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Legal name change in California

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  • Page changed: SB 59, confidentiality of name and gender change court records (Stats. 2025, ch. 738) (2026-10-12) · #212
  • Page changed: AB 223, Transgender Youth Privacy Act (2026-10-12) · #211
Change your legal name
Yes
Publication requirementA rule in some states that a name-change petition be printed in a newspaper before it is granted. Many states waive it for trans petitioners or for safety.
Not required
Court hearing
Not required
Sealed recordA court file that is kept confidential and not available to the public.
Possible

California adults can change their name to match their gender identity by filing a petition in Superior Court. Since July 1, 2026 there is no newspaper publication, no hearing, and no objection period: the court must grant the petition within six weeks of filing, and the record is confidential automatically.

Main cost
$435, can be waived
Apply
Online, by mail, or in person
Typical wait
up to 6 weeks

Draft from official sources, September 23, 2026. Not yet checked by a person. How we verify

On this page
  1. How it works
  2. Steps
  3. Costs and fee waivers
  4. Free help
  5. Forms
  6. Requirements
  7. Minors
  8. After you finish
  9. Tips
  10. Laws and other guides
  11. Sources

How it works

California has one of the simplest processes in the country. You file a short petition with the Superior Court in the county where you live, pay a filing fee (or ask for a fee waiver), and the court signs a decree. You never have to publish a notice in a newspaper and, for adults, you never appear in court.

There are two petition packets. Use the NC-200 series if you only want to change your name. Use the NC-300 series if you want the court to recognize your gender change too (this gets you a court order you can use for a new birth certificate, and it can include a name change in the same petition). If you were born in California you do not need a court order to update your birth certificate; see the birth certificate guide. Many people still choose NC-300 because a court order is accepted everywhere, including by other states and some foreign consulates.

Steps

  1. Choose your packet[1][2]

    • Name only: NC-200 + NC-230 (+ CM-010).
    • Gender recognition, with or without name change: NC-300 + NC-330 (+ CM-010), plus NC-311 / NC-312 / NC-325 only if you are also updating a child's birth certificate or your marriage certificate.

    You can fill the forms with the court's free guided interview at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov, which produces the completed PDFs.

  2. Ask for a fee waiver if you qualify[5]

    Optional

    Fill out FW-001 and FW-003 and file them with your petition. If you receive Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SSI, or another listed benefit, you qualify automatically. The clerk will not charge you while the request is pending.

  3. Make one copy of everything[2]

    The court keeps the originals and returns your copy stamped "filed". Some courts want two copies; check your county's self-help page or call the clerk.

  4. File at the Superior Court in your county[8][9][2]

    Take or mail your forms to the civil clerk of the Superior Court in the county where you live, and pay the filing fee (or hand in your fee waiver). Many counties also accept electronic filing through an approved e-filing provider; check your court's website.

    Ask the clerk whether your court wants the proposed decree (NC-230 or NC-330) filed now or brought later. Keep your stamped copy.

    Cost
    $435 court filing fee (petition for change of name or gender)

  5. Wait for the signed decree (no hearing)[11][10]

    For adults, the court must grant the petition without a hearing within six weeks of filing (Code Civ. Proc. § 1277.5, as amended by AB 1084, effective July 1, 2026). There is no longer a public notice or objection period. If the court has a question about your paperwork it will contact you.

    Time
    up to 6 weeks

  6. Get certified copies of the decree[8]

    Buy at least 3 certified copies of the signed decree (NC-230 or NC-330) from the clerk. Social Security, the DMV, the passport agency, banks, and schools each usually want to see a certified copy, and some keep it. The per-copy fee is set by each court.

    Cost
    $40.50 certified copy of the decree (each)

  7. Update your other documents, in this order[2]

    1. Social Security first (free; other agencies check the SSA record). Bring the decree and photo ID. The sex field cannot currently be changed; the name can.
    2. California DMV driver's license or ID (in person; see the driver's license guide).
    3. Birth certificate through CDPH (see the birth certificate guide).
    4. Passport, bank, employer, insurance, voter registration, school records, utilities.

Costs and fee waivers

Can’t afford it? You may not have to pay.[5]

You qualify if any one is true:

  • You receive a listed public benefit (Medi-Cal, CalFresh/SNAP, SSI, SSP, CalWORKs/TANF, General Assistance, IHSS, Tribal TANF, CAPI, or others on the form).
  • Your household income is at or below 125% of the federal poverty level (the current dollar amounts are printed on FW-001).
  • You cannot pay for both basic household needs and court fees.

File FW-001 and FW-003 together with your petition. If the waiver is granted, filing and first certified copies are free.

FW-001FW-003

WhatCostNotes
Court filing fee (petition for change of name or gender)[8][9][3]$435Can be waivedVaries by countyStatewide uniform fee as of January 1, 2026. The court self-help site quotes "$435 to $450" because a few courts add small local surcharges.
Certified copy of the decree (each)[4][8]$40.50Can be waivedVaries by courtThe court self-help site quotes $40.50 per certified copy; a granted fee waiver covers them.

