How to Change Your Name
in California
Court requirements, required documents, filing fees, and a step-by-step process for legally changing your name in California.
Filing Fee
$435-$480
Court fee
Timeline
3-6 months
To court order
Court
Superior Court
Where you file
California Name Change — Key Facts
Filing Court
Superior Court
Where to File
File in the Superior Court in the county where you reside
Filing Fee
$435-$480
Processing Time
3-6 months
Newspaper Publication
Required
Publication Required in California
California requires publication of the Order to Show Cause once a week for four consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation. Exceptions exist for domestic violence survivors and certain other protected classes.
California-Specific Rule
California requires publication in most counties but has a confidential process available for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking that waives the publication requirement.
Required Documents in California
Petition for Change of Name (NC-100)
Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (NC-120)
Birth certificate (certified copy)
Government-issued photo ID
Filing fee payment
Decree Changing Name (NC-130)
6-Step Name Change Process in California
Complete the Name Change Petition
File your petition in File in the Superior Court in the county where you reside. The petition includes your current name, requested new name, and reason for the change.
Gather Required Documents
Collect: Petition for Change of Name (NC-100), Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (NC-120), Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Decree Changing Name (NC-130).
Pay the Filing Fee
The filing fee in California is approximately $435-$480. Ask the clerk if fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners.
Complete Newspaper Publication
California requires publication of the Order to Show Cause once a week for four consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation. Exceptions exist for domestic violence survivors and certain other protected classes.
Attend Your Court Hearing (if required)
Some California courts hold brief hearings for name change petitions. Others issue orders without a hearing if no one objects. The process typically takes 3-6 months total.
Update Your Records
After receiving your court order, update your Social Security card (SSA.gov), driver's license (DMV), passport, bank accounts, employer records, voter registration, and other official documents.
Frequently Asked Questions — California Name Change
Where do I file for a name change in California?
In California, you file in the Superior Court. File in the Superior Court in the county where you reside. Make sure to bring all required documents and payment for the filing fee.
How much does a name change cost in California?
The filing fee in California is approximately $435-$480. If publication is required, add $50–$200 for newspaper fees. You'll also want 2–3 certified copies of your court order ($5–$20 each) to update your records.
Do I need to publish my name change in a newspaper in California?
California requires publication of the Order to Show Cause once a week for four consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation. Exceptions exist for domestic violence survivors and certain other protected classes.
How long does a name change take in California?
From filing to receiving your court order, expect 3-6 months in California. After you receive the order, updating all your identification documents (SSA, DMV, passport, bank) typically takes another 2–4 weeks.
What documents do I need to change my name in California?
For your name change petition in California, gather: Petition for Change of Name (NC-100), Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (NC-120), Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Decree Changing Name (NC-130). JustiPal™ provides a complete California-specific document checklist.
Related Resources
Free Check
Name Change Readiness
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Name Change Intake Package
Guided intake with California-specific checklist, court forms, and your complete filing packet.
- Guided intake workflow
- California document checklist
- Court form preparation
- Post-order update checklist
Document preparation · Not a law firm
JustiPal™ prepares documents — we don't provide legal advice. For complex situations (criminal history, minor name changes, etc.), consult an attorney in California.
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