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Name change index

Find a specific page or step-by-step instructions within our Name Change case information.

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Name change basics

Case introduction

Name change in California

The name change process
Information resources

Change your name when you become a US citizen

Change your name in a divorce case

Change your name when you get married

Update your name on identity documents

Service instructions for individuals in jail, prison, or CDCR

Change your name or gender marker on a California record if you live out of state

For Adults

Change your legal name

Overview of the process

Fill out forms

File forms

Publish in a newspaper

Go to a hearing (if required)

Get the decree
Change your name to match your gender identity

Overview of the process

Fill out forms

File forms

Get the decree

Get an order recognizing your gender change and changing your name

Overview of the process

Fill out forms

File forms

Get the order

For children (under 18) with all parents signing the request

Change your child's legal name

Overview of the process

Fill out forms

File forms

Publish in a newspaper

Go to a hearing (if required)

Get the decree
Change your child's name to match their gender identity

Overview of the process

Fill out forms

File forms

Get the decree

Get an order recognizing your child's gender change and changing name

Overview of the process

Fill out forms

File forms

Get the order

For children (under 18) when 1 or more parents aren't signing the request

Change your child's legal name

Overview of the process

Fill out forms

File forms

Serve papers to inform the other parent

Publish in a newspaper

Go to a hearing

Get the decree
Change your child's name to match their gender identity

Overview of the process

Fill out forms

File forms

Serve papers to inform the other parent

Go to a hearing

Get the decree

Get an order recognizing your child's gender change (with or without a change of name)

Overview of the process

Fill out forms

File forms

Serve papers to inform the other parent

Go to a hearing

Get the order

Parent who is responding (being served with court papers)

Name change

Overview of the process

Fill out and file forms

Go to a hearing

For guardians

Change a child's name only

Change a child's name to match their gender identity

Recognize gender change (with or without a change of name)