Merced County, CA
How to Change Your Name in Merced County
File your adult name change petition with the Superior Court of California, County of Merced. The filing fee is $435. Newspaper publication is required.
Get the full California checklist
The court step is one of many — the free state guide maps SSA, DMV, passport and the records that come after.
Court Information
- Court
- Superior Court of California, County of Merced
- Filing fee
- $435
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- File in the Superior Court of the county where you live (California Courts Self-Help Guide).
- Court address
- Old Main Courthouse, 627 W. 21st Street, Merced, CA 95340
- Court phone
- (209) 725-4111
- Jurisdiction
- Superior Court
- Official forms
- www.merced.courts.ca.gov/ ↗
- Verification
- Verification in progress
Filing Requirements in Merced County
- Newspaper publication
- Required
- Court hearing
- Required
- How to file
- in person
Getting Certified Copies
available ($40 per copy)
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 Merced County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Superior Court of California, County of Merced clerk or its website)
- If you cannot afford the filing fee, complete a fee waiver form and file it alongside your petition
- File your petition in person with the Superior Court of California, County of Merced
- Arrange the required newspaper publication — confirm the approved newspaper with the clerk before you publish
- Attend the hearing the court schedules
- If approved, get certified copies of the court order — available ($40 per copy).
- Update SSA first, then DMV, then passport, then all other records
Check what you are missing before you file
The free readiness score checks documents, forms, fees and privacy across four dimensions — and links the gaps to the same California guide.
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 Merced clerk before filing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a name change cost in Merced County, California?
The court filing fee is $435. A fee waiver is available for petitioners who qualify by income; file the waiver request together with your petition. Certified copies may cost extra; ask the clerk for the current copy fee.
Where and how do I file a name change in Merced County?
File with the Superior Court of California, County of Merced. Venue rule: File in the Superior Court of the county where you live (California Courts Self-Help Guide). Accepted filing methods: in person.
Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper in Merced County?
Yes — newspaper publication is required in Merced County. Confirm the approved newspaper and notice language with the Superior Court of California, County of Merced clerk before publishing.
Do I need a court hearing for a name change in Merced County?
A court hearing is required in this county — attend the date the court sets. Confirm the typical timing with the Superior Court of California, County of Merced clerk.
How do I get certified copies of my name change order in Merced County?
Available ($40 per copy). You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport and financial institutions, so request more than one.