How do I legally change my name in California?

Q: How do I legally change my name in California?

California's adult name-change process is governed by Code of Civil Procedure §§ 1275–1279.6 and handled in the superior court of the petitioner's county of residence. 1. File the Petition - Complete Form NC-100 (Petition for Change of Name) and NC-110 (Attachment) listing your current and proposed name. - File with the superior court clerk; filing fee is $435 (fee waiver available via Form FW-001 for low-income petitioners). - Minor name changes use Form NC-110 ; both parents typically must consent or be served. 2. Order to Show Cause & Publication - The court issues an Order to Show Cause (Form NC-120) setting a hearing date. - Publish the order in a court-approved newspaper of general circulation once a week for four consecutive weeks (CCP § 1277). - Publication is waived for petitioners changing their name to conform to gender identity (CCP § 1277.5) or where publication would put the petitioner in danger (domestic violence, stalking). 3. Hearing - Hearing scheduled 6–12 weeks after filing. If no objection is filed, many courts will grant the order without requiring appearance. - Judge signs the Decree Changing Name (Form NC-130) . 4. After the Decree - File SSA Form SS-5 with the Social Security Administration (free). - Update California DL/ID at DMV (~$36). - Update U.S. passport (Form DS-5504 if within one year of issuance, else DS-82/DS-11). - Notify banks, employer, voter registration, and insurance. 5. Divorce-Based Name Restoration - No separate petition needed — California Family Code § 2080 allows restoration as part of the dissolution judgment. This is legal information, not legal advice.

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Accepted Answer

California's adult name-change process is governed by Code of Civil Procedure §§ 1275–1279.6 and handled in the superior court of the petitioner's county of residence.

1. File the Petition

Complete Form NC-100 (Petition for Change of Name) and NC-110 (Attachment) listing your current and proposed name.

File with the superior court clerk; filing fee is $435 (fee waiver available via Form FW-001 for low-income petitioners).

Minor name changes use Form NC-110; both parents typically must consent or be served.

2. Order to Show Cause & Publication

The court issues an Order to Show Cause (Form NC-120) setting a hearing date.

Publish the order in a court-approved newspaper of general circulation once a week for four consecutive weeks (CCP § 1277).

Publication is waived for petitioners changing their name to conform to gender identity (CCP § 1277.5) or where publication would put the petitioner in danger (domestic violence, stalking).

3. Hearing

Hearing scheduled 6–12 weeks after filing. If no objection is filed, many courts will grant the order without requiring appearance.

Judge signs the Decree Changing Name (Form NC-130).

4. After the Decree

File SSA Form SS-5 with the Social Security Administration (free).

Update California DL/ID at DMV (~$36).

Update U.S. passport (Form DS-5504 if within one year of issuance, else DS-82/DS-11).

Notify banks, employer, voter registration, and insurance.

5. Divorce-Based Name Restoration

No separate petition needed — California Family Code § 2080 allows restoration as part of the dissolution judgment.

This is legal information, not legal advice.