Understanding the Name Change Process in Sacramento
Templates and Forms
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 different, and this guide will not work for you. Ask the Reference Librarian for more information.
This Understanding the Name Change Process in Sacramento guide includes answers to commonly asked questions and sample filled out forms.
Common Questions
If you are restoring your name after dissolution of marriage, you can ask the family court to restore your former name.
- “Ex Parte Application for Restoration of Former Name after Entry of
Judgment and Order”
Restoring Former Name Packet
If changing the name of a minor over the age of 12, it is recommended that the minor write a declaration agreeing to the name change.
If the other parent cannot be served because their location is unknown, the petitioning parent must submit a declaration detailing all attempts made to locate the other parent.
Once the name change is granted, in order to amend a California birth certificate, you will need to contact the California Office of Vital Records.
Giving a child a different name from the father’s or otherwise changing the child’s name does not affect the parent-child relationship or the legally recognized identity of the parents.
Changing Your Name in Government and Business Records
Once your name change is granted, you will need to contact agencies to alert them of your new name. Here are some common documents that will need to be updated:
| Public Records | Private Records |
Social Security Card Driver’s License or California ID card Passport Tax Records Voter Registration State Licensing Boards Public Assistance Veterans Administration Birth Certificates and Attachments |
Employer’s Records Bank Accounts Credit Cards and Credit Reporting Agencies Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds, and IRAs Vehicle Registrations Deeds to Real Estate and Mortgages Wills, Insurance Medical & School Records Utilities |
For Help
SH@LL (Self-Help at the Law Library) (formerly Civil Self Help Center)
609 9th Street, Sacramento CA 95814
(916) 476-2731 (Appointment Request Line)
Services Provided: SH@LL provides general information and basic assistance to self-represented litigants on a variety of civil legal issues, including name changes. All assistance is provided by telephone. Visit “What we can 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.
Civil Self-Help Services (SHS)
Sacramento County Superior Court Hall of Justice
813 Sixth St., Sacramento CA 95814
916-874-1421
For More Information
On the Web
SH@LL Name Change Workshop Video
This video from SH@LL (when it was called the Civil Self-Help Center) walks viewers through all the paperwork necessary to petition the court for a name change.
California Courts Self-Help Website: “Name Change“
This website explains the name change process, and provides links to all the forms.
At the Law Library
How to Change Your Name in California KFC 109 .L6 (Self-Help)
Electronic Access: From any computer (library or home) via the Legal Information Reference Center. Instructions are available on our website at Nolo Ebooks.
Samples
Civil Case Cover Sheet
Petition for Name Change
Declaration (Consent of Child)
Order to Show Cause
Decree Changing Name
Proof of Service of Order to Show Cause
Declaration of Diligent Search
Newspapers
This material is intended as general information only. Your case may have factors requiring different procedures or forms. The information and instructions are provided for use in the Sacramento County Superior Court. Please keep in mind that each court may have different requirements. If you need further assistance consult a lawyer.