Contra Costa County, CA
How to Change Your Name in Contra Costa County
Court Information
- Court
- Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa (Wakefield Taylor Courthouse, Martinez)
- Filing fee
- $435
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- county of residence
- Jurisdiction
- Superior Court, CCP §1276 (ex-parte calendar Room 210)
- Official forms
- contracosta.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing/forms ↗
- Last verified
- August 17, 2026
Filing Requirements in Contra Costa County
- Newspaper publication
- Required
- Court hearing
- Required
- How to file
- online (e-filing) or in person
Getting Certified Copies
Portal print / Civil Records Unit in person / by mail
You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport, and your banks — order more than one.
Step-by-Step Process
- Gather documents: certified birth certificate, photo ID, and proof of residency in Contra Costa County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa (Wakefield Taylor Courthouse, Martinez) clerk or website)
- If you cannot afford the filing fee ($435), complete a fee waiver form and file it alongside your petition
- File your petition online (e-filing) or in person with the Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa (Wakefield Taylor Courthouse, Martinez)
- Arrange the required newspaper publication — confirm the approved newspaper with the clerk before you publish
- Attend your hearing if the court schedules one
- If approved, get certified copies of the court order — portal print / civil records unit in person / by mail
- Update SSA first, then DMV, then passport, then all other records
Not legal advice: Court rules, fees, and procedures vary by county and change over time. Verify current requirements with the Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa (Wakefield Taylor Courthouse, Martinez) clerk before filing.