Name or Gender Change Category: Family
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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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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.
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
Gender Health Center
Health
Assistance with Name and Gender change. Call for an appointment.
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.
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
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...
Read MoreUnderstanding 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). This Understanding the Name Change Process in Sacramento guide includes answers to...
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