Start the name change process
The first step in the name change process is filling out court forms.
Before you start
You need the name of a newspaper to publish your request in
The law says you must publish your request for a name change in a newspaper.
If you live in California, you need the name of the newspaper to fill out the forms:
- You must publish in a newspaper of general circulation that publishes legal notices in the county where you file your case (the county where you live).
- Ask the court where you will file your case if they have a list of newspapers you can choose from.
- Contact the newspapers to find out the cost. The cost can vary a lot.
- If you change your mind later and want to change newspapers, you will have to re-do your forms and may need to postpone your court date.
If you live out of state, you have it published where you live. Learn more about publication if you live out of state.
- You will need to find out what newspapers qualify as a newspaper of general circulation that publishes legal notices where you live.
- You do not need to list the name of the paper on the form.
How to fill out forms to change your name
🔗 Links to court forms below open in a new tab.
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Fill out forms
Fill out these forms:
- Petition for Change of Name (form NC-100)
- Name and Information about the Person Whose Name is to be Changed (form NC-110) (and attach it to the NC-100)
- Order to Show Cause—Change of Name (form NC-120)
- Civil Case Cover Sheet (form CM-010) (some courts do not require this form)
- Decree Changing Name (form NC-130) (fill out the boxes at the top and Item 3)
💵 You will need to pay a fee when you file the forms ($435 - $450). If you can't afford the fee, fill out another form to ask for a fee waiver.
📌 You can download the forms or you can use an online program to fill them out.
⚠️ If you're worried about safety, you may be able to keep your request confidential
You can ask the court to keep your name change confidential if you're in the:
- State Witness Program, or
- Safe at Home address confidentiality program and are changing your name to avoid domestic violence, stalking, or human trafficking, or are a victim of sexual assault,
Learn how with Information Sheet for Name Change Proceedings Under Address Confidentiality Program (Safe at Home) (form NC-400-INFO).
💬 Talk to your self-help center to find out options.
If you're worried about safety, there are people that can help you come up with a safety plan to keep you safe at home, work, school, other places that you go, and online. Go to the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1-800-799-SAFE.
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Find out if you have any local forms to fill out
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Some courts also have local forms you have to use.
- Check with your court clerk’s office or your court's website (link opens in a new tab), or talk to your self-help center to ask if they have any local forms you need to use.
- Your self-help center may also be able to review your forms before you file them.
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Make Copies
- Make at least 2 copies of all of your forms.
- When you file them, the court will keep the original and return the copies to you, stamped.
- Keep one of the copies for yourself. The other copy is to publish the request in the newspaper.
Name change for an adult
What's next?
Once you’ve completed the forms, you’ll file them with the court clerk.