Name or Gender Change Category: Family

Overview

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.

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Correcting mis-matched names on identity documents

Having trouble getting a passport, Real ID, or government benefits because the name on your birth certificate doesn’t match the name on your ID? In many cases, the problem is easily solved by presenting a marriage license, adoption record, court-ordered name change, or other supporting documents.  People without such supporting...

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SH@LL (Self Help @ the Law Library) (formerly Civil Self Help Center)

Accidents and Torts

SH@LL provides general information and basic assistance to people without attorneys on a variety of civil legal issues. All assistance is provided by telephone or Zoom videoconference. Visit “What We Help With” for a list of qualifying cases. Eligibility: Must be a Sacramento County resident or have a qualifying case in the Sacramento County Superior Court.

916-476-2731

https://www.saclaw.org/services/self-help-at-the-law-library

Safe at Home Program

Protection from Abuse and Harassment

Safe at Home is a confidential address program administered by the California Secretary of State's office and is most effective when used as a part of an overall safety plan. Safe at Home offers victims of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, human trafficking & elder and dependent abuse, as well as reproductive health care workers, a substitute mailing address to receive first class, certified, and registered mail. This address is also accepted by California state, county, and city government agencies in lieu of a residential or other mailing address where a victim can be tracked down, keeping the residence address confidential and out of the hands of someone who might want to harm the victim. Those needing this service must apply through an enrolling agency: https://www.sos.ca.gov/registries/safe-home/where-find-enrolling-agency 

Phone: 877-322-5227

http://www.sos.ca.gov/safeathome/about-safe-at-home.htm

Gender Health Center

Health

Assistance with Name and Gender change. Call for an appointment.

2020, 29th Street
Sacramento, CA 95817

916-455-2391

https://www.thegenderhealthcenter.org/programs.htm

Civil Self Help Services

Courts and Procedure

Civil Self-Help Services (SHS) helps people without lawyers who have questions about simple issues related to a civil case. They can give you general information and help you prepare your own forms in the area of civil law. Common topics include civil harassment restraining orders, petitions for change of name/gender, and expungement of criminal convictions.

813, 6th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

916-874-1421

civilselfhelp@saccourt.ca.gov

https://saccourt.ca.gov

Sacramento Justice League

Family

Sacramento Justice League is a nonprofit corporation in Sacramento offering low cost legal services and occasional free clinics. Topics covered include:

• Direct Family Law Legal Services
• Name Changes/Birth Certificate Changes
• Criminal Expungement Assistance
• Credit and Debt Relief Assistance
• Self-Represented Family Law Workshops
• Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
• Landlord/Tenant Issues
• Bankruptcy

916-754-2986

https://sacjustice.wordpress.com/

Understanding the Confidential Name Change Process in Sacramento

The law provides confidentiality for a petitioner seeking a name change who is a participant in the Secretary of State’s confidential address program, Safe at Home, under California Government Code §6205 et seq., and who asserts reasons for a name change that include: Seeking to avoid domestic violence Seeking to...

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Understanding the Name Change Process in Sacramento

In Sacramento, to petition the court to change a name of an adult or to change the name of a minor; download the instructional packet, including forms, from the Sacramento Superior Courts website: General Name Change Packet (CV-142n). STOP! If you are changing your NAME AND GENDER, the process is...

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