San Joaquin County, CA
How to Change Your Name in San Joaquin County
File your adult name change petition with the Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin. 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 San Joaquin
- Filing fee
- $435
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- county of residence
- Court address
- Stockton Courthouse, 180 E. Weber Avenue, Stockton, CA 95202
- Court phone
- (209) 992-5695
- Jurisdiction
- California Superior Court; Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §§1275-1279.6
- Official forms
- www.sjcourts.org/ ↗
- Verification
- Verification in progress
Filing Requirements in San Joaquin 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 (appointment or walk-in) / by mail (about 20 business days) / online 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 San Joaquin County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin 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 online (e-filing), by mail, in person or by drop box with the Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin
- 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 — In person (appointment or walk-in) / by mail (about 20 business days) / online request.
- 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 San Joaquin clerk before filing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a name change cost in San Joaquin 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 San Joaquin County?
File with the Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin. Venue rule: County of residence. Accepted filing methods: online (e-filing), by mail, in person or by drop box.
Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper in San Joaquin County?
Yes — newspaper publication is required in San Joaquin County. Confirm the approved newspaper and notice language with the Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin clerk before publishing.
Do I need a court hearing for a name change in San Joaquin 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 San Joaquin clerk.
How do I get certified copies of my name change order in San Joaquin County?
In person (appointment or walk-in) / by mail (about 20 business days) / online request. You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport and financial institutions, so request more than one.