Name Change Petition in California

California Requirements

• Petition must include current legal name, proposed new name, and reason for the change
• Order to Show Cause must be published in a newspaper of general circulation for 4 consecutive weeks
• Court hearing is required unless waived by the court
• Registered sex offenders must notify the Department of Justice
• Name change for minors requires consent of both parents or a court order

How to Complete This Form

1. 1Obtain a name change petition form from your local court or court website.
2. 2Complete the petition with your current legal name, proposed new name, and reason for the change.
3. 3File the petition with the court clerk and pay the filing fee.
4. 4If required by your state, complete fingerprinting and a criminal background check.
5. 5If required, publish notice of the name change in a designated newspaper for the required period.
6. 6Attend the court hearing and bring identification and any supporting documents.
7. 7After the court grants the order, update your name on identification documents, bank accounts, and other records.

Name Change Petition in Other States

Other Forms in California