California Name Change — Process, Fees & Required Forms
Your California name change at a glance: steps, cost, forms, and timing.
California Name Change at a Glance
| Filing Fee | About $435 to $450 (superior court filing fee; some counties add a small local fee). |
|---|---|
| Required Forms |
|
| Waiting Period | Typically 2 to 3 months, including a required newspaper publication once a week for 4 consecutive weeks before the hearing. |
| After Marriage | After marriage in California you can usually update your last name using your marriage certificate alone (Social Security, DMV, bank). Changing your full legal name still requires the court petition above. |
| After Divorce | You can ask the court to restore your former name as part of the divorce judgment, or file a separate name-change petition afterward. |
| Key Source | Cal. Civ. Proc. Code Sec. 1275 to 1282 (California Name Change Law). |
Step-by-Step Process
- File a Petition for Change of Name (NC-100) in the superior court of the county where you live.
- Pay the filing fee, or request a fee waiver on form FW-001.
- Publish the Order to Show Cause (NC-110) in a county-approved newspaper once a week for 4 weeks.
- Attend the court hearing and show the judge your published notices.
- The judge signs the Decree Changing Name (NC-130); use certified copies to update Social Security, your license, and other records.
Rules for Adults and Self-Help
Adults petition on their own. California requires the publication step unless the court grants a waiver, for example for safety reasons.
What to Know Before Filing
California name-change process is well established: file NC-100, publish NC-110 for four weeks, attend a hearing, and the court issues NC-130. Marriage-based surname changes do not need a court order. Re-confirm current filing fees and forms with the California courts.
Figures above are a general reference for California. Name-change fees, forms, publication rules, and waiting times differ by state and can change. Confirm current requirements with the California state court clerk before filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a name change cost in California?
In California, the court filing fee is typically a few hundred dollars, and some counties add local fees. If you have low income you can usually request a fee waiver. Publication and any legal help are extra.
Do I need a court order to change my name after marriage in California?
A surname change after marriage can usually be done with your marriage certificate through Social Security, the DMV, and your bank, without a court order. Changing your full legal name still requires the petition and court order described above.