Adult name match gender

Overview

Change your name to match your gender identity

In California, you can ask for a court order to change your legal name to make it match your gender identity. To do this, you file a petition with the court and get a decree (order) with your new name. The process generally takes up to 2 months.

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

1. Fill out a petition

First, you fill out court forms asking to change your name.
2. File your petition

Then, you file the forms at the court and pay a fee (or ask for a fee waiver).
3. Get your decree

If the judge approves your request, you'll get a signed decree. You can use this to change your name on any legal documents, like birth certificate, social security card, passport, and driver's license.

1. Fill out a petition

2. File your petition

3. Get your decree