California Name Change - How To Legally Change Name

Want to Legally Change Your Name?

Legal name change forms are available for adults, minors and families.  Download the legal name change forms you need or order our completion services.  If you order completion services, the forms will be completed for you based on the information you provide and reviewed by a professional. Free form descriptions, previews and law summaries are provided.


Name Change Instructions and Forms Package - Minor 
Name Change Instructions and Forms Package - Minor (Los Angeles County Only)
Name Change Instructions and Forms Package - Adult
Name Change Instructions and Forms Package - Adult (Los Angeles County Only)
Name Change Instructions and Forms Package - Family
Name Change Instructions and Forms Package - Family (Los Angeles County Only)
Name Change Notification Package - Brides, Divorce, Marriage

View all California Name Change Forms

Completion services are provided for all name change California packages. To order completion services, look for the Submit button in the search results.

Regardless of why you change your name, you will need to notify the appropriate agencies with legal name change forms, and take the appropriate steps to make the change legal. This also applies to individuals who change their name as the result of marriage.

Learn more by using our Name Change Questionnaire

California Name Change FAQ Name Change In California

California Name Change Law Digest

Top Questions about Name Change California

  • How hard is it to legally change your name in California?

    The process of legally changing your name in California can be straightforward if you follow the correct steps. Generally, it involves filling out forms, filing them with the court, and possibly attending a court hearing. With US Legal Forms, you'll find comprehensive resources that guide you through the necessary requirements for a California Name Change, reducing any stress or confusion. In short, with the right tools, changing your name can be an accessible and manageable task.

  • How to fill a Change of Name form?

    Filling out a Change of Name form in California is straightforward. Begin by obtaining the form from your local courthouse or an online legal form service like US Legal Forms. Fill in your current name, the name you wish to adopt, and provide necessary information such as your reason for the change. Make sure all information is accurate to prevent delays in processing your request.

  • What to do after a name change in California?

    Following a name change in California, it is essential to update your identification and legal documents. Start by changing your name on your Social Security card, then update your driver’s license or state ID with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Inform banks, credit card companies, and other institutions of your name change. These actions help maintain consistency in your records and avoid complications.

  • What do I do after I change my name?

    After you change your name, you should update your documents and accounts to reflect your new name. This includes your driver’s license, passport, bank accounts, and any legal documents. Additionally, don't forget to notify organizations that have your old name on file, such as your employer, schools, and service providers. Taking these steps ensures that your California name change is recognized everywhere.

  • How do I legally change my name in California?

    To legally change your name in California, you need to file a petition with your local Superior Court. This involves completing specific court forms and providing reasons for the name change. After filing, you may also need to publish your name change in a local newspaper to notify the public. After the court approves your petition, you will receive a decree that officially changes your name.

  • How do I notify Social Security of a name change?

    To notify Social Security of a California name change, you should complete Form SS-5 to apply for a new Social Security card. You can find this form online or at your local Social Security office. Make sure to provide proof of your identity and your name change, which could include a marriage certificate or court order. Once you submit your application, Social Security will process your request and send you a new card reflecting your name.

Tips for Preparing California Name Change

  1. Consider all the positive and negative sides of changing your name. Before starting the whole process of a surname transition and completing California Name Change, you need to bear in mind that it's important to preserve name uniformity in all your vital papers, such as your passport or social security card. Usually, it's a really time- and resource-consuming procedure. In certain circumstances, it's preferable to preserve your old name if you wish to share the same surname with your children after separation or divorce or in the interest of your professional development.
  2. Make sure you prepare the right set of papers. Depending on your scenario - be it marriage and separation, or any other individual situations, you need to get all the required paperwork prepared. For example, if you wish to make changes to your name after getting married, you need a few copies of the executed marriage certificate and submission-ready documents. You will find California Name Change at US Legal Forms, the most extensive online collection of legal paperwork.
  3. Be aware of the regulations related to changing names in your state. The principles for name transition differ from one state to another. For instance, in certain states, a name change after divorce requires you to endure the troubles of filling out a great deal of documentation and other actions, whereas these actions are regarded needless in other states. All you need to do is change the details in an array of papers. If you need to fill out the California Name Change, try US Legal Forms. It has more than 85,000 forms drafted by legal experts and offers various educational resources to help you locate and fill out the paperwork properly.
  4. Never use a change of name form to dodge troubles with the law. You have the right to get or not to get your birth name back for whatever reasons. Nevertheless, if think about completing and filing California Name Change in order to avoid lenders or paying for your child's care, it may result in heavy fees and penalties or other outcomes.