California Identity Documents

Overview

  • Name Change (Adult): Yes. Publication not required. Hearing generally not required.
  • Name Change (Minor): Yes. Publication not required. Hearing generally not required.
  • Birth Certificate (Name): Yes.
  • Birth Certificate (Gender Marker): You can update the gender marker on a California birth certificate without a court order or medical documentation to M, F, or X.
  • Driver’s License (Name): Yes.
  • Driver’s License (Gender Marker): You can update the gender marker on a California driver's license or identification card without a court order or medical documentation to M, F, or X.
  • Restrictions based on Criminal History: If you are in jail, prison, or on parole, you need to provide notice of the name change to CDCR or sheriff but can still change your name. If you are required to register as a sex offender, the judge may consider whether the name change is in the interest of justice or poses a public safety risk.

If you’re thinking about updating your name or gender marker, congratulations! The process and information below might seem overwhelming. Take it one step at a time. There’s additional resources and organizations linked below to help you. You’ve got this! 

You do not need a court order to update your gender marker on your California driver’s license/identification, California birth certificate, or California marriage certificate. You do need a court order to legally change your name. 

To obtain a legal name change in California, you do need to submit a petition to the court. A petition is a formal written application to a court requesting judicial action—in this case, your name change! These steps will guide you through the process. 

You can simultaneously request that the court change your name and gender marker or request that only your name or gender marker be changed. See the court website to explore all options for name and/or gender marker changes. 

The process can take up to two months. You can find your court in your county of residence here. It is recommended to check with your local court for any additional requirements, as some courts have their own local forms or guidelines.

California Name Change Without Gender Marker Change Law & Steps (for Adults)

Step 1: Fill Out the Name Change Petition

In order to begin the name change process, you must complete the name change petition – NC-100: Petition for Change of Name. Since you are changing your name to match your gender identity, check box 6 on form NC-100 to waive the publication requirement.

Don’t let the unfamiliar format of a court petition scare you. Make sure to review all your completed documents for correct spelling and formatting before filing.

Step 2: Gather & Complete All Required Documents

You will need to gather and complete the required documents listed below with the superior court of your county of residence. You will need:

If you are unable to afford the filing fee, you can request a fee waiver.

It is recommended to check with your local court for any additional requirements, as some courts have their own local forms. For Example, Los Angeles County requires a form for a criminal background check – LASC CIV 226 – Criminal History Assessment.

Step 3: File & Submit Documents at Superior Court

Bring the completed required documents and a copy of each of the documents to the superior court in your county of residence. You can find your local court here. 

The court clerk will stamp the documents. They will keep the originals and return the copies to you. The clerk will give the filed forms to a judge. Before you leave, ask the clerk when you can pick up your name change order once it is signed by the judge.

If you have questions or concerns about filing, you may wish to contact the court clerk for your county’s superior court or talk to your Self-Help Center. The Self-Help Center may also be able to review your forms before you file them.

After a 6-week waiting period, the judge will make a decision. In some cases, you may have an additional step before a judge can make a decision, such as serving papers or attending a hearing.

If you're in jail, prison, or on parole there are more steps after you file the forms. People who are incarcerated in California have the right to apply for legal name changes without prior approval by correction officials, although they must provide a copy of the petition to correction officials at the time of filing. The courts will deny registered sex offender petitions unless they determine it will not adversely affect public safety. You can find more information about serving documents to a prison, jail, or the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation here.

Step 4: Attend the Hearing (if applicable)

The court will only set a hearing date if an objection showing good cause for opposing the name change is timely filed. 

The court will set a period of six weeks during which written objections to the name change may be filed. If no objections are filed, the court will grant the name change without a hearing.

If you are scheduled for a hearing, you will be sent a notice from the court and will need to bring a stamped copy of all filed documents. During the hearing, the judge may ask you further questions about your requested name change. For more information on what a hearing is and how to prepare, click here.

Step 5: Get Your Decree from the Court Clerk

Return to the clerk’s office when instructed, usually at least 6 weeks after you filed. If you have the NC-130 Order, bring it with you. If the clerk kept it when you submitted your documents, they will have it on file. In many counties, the clerk will simply mail copies of the order to you.

The clerk will process your NC-130 Order and return it to you with a signature from a judge. If you are scheduled for a hearing, the judge will sign the order at the hearing. 

You will need to request a certified copy of the order from the court clerk. It is recommended that you ask for 5-7copies of this order. Your records are not updated automatically, and you will need certified copies to amend your identity documents. There is a $40 fee for each certified copy requested. If you have a fee waiver, you will not have to pay this fee. 

