San Mateo County, CA
How to Change Your Name in San Mateo County
Court Information
- Court
- Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (Civil Division, Hall of Justice)
- Filing fee
- $435
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- county of residence
- Jurisdiction
- California Superior Court; Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §1276 et seq. (gender change has a separate procedure under §1279.5)
- Last verified
- August 17, 2026
Filing Requirements in San Mateo County
- Newspaper publication
- Required
- Court hearing
- Required
- How to file
- online (e-filing), by mail, in person or by drop box
Getting Certified Copies
Records department in person or by mail (Request Copies 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 San Mateo County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (Civil Division, Hall of Justice) 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 San Mateo (Civil Division, Hall of Justice)
- 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 — records department in person or by mail (request copies 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 San Mateo (Civil Division, Hall of Justice) clerk before filing.