Free help

Legal clinics, organizations, and funds that help with this.

More detail

Forms10 forms: NC-200, NC-230, NC-300, NC-330, and more

Open a form for tips on filling it out.

NC-200Petition for Change of Name to Conform to Gender IdentitySometimes required: Use this packet if you want to change your name only (no court order about gender).

How to fill it out

  • Item 1: your current legal name exactly as it appears on your ID.
  • Item 2: the new name you want. Double-check spelling; the decree copies it exactly.
  • Check the box stating the change is to conform your name to your gender identity. You do not need to explain further or attach any medical letter.
  • Sign and date. Do not use this form for a name change unrelated to gender identity (that is NC-100, which still requires publication).

Open NC-200[1]

NC-230Decree Changing Name (to conform to gender identity)Sometimes required: Goes with NC-200. Fill in the caption and your current/new names; the judge signs the…

Goes with NC-200. Fill in the caption and your current/new names; the judge signs the rest.

Open NC-230[1]

NC-300Petition for Recognition of Adult's Change of Gender and Sex Identifier, Name Change, and Issuance of New CertificatesSometimes required: Use this packet if you want a court order recognizing your gender (female, male, or…

Use this packet if you want a court order recognizing your gender (female, male, or nonbinary), with or without a name change.

How to fill it out

  • Check the boxes for what you are asking: change of gender and sex identifier, name change, new birth certificate, and (optionally) a new marriage certificate or a child's birth certificate.
  • Choose female, male, or nonbinary.
  • You attest under penalty of perjury that the request is to conform your legal gender to your gender identity and is not for a fraudulent purpose. No doctor's letter is required.
  • Read NC-300-INFO first; it walks through each item.

Open NC-300[6][7]

NC-330Order Recognizing Adult's Change of Gender and Sex Identifier, for Name Change, and for Issuance of New CertificateSometimes required: Goes with NC-300. Fill in the boxes at the top; the judge signs the rest.

Goes with NC-300. Fill in the boxes at the top; the judge signs the rest. This is the document you will use everywhere afterwards, so get several certified copies.

Open NC-330[2]

NC-311Birth Certificate for Child of Petitioner (Attachment)Optional

Only if you want your information changed on your child's birth certificate. If the child is 18 or older, they must also sign.

Open NC-311[2]

NC-312Marriage License and Certificate (Attachment)Optional

Only if you want a new marriage certificate. If your spouse does not sign it, you also need NC-325.

Open NC-312[2]

NC-325Order to Show Cause, Issuance of New Marriage License and CertificateOptional

Only if your spouse did not sign NC-312.

Open NC-325[2]

CM-010Civil Case Cover SheetSometimes required: Most courts require it with any new civil filing; some do not.

Most courts require it with any new civil filing; some do not. Check "Petition re: change of name" (or the closest option) and file it with your petition.

Open CM-010[2]

FW-001Request to Waive Court FeesOptional

Only if you cannot afford the $435 filing fee. See the fee waiver section for who qualifies.

How to fill it out

  • Item 5a: check any public benefit you receive (Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SSI, CalWORKs, General Assistance, and others listed). One is enough.
  • Item 5b: if you receive no listed benefit, check the box if your household income is at or below the amount shown on the form for your household size (125% of the federal poverty level; the form prints the current numbers).
  • Item 5c: if neither applies, explain why you cannot pay for both basic needs and court fees.
  • Also fill in FW-003 (Order on Court Fee Waiver) and file both with your petition.

Open FW-001[5]

FW-003Order on Court Fee WaiverOptional

Goes with FW-001; the judge fills in the decision.

Open FW-003[5]

RequirementsWhere you live, age, criminal record, newspaper notice, hearing, background check, privacy and sealing, timeline
Where you live
File in the Superior Court of the California county where you live.[1][6]
Age
18 or older for the adult process. Minors use the same forms with a parent or guardian; see the Minors section.
Criminal record
You must disclose on the petition whether you are on parole, probation, or a registered sex offender; those situations add requirements but do not automatically bar a name change.
Newspaper publication
No.

A name change to conform to gender identity is exempt from any newspaper publication requirement (Code Civ. Proc. § 1277.5). Only ordinary NC-100 name changes still publish.

[10]
Court hearing
No.

Since July 1, 2026, adult petitions are granted without a hearing and without an objection period; the court must act within six weeks (AB 1084). Before that date, a six-week objection window applied and a hearing was held only if someone filed an objection with good cause.

[11][10]
Background check
No.

No fingerprinting or background check is required for an adult civil name-change petition. You must disclose on the form if you are on parole or probation or are a registered sex offender.

[6]
Privacy and sealed records
Available.

Since July 1, 2026, courts automatically keep the petition and all related records confidential for name changes to conform to gender identity and for gender-recognition petitions, for petitioners of any age (SB 59). Access is limited to you, anyone who signed the petition, your attorney, and people you authorize. Posting these records online is prohibited, with civil penalties.

Nothing to do for petitions filed on or after July 1, 2026. If you filed earlier, you can ask the court to make your old file confidential, with no filing fee.

