Name And/Or Gender Change

What are the name change options?

Am I at the right Court to file my name and/or gender change?

For California residents: The petition for change of name and/or gender must be filed in the superior court of the county where the person whose name is to be changed is a resident.

For Non-California residents: If the person whose name and/or gender is to be changed is also requesting an order for the issuance of a new California marriage license and certificate, a new California birth certificate for the person whose name is to be changed, or a new California birth certificate for a minor or adult child of the person whose name is to be changed, the petition for change of name must be filed in the superior court of the county where the marriage took place, or where the birth certificate was issued.

What information/ document(s) are required to get a name and/or gender change?

The filing fee is $435.00 or if you cannot afford to pay the court fees, you may file a Request to Waive Court Fees form with the Clerk’s office. You must include personal financial information for the court to consider your request.
Complete the forms and SIGN and DATE where necessary. TYPE or PRINT CLEARLY in blue ink.
If the petition is for a person 18 years of age or older, the following documents are required for a background check:
- SOCIAL SECURITY CARD
- CALIFORNIA DRIVER'S LICENSE OR IDENTIFICATION CARD
If the petition is for a minor, UNDER the age of 18 years old, the following document is required:
- BIRTH CERTIFICATE
SELF-ADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE is required to return the necessary documents to you by mail.

Why do I need to complete a publishing for a name change?

In most cases, a copy of the Order to Show Cause must be published in a local newspaper of general circulation once a week for at least four (4) consecutive weeks before the date of the hearing. You must select the newspaper from among those newspapers legally qualified to publish orders and notices. Please see the list of newspaper selections offered in this county. The newspaper used must file a Proof of Publication with the superior court before the hearing.

You do not have to publish the order if the following applies:

You are seeking to change a name to conform to your gender identity;
You are a participant in the State Witness Program;
You are a participant in the address confidentiality program (Safe at Home), and the petition alleges that you are petitioning to avoid (a) domestic violence, (b) stalking, (c) sexual assault, or (d) human trafficking; or
The name change is for a minor or nonminor dependent under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court.

Where do I file my documents? Do I have to come in person?

It is best to come in person in case the documents are not filled out completely. If you believe that all of the documents are filled out completely, you may e-file or mail your documents along with a copy of the required identifications and appropriate fee. If submitted by mail, make sure to include a self-addressed stamped envelope to return the documents. You can mail them to: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

ATTN: Civil - Room A, 1st Floor
400 COUNTY CENTER
REDWOOD CITY, CA 94063

What forms are required to change a name and or gender?

Please visit the following links for more detailed information and to see the required forms for the Name Changes and/or Change of Gender.

Petition for Name Change Only (Adult or Minor)

Instructions for Filing a Petition for Change of Name.

Civil Case Cover Sheet, CM-010
Petition for Name of Change, NC-100
Attachment to Petition for Change of Name, NC-110
Order to Show Cause for Change of Name, NC-120; or
if applicable, Order to Show Cause - Change of Name to Conform to Gender Identity, NC-125
Decree Changing Name, NC-130 or for guardians, form NC-130G
In addition, a guardian must prepare and attach a Supplemental Attachment to Petition for Change of Name (Declaration of Guardian), NC-110G for each child whose name is to be changed.

Petition for Recognition of Change of Gender and Sex Identifier, Name Change, and Issuance of New Certificates (Adult)

Instructions for Filing Petition for Recognition of Change of Gender and Sex Identifier, Name Change, and Issuance of New Certificates.

Civil Case Cover Sheet, CM-010
Petition For Recognition of Change of Gender And Sex Identifier, Name Change, And Issuance of New Certificates, NC-300
Order Recognizing Change of Gender and Sex Identifier, for Name Change, and for Issuance of New Certificates, NC-330
If requesting name change:
- Name and Information About the Person Whose Name Is to Be Changed, NC-110
- Order to Show Cause—Change of Name to Conform to Gender Identity, NC-125
- (Note: If you already have a decree of change of name, attach a certified copy of the decree to the petition instead of completing form NC-110 and form NC-125.)
If requesting order for new birth certificate for child:
- Birth Certificate for Child of Petitioner - Attachment, NC-311
If requesting order for new marriage license and certificate:
- Marriage License and Certificate - Attachment, NC-312 and, if form NC-312 is not signed by the other spouse, Order to Show Cause - Issuance of New Marriage License and Certificate, NC-325

Petition for Recognition of MINOR'S Change of Gender and Sex Identifier and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate and Change of Name

Instructions for Filing Petition for Recognition of Minor's Change of Gender and Sex Identifier.

Civil Case Cover Sheet, CM-010
Petition for Recognition for Minor's Change of Gender and Issuance of New Birth Certificate and Change of Name, NC-500
Order Recognizing Minor's Change of Gender and Sex Identifier and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate, NC-530
If requesting name change:
- Name and Information About the Person Whose Name Is to Be Changed, NC-110 (Note: If you already have a decree of change of name, attach a certified copy of the decree to the petition)
Order to Show Cause - Recognition of Minor's Change of Gender and Issuance of New Birth Certificate, NC-520. (This form is needed if (1) the petition is not signed by all living parents of the minor; (2) the petition is filed by a guardian, and all of minor's parents are deceased or cannot be located; or (3) the petition seeks a decree changing the minor's name.)
Declaration of Guardian or Juvenile Attorney, NC-510G (If the petition is filed by a guardian)

Judicial Branch of California