Once you’ve received your certified copies, you may start updating documents and informing other relevant institutions. This includes important documents such as birth certificate, driver's license, social security card, and passport.

If the court does not approve your request, you may decide to appeal against the decision or seek legal counsel.

California Gender Marker Change With or Without a Name Change Law & Steps (for Adults)

The instructions below are for updating your name & gender marker simultaneously or to change your gender marker without changing your name.

Step 1: Fill Out the Gender Marker & Name Change Petition

To start your case, you will need to complete the name and gender marker change petition – Petition for Recognition of Change of Gender and Sex Identifier, Name Change, and Issuance of New Certificates (form NC-300).

Don’t let the unfamiliar format of a court petition scare you. Make sure to review all your completed documents for correct spelling and formatting before filing. 

Step 2: Gather & Complete All Required Documents 

You will need to gather and complete the required documents listed below with the superior court of your county of residence. You will need:

If you are unable to afford the filing fee, you can request a fee waiver.

Additionally, if you are requesting amendments to be made to your child’s birth certificate or your marriage certificate, you will need to indicate so on the NC-300 Petition and fill out an additional form and attach it to the petition. If you are asking to change your information on your child's birth certificate, fill out Birth Certificate for Child of Petitioner (form NC-311). If your child is 18 or older, they must also sign. If you are asking to change your marriage certificate, fill out Marriage License and Certificate (form NC-312). If your spouse did not sign NC-312, also fill out Order to Show Cause - Issuance of New Marriage License and Certificate (form NC-325). 

Make sure to review all your completed documents for correct spelling and formatting before filing. If you need additional help, the Judicial Council of California has also prepared an instruction sheet for filing a NC-300 Petition.

Step 3: File & Submit Documents at Superior Court

Bring the completed required documents and a copy of each of the documents to the superior court in your county of residence. You can find your local court here. 

The court clerk will stamp the documents. They will keep the originals and return the copies to you. The clerk will give the filed forms to a judge. Before you leave, ask the clerk when you can pick up your name change and gender recognition order once it is signed by the judge.

If you have questions or concerns about filing, you may wish to contact the court clerk for your county’s superior court or talk to your Self-Help Center. The Self-Help Center may also be able to review your forms before you file them.

After a 6-week waiting period, the judge will make a decision. In some cases, you may have an additional step before a judge can make a decision, such as serving papers or attending a hearing.

If you are married and your spouse did not sign the NC-312, you will need to have your spouse served and will have more steps after you file your forms. You can find more information about serving your spouse here. 

If you're in jail, prison, or on parole there are more steps after you file the forms. People who are incarcerated in California have the right to apply for legal name changes without prior approval by correction officials, although they must provide a copy of the petition to correction officials at the time of filing. The courts will deny registered sex offender petitions unless they determine it will not adversely affect public safety. You can find more information about serving documents to a prison, jail, or the Department of Corrections here. 

Step 4: Attend the Hearing (if applicable)

The court will only set a hearing date if an objection showing good cause for opposing the name change is timely filed. Good cause explicitly does not include the objector’s belief that the proposed change is not the applicant’s actual gender identity or gender assigned at birth.

The court will set a period of six weeks during which written objections to the name change may be filed. If no objections are filed, the court will grant the name change without a hearing.

If you are scheduled for a hearing, you will be sent a notice from the court and will need to bring a stamped copy of all filed documents. During the hearing, the judge may ask you further questions about your requested name change. For more information on what a hearing is and how to prepare, click here.

Step 5: Get Your Decree from the Court Clerk

Return to the clerk’s office when instructed, usually at least 6 weeks after you filed. If you have the NC-330 Order, bring it with you. If the clerk kept it when you submitted your documents, they will have it on file. In many counties, the clerk will simply mail copies of the order to you.

The clerk will process your NC-330 Order and return it to you with a signature from a judge. If you are scheduled for a hearing, the judge will sign the order at the hearing. 

You will need to request a certified copy of the order from the court clerk. It is recommended that you ask for 5-7 copies of this order. Your records are not updated automatically, and you will need certified copies to amend your identity documents. There is a $40 fee for each certified copy requested. If you have a fee waiver, you will not have to pay this fee. 

Once you’ve received your certified copies, you may start updating documents and informing other relevant institutions. This includes important documents such as birth certificate, driver's license, social security card, and passport.

If the court does not approve your request, you may decide to appeal against the decision or seek legal counsel.

