Kern County, CA
How to Change Your Name in Kern County
Court Information
- Court
- Superior Court of California, County of Kern
- Filing fee
- $435
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- county of residence
- Jurisdiction
- Superior Court, CCP §1275 et seq.
- Last verified
- August 17, 2026
Filing Requirements in Kern County
- Newspaper publication
- Required
- Court hearing
- Required
- How to file
- online (e-filing), by mail, in person or by drop box
Getting Certified Copies
In person or written (mailed) request
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 Kern County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Superior Court of California, County of Kern 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), by mail, in person or by drop box with the Superior Court of California, County of Kern
- 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 — in person or written (mailed) request
- 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 Kern clerk before filing.