, but the court has the right to deny your petition if it finds that changing your name would interfere with the administration of justice — for example, if you are trying to hide from law enforcement. Most name changes are granted regardless of criminal history, but the judge has discretion to refuse.
How long does the court order last?
Your court order is permanent. Once the judge signs it, your legal name is changed forever unless you go back to court and file another petition to change it again. You do not need to renew the order or do anything else to keep it valid.
What if the court denies my petition?
Denials are rare, but if yours is denied, the court will explain why in writing. You can file a new petition addressing the court's concerns, or you can appeal the decision. Talk to a lawyer if you want to appeal, as the process is more complex than the initial filing.
Do I need to publish my name change in a newspaper?
California does not require you to publish your name change in a newspaper. Some other states do, but California removed this requirement. You only need the court order and the updates to your government documents.