How to Change Your Name Legally in California

Changing your name

Have a name that doesn't suit you? If you want to change it, you can do so by following the simple steps below.

Instructions

1. Log onto the official California Courts website and fill out all the forms below. You can either fill them out online, or print them and fill them out by hand. Links will be provided at the bottom of the page:

   Petition for Name Change. (NC-100)
   Attachment to Petition (Form NC-110)
   Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (Form NC-120)
   Civil Case Cover Sheet (Form CSM-010)

2. Make copies of everything and then go to the county courthouse where you live.

3. Submit all the paperwork to the court and ask them for a list of newspapers where you can publish your name change. You can't use just any newspaper because they will not all be considered valid by the court.

4. Select a newspaper from the list given to you and publish your name change for 4 consecutive weeks.

5. On the date you return to court, bring proof that your new name was published in the newspaper and also print out a Decree Changing Name (Form NC-130). The judge will need to sign it.

6. Once there, you will receive a Decree Changing Name, along with a certified copy. If for any reason they don't automatically give you a certified copy, ask for it.

7. Use the certified copy to change all your legal documents, such as your social security card, birth certificate, passport, California ID, etc.

   Congratulations on your new name. You're done!

Tips & Warnings

• The court usually agrees to all name changes, as long as nobody contests it, it's not insulting, vulgar, has no racial bias, and does not bring harm to another person.

Resources

• Petition for Name Change
• Attachment to Petition (Form NC-110)
• Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (Form NC-120)
• Civil Case Cover Sheet (Form CSM-010)
• Decree Changing Name (Change of Name) (Form NC-130)