File a petition to change your child’s name to match their gender identity (when both parents sign)

1. If you live in California, go to the superior court in the county where your child lives
   If there are different locations, check your court’s website, talk to your self-help center, or find the closest court (link opens in a new tab) to you where civil cases are filed.
   • If you live out of state, you typically file in the county that issued your child's birth certificate. Get more information about where to file if you live out of state.
2. Give the court clerk your forms
   At the courthouse, give the court clerk the original and the copies of your forms. The clerk will stamp the forms, keep the original and return the copies to you.
3. Pay special attention to the Order to Show Cause—Change of Name to Conform to Gender Identity (form NC-125) (link opens in a new tab).
   • This is the form that orders anyone who does not agree to your request to file an objection within 6 weeks of the date the form is filed with the court (the date stamped on the upper right-hand corner).
   • The objection has to be for good cause, which means that there has to be a valid legal reason to disagree with your request.

💵 You’ll need to pay a fee of $435-$450 to the clerk when you file your forms.

If you and the other parent can’t afford the fee, you can ask the clerk for a fee waiver. You both must qualify for a fee waiver. You may qualify for a fee waiver if:

• You receive public benefits
• Your income is less than a set amount
• You can’t afford the fee and meet your basic needs

• The clerk will give the filed forms to a judge who will make a decision after a 6 week waiting period.
• Ask the clerk how you can pick up a signed name change order.