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Verify requirements with official courts and agencies. Full legal disclaimer
In California, you file a Petition for Change of Name (NC-100) in the Superior Court of the county where you live. A court order is required. Since July 1, 2026 (AB 1084 / SB 59), adult name changes to conform to gender identity are decided administratively within six weeks with no hearing, no objection window, and no newspaper publication, and the records are confidential. California supports M, F, and Nonbinary gender markers on state documents without medical proof.
Court
Superior Court (one per county)
Filing fee
$435–$470 (varies by county)
Timeline
4–8 weeks typical; gender-affirming changes granted within 6 weeks under 2026 law
Residency
Must be a California resident
Publication
Required for general name changes; not required for gender identity-related changes (2026 law)
Fee waiver
Available via FW-001
Gender marker options
M / F / Nonbinary
NC-100 — Petition for Change of Name
The main petition form to request a legal name change.
View form Source: California CourtsNC-110 — Attachment to Petition for Change of Name
Supplemental attachment providing additional information about the person whose name is being changed.
View form Source: California CourtsNC-120 — Order to Show Cause—Change of Name
Court order directing that notice be given to interested parties.
View form Source: California CourtsNC-125 — Order to Show Cause—Change of Name to Conform to Gender Identity
Used when the name change is related to gender identity; may qualify for publication exemption.
View form Source: California CourtsNC-130 — Decree Changing Name
The final court order granting the name change.
View form Source: California CourtsFW-001 — Request to Waive Court Fees
Application to waive filing fees if you cannot afford them.
Source: California CourtsCalifornia packet builder beta is available for NC-100, NC-110, NC-130, and FW-001.
Start California packetFiling fees range from approximately $435 to $470 depending on the county.
Fee waiver available: Yes — FW-001
Fee amounts can vary by county. Check with your local Superior Court clerk for the exact fee.
General name changes require publication in a newspaper of general circulation. Since July 1, 2026 (AB 1084), adult name changes to conform to gender identity are granted administratively with no publication requirement and no objection window.
Gender identity-related name changes may be exempt from publication.
Publication waiver may be available.
Under SB 59, all adult records in name and gender recognition cases are confidential (sealed), which removes the public exposure of a newspaper notice for gender-affirming filers. For general name changes, you can still request a publication waiver if publication would endanger your safety.
California allows adults to petition for recognition of a gender change as female, male, or nonbinary. No medical proof is required. The process uses a separate or combined petition (NC-300 series).
Available options: M, F, Nonbinary
Self-attestation: Yes
Medical proof required: No
DMV and birth certificate (CDPH) both support M/F/X or Nonbinary markers. Check current DMV procedures for the exact steps.
After receiving your court order, update your records in the following order to avoid conflicts between agencies.
California has 58 counties, each with its own Superior Court. Filing procedures, local forms, and fee amounts can vary. Confirm requirements with your county court clerk.
Featured counties: Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, Alameda
Free guides explain the general process. Complete helps apply the process to your situation.
No. You can file a name change petition on your own. Many people complete the process without an attorney. However, if your situation is complex (e.g., criminal history, minor children, or contested case), consulting a lawyer may be helpful.
Typically 4 to 8 weeks from filing to receiving your Decree Changing Name. Processing times vary by county and court workload.
Yes. California allows you to file a combined petition for name change and gender recognition. You can also file them separately.
General name changes require publication in a newspaper. However, since July 1, 2026 (AB 1084), adult name changes to conform to gender identity are granted administratively with no publication requirement, no hearing, and no objection window.
AB 1084 and SB 59 took effect July 1, 2026. AB 1084 eliminates the objection process for adult gender-affirming name changes and requires the court to grant them within six weeks without a hearing or publication. SB 59 makes all adult records in these cases confidential (sealed), protecting your identity from public exposure.
You can request a fee waiver using form FW-001. If the court grants your request, your filing fees will be waived.
No. California does not require medical proof or a doctor's letter to change your gender marker on state documents. You can self-attest to your gender identity.
Get a personalized filing path based on your situation.
NameRight is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We provide self-help information, document preparation tools, and public court process guidance based on publicly available information. Court procedures and eligibility rules can change, and your situation may require advice from a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction. Full legal disclaimer