This is a sample plan with placeholder data. Your real plan will be personalized based on your specific situation, county, and state.
Sample profile
- Name
- [SAMPLE] Avery Morgan
- County
- [SAMPLE] Los Angeles County
- Current name
- [SAMPLE] Alex Morgan
- Chosen name
- [SAMPLE] Avery Morgan
- Situation
- [SAMPLE] Adult name change related to gender identity
- Address
- [SAMPLE] 123 Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
- Date of birth
- [SAMPLE] January 15, 1990
- Privacy concern
- Yes
- Fee waiver interest
- Yes
1. Forms you may need
A California adult name change petition typically involves these forms. The exact combination depends on your situation.
NC-100 — Petition for Change of Name
The main form used to ask the court for a legal name change in California.
NC-110 — Attachment to Petition for Change of Name
Provides detailed information about each person whose name is being changed.
NC-130 — Decree Changing Name
Proposed court order submitted with the petition for the judge to sign if approved.
FW-001 — Request to Waive Court Fees
Used to ask the court to waive filing fees if you qualify based on income.
Complete includes California packet builder beta for NC-100, NC-110, NC-130, and FW-001.
2. Filing fees and fee waiver
California filing fees often vary by county and may be several hundred dollars for a name change petition. Fee waivers may be available through FW-001 for eligible filers. Verify current fees with your local court before filing. Many courthouses publish their fee schedule online.
3. Publication and privacy
California generally requires notice of a name change petition to be published. However, for certain situations — including many gender identity-related name changes — publication may be exempt. Requirements can depend on the specific filing situation, so verify with the court before filing.
4. Court preparation
- Review all forms for completeness and accuracy
- Confirm your county's filing method (e-filing, mail, or in-person)
- Prepare valid photo ID and supporting documents if needed
- Make copies of everything before filing
- Note your hearing date if one is scheduled
5. After the court order
Once the court issues your name change order, update these priority categories:
- Social Security Administration (SSA)
- DMV / State ID
- US Passport
- Birth certificate (if applicable)
- Employer / payroll
- Bank accounts
- Health insurance
- IRS / taxes
- Voter registration
- TSA PreCheck / Global Entry
Complete includes a full personalized post-court update tracker with step-by-step instructions, notification letter templates, and status tracking.
. Free vs Complete
Free
- ✓ General state guide overview
- ✓ Fee and timeline estimates
- ✓ Form descriptions
Complete
- ✓ Personalized filing sequence
- ✓ County prep notes where available
- ✓ Privacy path analysis
- ✓ Fee waiver checklist
- ✓ California packet builder beta
- ✓ Exportable post-court roadmap
NameRight is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This sample plan is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute legal guidance. Always verify current requirements with your local court before filing.