California Name Change Law & Steps (for Minors)

To obtain a legal name change as a minor (someone under the age of 18), an adult (typically your parent or guardian) must submit a petition to the court on your behalf. A petition is a formal written application to a court requesting judicial action—in this case, your name change! These steps will guide you through the process.

In California, you may request to change your name only, or you may petition simultaneously to change your name and gender marker. See the court website to explore all options for name and/or gender marker changes.

The process can take up to three months. You can find your court in your county of residence here. It is recommended to check with your local court for any additional requirements, as some courts have their own local forms or guidelines.

Step 1: Fill Out the Name Change Petition

To start your case, you will need to complete the name change petition – NC-100: Petition for Change of Name. Since you are changing your name to match your gender identity, check box 6 on form NC-100 to waive the publication requirement.

Don’t let the unfamiliar format of a court petition scare you. Make sure to review all your completed documents for correct spelling and formatting before filing.

Step 2: Gather & Complete All Required Documents

You will need to gather and complete the required documents listed below with the superior court of your county of residence. You will need:

If you are unable to afford the filing fee, you can request a fee waiver.

It is recommended to check with your local court for any additional requirements, as some courts have their own local forms.

Step 3: File & Submit Documents at the Superior Court

Bring the completed required documents and 2 copies of each of the documents to the superior court in your county of residence. You can find your local court here. 

The court clerk will stamp the documents. They will keep the originals and return the copies to you. The clerk will give the filed forms to a judge. Before you leave, ask the clerk when you can pick up your name change order once it is signed by the judge.

If you have questions or concerns about filing, you may wish to contact the court clerk for your county’s superior court or talk to your Self-Help Center. The Self-Help Center may also be able to review your forms before you file them.

After a 6-week waiting period, the judge will make a decision. In some cases, you may have an additional step before a judge can make a decision, such as serving papers or attending a hearing.

Step 4: Notifying Non-Petitioning Parent (if applicable)

Notification of all known and legal parents is required to grant a minor name change.

If both parents consent to your requested name change, they are able to both be listed as petitioners on the name change petition. No additional forms are necessary and you can proceed to the next step.

If only one parent is filing the petition, you will need to notify the other non-petitioning parent of the name change by having them served. More information and instructions on what serving court documents means are available on the court’s self-help website. 

The other parent must be served within 30 days from the date you filed your documents. You will need to appoint someone to be the server and help you with this process. This can be an adult you know not involved in your case, someone from the sheriff’s office, or a professional service. You will need to have the other person served in-person (also called personal service). However, they can also be served by certified mail if they live outside of California. 

After the other parent has been served with the proper documents above, you will need to file proof of service (NC121: Proof of Service of Order to Show Cause) with the court. You will need to file NC-121 Proof of Service within 5 weeks from the day you filed your documents.

If the other parent does not object, you should be able to proceed to step 6. If the other parent does object, you may have a hearing.

Step 5: Attend the Hearing (if applicable)

If both parents are filing the petition on behalf of the minor and there are no outside objections, you may skip this step.

If one parent is filing the petition and the non-petitioning parent objects (during step 4) to the requested name change, a hearing will be scheduled. 

If you are scheduled for a hearing, you will be sent a notice from the court and will need to bring a stamped copy of all filed documents. During the hearing, the judge may ask you and your petitioning guardian further questions about your requested name change. 

They will ask the non-petitioning parent for their reasoning behind the objection. If the other parent doesn’t attend, but you served them properly, the judge will likely move forward with the case.

For more information on what a hearing is and how to prepare, click here. The court also provides further information and instructions about what to expect during your hearing here. 

Step 6: Get Your Decree from the Court Clerk

Return to the clerk’s office when instructed, usually at least 6 weeks after you filed. If you have the NC-130 Order, bring it with you. If the clerk kept it when you submitted your documents, they will have it on file.

The clerk will process your NC-130 Order and return it to you with a signature from a judge. If you are scheduled for a hearing, the judge will sign the order at the hearing. 

You will need to request a certified copy of the order from the court clerk. It is recommended that you ask for 5-7 copies of this order. Your records are not updated automatically, and you will need certified copies to amend your identity documents. There is a $40 fee for each certified copy requested. If you have a fee waiver, you will not have to pay this fee. 

Once you’ve received your certified copies, you may start updating documents and informing other relevant institutions. This includes important documents such as birth certificate, driver's license, social security card, and passport.

If the court does not approve your request, you may decide to appeal against the decision or seek legal counsel.

