How to Change the Name of an Adult In California

How Do I Change My Name?

When changing your name in California, you will need the following forms:

• Form NC-100  Petition for Change of Name
• Form NC-110  Attachment to NC-100 or NC-200
• Form NC-120  Order to Show Cause for Change of Name
• Form NC-130  Decree Changing Name
• Form CM-010  Civil Case Cover Sheet
• Form PB-4010  CLETS Background Information Form

Click on the links to download the forms. If you do not have a printer, you can pick up the forms in downtown San Jose at the Self-Help Center. Bookstores and stationery stores will also have copies.

Changing your name is very straightforward as long as you follow the instructions on the form. You do not need the help of an attorney to do so. Here are some additional resources if you require help:

• Name Change Packet – A free resource with instructions and samples to make the process easier. You can get this from the Downtown Superior Court’s Probate Division. Find the address and phone number for the Downtown Superior Court on the DTS website.
• The Self-Help Center – Gives additional instructions.
• Book – How to Change Your Name by Loeb and Brown
• Law – California Code of Procedures 1276 CCP1276 

If you still need additional help and want to consult an attorney, visit the Lawyer Referral website.

How Do I Change My Name and Gender?

The process is very similar to the above process. You need the following forms:

• Form NC-110  Attachment to NC-100 or NC-200
• Form CM-010  Civil Case Cover Sheet
• Form PB-4010  CLETS Background Information Form
• NC-200  Petition for Change of Name and Gender
• NC-220  Order to Show Cause for Change of Name and Gender
• NC-230  Decree Changing Name and Gender
• CM-010  Civil Case Cover Sheet
• PB-4010  CLETS Background Information Form (Name Change)
  
  

How Do I Change Only My Gender?

You will need the following forms:

• NC-300  Petition for Change of Gender and Issuance of New Birth Certificate
• NC-320  Notice of Hearing on Petition for Change of Gender and Issuance of New Birth Certificate
• NC-330  Order for Change of Gender and Issuance of New Birth Certificate
• CM-010  Civil Case Cover Sheet

Your doctor will also need to fill out a statement using either NC-210  or NC-310 . Attach the form to your petition. If you need additional information, you should read the Health and Safety Code Sections 103430, 103435 .

What Do I Do With My Completed Forms?

Once you have filled out the forms, take them to the Downtown Superior Court’s Probate Division. You will need to bring the original and 1 or 2 copies of each form.

• Form NC-100  (Form NC-200 , Form NC-300 ) original + 1 copy
• Form NC-110  original + 1 copy
• Form CM-010  original + 1 copy
• Form PB-4010  original + 1 copy
• Form NC-120  (Form NC-220 , Form NC-320 ) original + 2 copies
• Form NC-130  (Form NC-230 , Form NC-330 ) original + 2 copies

The clerk at the probate office will check your forms are filled out and then will file them. There is a filing fee; check the local fee schedule for the amount. The clerk will file endorse copies of your forms and will give you a hearing date and case number.

What Do I Do After I File My Forms?

Once you leave the courthouse, you need to take your endorsed copy of NC-120 to a newspaper that is in general circulation in Santa Clara County. The newspaper must publish it for 4 consecutive weeks before the hearing. Therefore, you should do it right away.

However, if you are asking for a name change because you have changed your gender, you do not have to do this.

Once the newspaper has published the form for 4 weeks, they will file a proof of publication and send you a copy by mail. You will need to bring this copy to the hearing.

Where Do I Go the Day of the Hearing?

You do not need to appear at your hearing. The request will be reviewed and then signed off. You can pick up your forms anytime after the date on your paperwork. You will pick up one of the following forms, depending on the change you made:

• Form NC-130 – Decree of Changing Name
• Form NC-230 – Decree of Changing Name and Gender
• Form NC-330 – Petition for Change of Gender and Issuance of New Birth Certificate

You will have to purchase certified copies of the form (see local fee schedule ). You will need to use this certified copy until all your ID has been changed to your new name and/or gender. All of your ID and official documents will require a copy to change these details. You should purchase as many copies as possible.

How Do I Get an Amended Birth Certificate?

It is the same process as in the Name Change For Minors article.

What If There is No Middle Name On My Birth Certificate and I Want to Add One?

Follow the below steps to add a middle name.

Step 1	Fill out the VS-24 form You must type all the answers and then sign the form in black ink. You can get this form from: ·       Downtown Superior Court Probate Division ·       The office of the County Clerk-Recorder  ·       State Registrar’s Office ·       The State can mail or email this form to you. Email OVRform@dhs.ca.gov and give them your name, mailing address, and request the VS-24 form.
Step 2	Mail your form to State of California Office of Vital Records P.O. Box 730241 304 “S” Street Sacramento, CA 94244-0241
Step 3	You might have to pay a fee. If you changed and registered your name within the last 12 months, the State will charge you a fee. If you want a certified copy mailed to you, they will also charge a fee. See more information on amended birth certificates on the Office of Vital Records website. It will take about 6 months for the State to change your record.

How Do I Change My Last Name After I Get Married?

You do not need to fill out a Petition for Name Change if you are changing your surname due to marriage. You can just show a certified copy of your marriage license to the following places:

• The DMV. Visit the California DMV website for more information.
• The Social Security Office. Visit the Social Security Administration website for more information.
• Your credit institution or bank
• The US government to change your passport. Visit the S. State Department website for more information.
• Other agencies or institutions where you want your name to be changed.

After a Divorce, How Do I Get Back My Maiden Name or The Other Name I Used Before?

This is handled in the same family court where you got the divorce. Here are the steps to go back to your maiden name:

Step 1

Fill out the FL-395  form for Restoration of Former Name. Click on the form link to download it or buy a form from a stationery store or bookshop.

Step 2

File your form in the same county where you got divorced. Your case number will be same as your divorce case number. You can file the form by post or in person. For Santa Clara County, the address is: Family Court Family Law Division 191 No. First St. San Jose, CA 95113. There is a filing fee which is stated under Exparte application in the local fee schedule. If you require a certified copy, then provide a self-addressed stamped envelope. You will need to pay an additional fee for this service. See the Record Related Fees section in the local fee schedule.