[12][2]
How long it takes

Plan on about 6 weeks from filing to a signed decree, then 1 to 3 weeks to collect certified copies and update Social Security and the DMV.

MinorsA parent or guardian files for the child.

A parent or guardian files for the child. Name only: NC-200 + NC-230 (+ CM-010; add MC-025 if more than two petitioners sign). Gender recognition, with or without name change: the child series NC-500 (petition) + NC-520 (order to show cause) + NC-530 (order), plus NC-510G if a guardian or juvenile attorney is involved. If every living parent signs, the court grants the petition without a hearing within six weeks, like an adult petition. If a parent does not sign, the court uses a separate "one parent" pathway: the other parent must be served, and a hearing is held only if they object with good cause. All records are confidential (AB 223 since 2024, and SB 59 since July 2026).

[11][13][4][18][19]
After you finishStart with Social Security (bring the decree and photo ID; the name changes, the sex field currently cannot).

Start with Social Security (bring the decree and photo ID; the name changes, the sex field currently cannot). Then the DMV (in person, $37 for a license, $40 for an ID card). If you were born in California, send CDPH form VS 24B with your decree, or use the affidavit route with no decree at all. Then your passport (name changes are still processed; sex marker changes are not, as of September 2026), bank, employer, insurance, voter registration, and school records.

Tips3 tips from people who have done this
  • The court's free guided interview at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov fills in the right forms for your situation and flags mistakes before you file.
  • If you are also changing your gender marker, NC-300 gets you a court order accepted by other states and by most foreign consulates; the California birth certificate route alone does not produce a court order.
  • Every court has a free Self-Help Center that will review your forms before you file. Ask for it at the clerk's window.
Laws and other guides4 laws, 3 other guides

Laws and rules

Other trusted guides

Sources

23 sources. Numbers in the text, like [1], point here.Show all
  1. Fill out your forms, name change to match gender identity (adult)Judicial Council of California, Self-Help Guide, Official page. accessed
    “Starting July 1, 2026, courts will automatically keep your petition and related court records private in most cases.”
  2. Fill out your forms, change your name and ask for a court order recognizing your gender change (adult)Judicial Council of California, Self-Help Guide, Official page. accessed
    “Make 1 copy of all of your forms. When you file them, the court will keep the original and return the copy to you, stamped.”
  3. Fill out your forms, court order recognizing gender change (adult, no name change)Judicial Council of California, Self-Help Guide, Official page. accessed
    “You will need to pay a fee when you file the forms ($435 - $450).”
  4. Gender recognitionJudicial Council of California, Self-Help Guide, Official page. accessed
    “You do not need to provide any medical documentation. The process takes about two months.”
  5. Ask the court to waive your feesJudicial Council of California, Self-Help Guide, Official page. accessed
  6. Form NC-300, Petition for Recognition of Adult's Change of Gender and Sex Identifier, Name Change, and Issuance of New CertificatesJudicial Council of California, Form. accessed
  7. Form NC-300-INFO, Instructions for Filing Petition for Recognition of Adult's Change of GenderJudicial Council of California, Form. accessed
  8. 2026 Statewide Civil Fee Schedule (effective January 1, 2026)Judicial Council of California, Official page. accessed
    “Petition for a decree of change of name or gender, $435”
  9. Civil filing feesSuperior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, Official page. accessed
  10. Code of Civil Procedure § 1277.5California Legislative Information, Law. accessed
    “The proceeding for a change of name to conform the petitioner's name to the petitioner's gender identity is exempt from any requirement for publication.”
  11. AB 1084, Change of name and gender and sex identifier (Stats. 2025, ch. 723)California Legislative Information, Law. accessed
    “Courts must enter orders granting petitions without hearing and within six weeks of the petition's filing (adults); operative July 1, 2026.”
  12. SB 59, confidentiality of name and gender change court records (Stats. 2025, ch. 738)California Legislative Information, Law. accessed
    “All court records associated with a proceeding for a change of name or gender and sex identifier shall be kept confidential by the court.”
  13. AB 223, Transgender Youth Privacy ActCalifornia Legislative Information, Law. accessed
  14. Transgender Law CenterOrganization. accessed
  15. ID Please (November 2025 edition) and legal helpdeskTransgender Law Center, Organization. accessed
  16. Project TRANS and the Name and Gender Marker Change Legal ClinicThe San Diego LGBT Community Center, Organization. accessed
  17. Transgender servicesSacramento LGBT Community Center, Organization. accessed
  18. Fill out your forms, court order recognizing a child's gender change (with or without name change)Judicial Council of California, Self-Help Guide, Official page. accessed
    “NC-500 (petition), NC-520 (order to show cause), NC-530 (order), CM-010; NC-510G if applicable.”
  19. Fill out your forms, name change for a child to match gender identityJudicial Council of California, Self-Help Guide, Official page. accessed
  20. Name and Gender Marker Change Legal ClinicBay Area Legal Aid, Organization. accessed
  21. The Legal Name & Gender Marker Change ProjectLMU Loyola Law School, Organization. accessed
  22. TGNCI legal servicesCity and County of San Francisco, Official page. accessed