California requires you to file a petition in Superior Court, pay a filing fee, and attend a hearing where a judge approves the change
You cannot change your name by deed poll, government form, or private agreement in California. The only legal path is through Superior Court in the county where you live. You file a petition, the court publishes a notice in a local newspaper, and after a waiting period, you attend a hearing. If the judge approves, you receive a court order that you then use to update your driver's license, Social Security record, and other documents.
The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks from filing to court order, though timing varies by county. The filing fee is usually between $200 and $400, depending on your county. If you cannot afford the fee, you can request a fee waiver by filing a separate form with your petition.
Key Takeaways
- You must file a petition in Superior Court in your home county; there is no online or mail-only option for the initial filing.
- The court will order a notice published in a local newspaper for at least four weeks before your hearing date.
- You must attend the hearing in person unless the judge grants permission to appear by phone or video, which is rare.
- After the judge signs the order, you use that court order to change your name with the DMV, Social Security Administration, and your employer or bank.
- If you cannot pay the filing fee, you can request a fee waiver on Form FW-001 at the same time you file your petition.
Where to file and what forms you need
File your petition at the Superior Court in the county where you currently live. You will need three documents: the Petition to Change Name (Form NC-100), a Proposed Order to Change Name (Form NC-110), and proof of residency in that county (a utility bill, lease, or recent tax return dated within the last three months).
You can read these forms from the California Courts website or pick them up in person at the courthouse clerk's office. Some counties also allow you to file by mail, but you must call your local Superior Court clerk first to confirm their process and current mailing address. Do not assume mail filing is available—many counties require you to file in person at the courthouse.
Fill out Form NC-100 completely. List your current legal name, the name you want, and your reason for the change (you can write "personal preference" if you have no other reason). Sign the form in front of a notary public or court clerk. Some courthouses have a notary on staff; call ahead to ask.
The publication requirement and waiting period
After you file, the court clerk will order a notice of your name change published in a newspaper of general circulation in your county. This notice must run for at least four consecutive weeks and must appear at least 30 days before your hearing date. The newspaper will send the bill to you—expect to pay $50 to $150 depending on the publication and county.
You do not choose the newspaper; the court or clerk's office designates one. The publication requirement exists to give the public a chance to object to your name change, though objections are extremely rare. You will receive proof of publication from the newspaper, which you must bring to your hearing.
The waiting period between filing and your hearing is typically four to six weeks, but some counties schedule hearings further out. Call the clerk's office after you file to confirm your exact hearing date.
Preparing for and attending your court hearing
Bring the following to your hearing: your court order (Form NC-110, signed by the judge), proof of publication from the newspaper, a valid photo ID, and your current birth certificate or passport. Dress professionally—judges expect you to treat the proceeding seriously. Arrive 15 minutes early.
The hearing itself is usually brief. The judge will ask you your current name, the name you want, and why you want to change it. Answer clearly and honestly. You do not need a lawyer, and most judges do not expect one. If you have a criminal record or are trying to evade a court order or debt, the judge may deny your petition; otherwise, approval is routine.
After the judge approves, the clerk will give you a certified copy of the court order. Request at least three certified copies—you will need them to update your Social Security record, driver's license, and possibly your bank or employer records. Each certified copy costs a few dollars.
Updating your name with government agencies and institutions
Your court order is not automatically sent to any agency. You must take it to each place yourself. Start with the Social Security Administration, because your Social Security number is the foundation for most other records. Visit your local Social Security office with your court order, current ID, and birth certificate. They will issue a new Social Security card with your new name within two weeks.
Next, go to the Department of Motor Vehicles with your court order, current driver's license, and proof of residency. You can do this in person at any DMV office or by mail if your county allows it. The DMV will issue a new license with your new name. If you have a passport, update it through the State Department using your court order and new driver's license as proof.
Notify your employer, bank, insurance company, and any other institution that has your name on file. They will each have their own process, but all will accept your court order as proof. Keep copies of your court order in a safe place—you may need them years later if a record resurfaces under your old name.
Fee waivers if you cannot afford the filing fee
If the filing fee is a hardship, file Form FW-001 (process for Waiver of Court Fees) along with your petition. On this form, you list your income, expenses, and assets. The judge will review it and decide whether to waive the fee. You do not need to prove extreme poverty—the standard is whether paying the fee would prevent you from paying for basic needs like food or housing.
File the fee waiver form at the same time you file your petition. Do not wait to see if you are denied first. If the judge grants the waiver, you pay nothing. If denied, you will be told the amount due and given time to pay before your hearing is scheduled.
Common mistakes and what to avoid
Do not skip the notary step. Your signature on Form NC-100 must be notarized or witnessed by a court clerk, or the court will reject your petition. Do not assume your hearing will be scheduled automatically—call the clerk's office to confirm the date after you file.
Do not miss your hearing. If you cannot attend, contact the court when ready to ask about rescheduling or appearing by phone. Failing to appear will result in dismissal of your petition, and you will have to file and pay again.
Do not expect the court to update your name everywhere. The court order is your proof, but you must physically take it to each agency and institution. Some people file the court order and assume their name has changed everywhere—it has not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my child's name, or does my child have to be an adult?
A parent or guardian can file a petition to change a minor's name. The process is the same, except you file on behalf of the child. If the child is 12 or older, the court may require the child's consent or may ask the child to appear at the hearing. Contact your local Superior Court clerk for the specific rules in your county.
What if I have a criminal record or outstanding warrants?
A criminal record alone does not prevent a name change. However, if you are trying to evade prosecution, hide from law enforcement, or escape a court order, the judge may deny your petition. Be honest with the court about your situation. If you have concerns, consult with a lawyer before filing.
How long does the entire process take from start to finish?
Most cases take four to eight weeks from the day you file to the day you receive your court order. The publication requirement alone takes four weeks. Some counties move faster; others slower. Call your local Superior Court clerk after you file to get a realistic timeline for your county.
Do I need a lawyer to change my name in California?
No. The process is straightforward enough that most people handle it without legal help. A lawyer can file the paperwork for you, but it will cost several hundred dollars. If you are comfortable filling out forms and attending a brief hearing, you can do this yourself.
What if the newspaper cannot find me to serve notice, or I move before my hearing?
The newspaper publishes a notice; they do not need to find you personally. If you move before your hearing, notify the court clerk when ready with your new address. The hearing will still proceed as scheduled. Bring your new address proof to the hearing if you have moved.