Law 101

Name Change

Patrons seek name changes for a wide variety of reasons. Although Californians have the right to simply use any name they wish, obtaining a driver’s license, Social Security card, or other government-issued document with a new name now requires a court-ordered name change. California law provides a fairly simple procedure for adults to obtain a court-ordered name change for themselves or their children.

Victims or survivors of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault may be eligible to obtain a confidential name change through California’s Safe at Home Program. If you require a confidential name change, please visit California’s Safe at Home program at www.sos.ca.gov/registries/safe-home before filing any documents with the court. You may also contact the program by calling (877) 322-5227 or by via email.

Name Change Forms: Sacramento

Sacramento County Superior Court has assembled packets and instructions for name changes, and name and gender changes:

Petition for Change of Name Packet (CV/E-142-N). Use this to change the name of minors and of adults (other than name change after divorce).
Petition for Change of Name to Conform to Gender Identity (CV/E-142-NGC). Use this packet to petition the court to change the name of an adult or minor to conform to gender identity.
Petition for Name Change with Recognition of Gender Change and New Birth Certificate (CV/E-142-NGA). Use this packet to petition the court to change an adult’s name with recognition of gender change and issuance of new birth certificate.
Petition for Name Change with Recognition of Gender Change and New Birth Certificate (CV/E-142-NGM) Use this packet to petition the court to change a minor’s name with recognition of gender changes and issuance of new birth certificate.
Adult’s Petition for Change of Gender and Issuance of New Birth Certificate (CV/E-142-AG). Use this packet to petition the court to change an adult’s gender (no name change).
Minor’s Petition for Change of Gender and Issuance of New Birth Certificate (CV/E-142-MG). Use this packet to petition the court to change a minor’s gender (no name change).
Petition for Change of Name Under the Address Confidentiality Program (Safe at Home) Packet (CV/E-142-S). This packet is used to petition the court for change of name under the Address Confidentiality Program (i.e. Safe at Home).

Changing a Child’s Name:

You may need additional forms:

Declaration of Minor (MC-030): If you are changing the name of a minor over the age of 12, the minor must write a declaration agreeing to the name change. You can use this standard form.
Declaration of Diligent Search and Request to Dispense with Notice: If the other parent cannot be served because their location is unknown, you must submit a declaration detailing your attempts to locate the other parent.

Restoring Former Name After a Divorce

If you are restoring your name after a dissolution of marriage, you may complete an Ex Parte Application for Restoration of Former Name after Entry of Judgment and Order (FL-395), and file it at the William R. Ridgeway Family Relations Courthouse at 3341 Power Inn Road, Sacramento, CA 95826.

Community Resources

Name Change Workshop

Name & Gender Changes

Research Guides

The Law Librarians have created these research guides as an aid for those starting a legal research project. These guides recommend print and electronic resources that will help you find answers to your law-related questions. Many guides provide step-by-step information, as well as sample forms, for common legal procedures.

Videos

Name Change Workshop Explains how to complete the legal forms to change your name.

Forms and Instructions for Name Changes

Understanding the Name Change Process in Sacramento (English) | Cambio de Nombre, Paso a Paso (español)

Related Websites

After you obtain a court order changing your name, you will need to notify government agencies and businesses of your new name. You will need to contact each individually to have your new name put into their records. Each agency and business will have their own requirements before issuing new documents or formally modifying their records. Below are links to information about changing your name with some of the most common government agencies you will need to contact.

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