Adult gender recognition no name change | California Courts | Self Help Guide

Overview

Ask the court for order recognizing your gender change

In California, you can ask for a court order legally recognizing your gender change. The process takes about 1 - 2 months.

Choose any part of the process below to get step-by-step instructions.

Part 1. Fill out petition

First, you fill out a petition asking for a court order recognizing your gender change.
Part 2. File and pay fee

Then, you file your petition with the court and pay a fee. Once you file the petition, you need to wait at least 6 weeks for the judge to make a decision.
Part 3. Get your court order

If the judge approves your petition, you'll get a signed order. You’ll need to get a certified copy of the order to update your IDs and records.