Legal name change in California
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. Gender identity-related name changes may be exempt from newspaper publication. California supports M, F, and Nonbinary gender markers on state documents without medical proof.
Quick facts
Court
Superior Court (one per county)
Filing fee
$435–$470 (varies by county)
Timeline
4–8 weeks typical
Residency
Must be a California resident
Publication
Required for general name changes; may be exempt for gender identity-related changes
Fee waiver
Available via FW-001
Gender marker options
M / F / Nonbinary
Forms you may need
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 & fee waiver
Filing 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.
Publication & privacy
General name changes require publication in a newspaper of general circulation. Name changes to conform to gender identity may use NC-125, which can exempt the publication requirement.
Gender identity-related name changes may be exempt from publication.
Publication waiver may be available.
If publication would endanger your safety, you can request a publication waiver from the court. Gender identity-related name changes have a specific statutory path that may bypass publication.
Gender marker notes
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.
What happens after the court order
After receiving your court order, update your records in the following order to avoid conflicts between agencies.
- Social Security Administration (SS-5)
- California DMV (driver license or state ID)
- U.S. Passport
- California birth certificate (CDPH)
- Employer / payroll (HR)
- Bank and financial accounts
- Health insurance
- IRS / tax records
- Voter registration
- TSA PreCheck / Global Entry
County notes
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
What you can use for free
Free guides explain the general process. Complete helps apply the process to your situation.
Free
- State-level filing overview
- Official court and agency links
- Filing fee and publication notes
- General fee waiver information
- General post-court checklist
Complete
- Personalized filing sequence
- County prep notes where available
- Privacy path analysis
- Fee waiver checklist
- California packet builder beta
- Exportable post-court roadmap
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lawyer to change my name in California?
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.
How long does a name change take in California?
Typically 4 to 8 weeks from filing to receiving your Decree Changing Name. Processing times vary by county and court workload.
Can I change my name and gender marker at the same time in California?
Yes. California allows you to file a combined petition for name change and gender recognition. You can also file them separately.
Do I need to publish my name change in a newspaper?
General name changes require publication in a newspaper. However, if your name change is to conform to your gender identity, you may be exempt from the publication requirement by using form NC-125.
What if I cannot afford the filing fee?
You can request a fee waiver using form FW-001. If the court grants your request, your filing fees will be waived.
Do I need medical proof to change my gender marker in California?
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.
Official sources
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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