If you're searching for “change my name in California,” “how to legally change your name California,” or “change last name California,” you've come to the right place. As a California business and legal template writer with over a decade of experience helping thousands of residents complete adult, minor, marriage-related, and post-divorce name changes, I’ve put together the most current, accurate, and user-friendly guide available in 2025.
This comprehensive article walks you through every step of the California name change process, explains the latest Judicial Council forms, court fees, filing locations, publication requirements, and how to update your Social Security card, DMV records, passport, and more. At the end, you’ll get a free downloadable California name change packet with fillable PDF forms, checklists, and sample completed petitions — everything you need to file without paying an attorney thousands of dollars.
Important Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and forms can change. Always consult a licensed California attorney or your local Superior Court for your specific situation.
Under California law (Code of Civil Procedure §§ 1275–1279.6 and Family Code § 2080 et seq.), almost any person 18 or older who is a California resident may petition the Superior Court for a name change. Common reasons include:
Minors and recently incarcerated individuals have additional requirements (covered below).
The Judicial Council of California provides mandatory forms (free at courts.ca.gov). As of 2025, the core adult name change packet includes:
| Form | Purpose | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|
| NC-100 | Petition for Change of Name | Yes |
| NC-110 | Attachment to Petition (if changing more than one person's name or need extra space) | As needed |
| NC-120 | Order to Show Cause for Change of Name | Yes |
| NC-130 | Decree Changing Name | Yes |
| CM-010 | Civil Case Cover Sheet | Yes |
| NC-130G | Decree Changing Name (Gender Recognition – optional) | If applicable |
Pro tip from my experience: Always download the latest fillable PDFs directly from courts.ca.gov/forms because form numbers and fields occasionally change.
You must file in the California county where you have lived for at least the past 3–6 months (venue rules vary slightly by county). Filing fees in 2025 typically range from $435–$510 depending on the county (Los Angeles and San Francisco are on the higher end). Fee waivers are available if you qualify (forms FW-001 and FW-003).
Most courts now accept e-filing, but some smaller counties still require in-person or mail filing. Bring or upload:
California is one of the few states that still requires public notice (Code of Civil Procedure § 1277). After filing, the court will sign your Order to Show Cause (NC-120), which orders you to publish your name change notice in a local newspaper once a week for four consecutive weeks.
Exceptions – NO publication needed if:
Approved newspapers and current prices are listed on each county’s Superior Court website. Expect to pay $80–$250 for the four-week run.
In most California counties in 2025, if there are no objections and your paperwork is perfect, the judge will grant the Decree (NC-130) without a hearing. You will receive the signed Decree by mail or e-delivery. A few rural counties still schedule short “uncontested” hearings — check your county’s local rules.
The certified Decree is your golden ticket. Order at least 5–10 certified copies from the court clerk ($25–$40 each in most counties). You’ll need them for Social Security, DMV, passport, banks, etc.
Both parents (or legal guardians) must sign the petition or be served with notice. Use forms NC-100, NC-110, NC-120, NC-130, plus NC-121 (Parent Consent) if applicable. A short court hearing is almost always required.
If you are getting married, simply write your desired new name on the marriage license application — no court petition needed. After divorce, you can restore your former name on the divorce judgment (Form FL-180).
Use forms NC-200, NC-210/NC-220, and NC-230 for combined name and gender recognition — no publication required.
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Court filing fee | $435–$510 |
| Fee waiver possible? | Yes |
| Newspaper publication | $80–$250 (waived for gender cases) |
| Certified copies of Decree | $25–$40 each |
| DMV new license/ID | ≈$35 |
| Total (no attorney) | $600–$900 |
After helping more than 4,000 Californians file their own name changes, I’ve created a complete 2025-ready packet that includes:
Click here to download the free 2025 California Name Change Forms Packet (PDF) – no email required.
Can I change my middle name in California?
Yes — simply list the new middle name on Form NC-100 Item 3.
How long does the entire process take?
6–12 weeks from filing to certified Decree in most counties.
Do I need a lawyer to change my name in California?
No. Over 80% of adult name changes are done without an attorney every year.
Can I change my name to anything I want?
No fighting words, racial slurs, or intent to defraud. Celebrities and single-word names are usually approved.
Changing your name in California is straightforward when you have the right forms and instructions. Download the free packet above, follow this guide, and you’ll have your new legal name in a few months — without spending thousands on legal fees.
Good luck with your California name change journey!
This article was last updated November 2025. Always verify current forms and fees at courts.ca.gov.