California Gender Marker & Name Change Law & Steps (for Minors)

To obtain a legal gender marker and name change as a minor (someone under the age of 18), an adult (typically your parent or guardian) must submit a petition to the court on your behalf. These steps will guide you through the process.

In California, you may request to change your name only, or you may petition simultaneously to change your name and gender marker. The instructions below are for updating your name & gender marker simultaneously. See the court website to explore all options for name and/or gender marker changes.

Granting the requested gender marker and name change is at the discretion of the superior court. The process can take up to three months. You can find your court in your county of residence here. It is recommended to check with your local court for any additional requirements, as some courts have their own local forms or guidelines.

Step 1: Fill Out the Gender Marker & Name Change Petition

In order to begin the name change process, you must complete the name and gender marker change petition – NC-500: Petition for Recognition of Minor’s Change of Gender and Sex Identifier and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate and Change of Name. Mark the box labelled "and change of name" at the top. Both parents must sign. Your child may also sign it.

Don’t let the unfamiliar format of a court petition scare you. Make sure to review all your completed documents for correct spelling and formatting before filing.

Step 2: Gather & Complete All Required Documents

You will need to gather and complete the required documents listed below with the superior court of your county of residence. You will need:

If you are unable to afford the filing fee, you can request a fee waiver.

Step 3: File & Submit Documents at Superior Court

Bring the completed required documents and 2 copies of each of the documents to the superior court in your county of residence. You can find your local court here. 

The court clerk will stamp the documents. They will keep the originals and return the copies to you. The clerk will give the filed forms to a judge. Before you leave, ask the clerk when you can pick up your name change order once it is signed by the judge.

If you have questions or concerns about filing, you may wish to contact the court clerk for your county’s superior court or talk to your Self-Help Center. The Self-Help Center may also be able to review your forms before you file them.

After a 6-week waiting period, the judge will make a decision. In some cases, you may have an additional step before a judge can make a decision, such as serving papers or attending a hearing.

Step 4: Notifying Non-Petitioning Parent (if applicable)

Notification of all known and legal parents is required to grant a minor name change.

If both parents consent to your requested name change, they are able to both be listed as petitioners on the name change petition. No additional forms are necessary and you can proceed to the next step.

If only one parent is filing the petition, you will need to notify the other non-petitioning parent of the gender marker & name change by having them served. More information and instructions on what serving court documents means are available on the court’s self-help website. 

The other parent must be served within 4 weeks from the date you filed your documents. You will need to appoint someone to be the server and help you with this process. This can be an adult you know not involved in your case, someone from the sheriff’s office, or a professional service. You will need to have the other person served with the NC-500, NC-110, and NC-520 in-person (also called personal service). However, they can also be served by certified mail if they live outside of California. 

After the other parent has been served with the proper documents above, you will need to file proof of service (NC121: Proof of Service of Order to Show Cause) with the court. 

If the other parent does not object, you should be able to proceed to step 6. If the other parent does object, you may have a hearing. 

Step 5: Attend the Hearing (if applicable)

If both parents are filing the petition on behalf of the minor and there are no outside objections, you may skip this step.

If one parent is filing the petition and the non-petitioning parent objects (during step 4) to the requested name change, a hearing will be scheduled. 

If you are scheduled for a hearing, you and your petitioning parent will be sent a notice from the court and will need to bring a stamped copy of all filed documents. During the hearing, the judge may ask you and your petitioning parent further questions about your requested gender marker & name change. 

They will ask the non-petitioning parent for their reasoning behind the objection. If the other parent doesn’t attend, but you served them properly, the judge will likely move forward with the case.

For more information on what a hearing is and how to prepare, click here. the court also provides further information and instructions about what to expect during your hearing here. 

Step 6: Get Your Decree from the Court Clerk

Return to the clerk’s office when instructed, usually at least 6 weeks after you filed. If you have the NC-530 Order, bring it with you. If the clerk kept it when you submitted your documents, they will have it on file.

The clerk will process your NC-530 Order and return it to you with a signature from a judge. If you are scheduled for a hearing, the judge will sign the order at the hearing. 

You will need to request a certified copy of the order from the court clerk. It is recommended that you ask for 5-7 copies of this order. Your records are not updated automatically, and you will need certified copies to amend your identity documents. There is a $40 fee for each certified copy requested. If you have a fee waiver, you will not have to pay this fee. 

Once you’ve received your certified copies, you may start updating documents and informing other relevant institutions. This includes important documents such as birth certificate, driver's license, social security card, and passport.

If the court does not approve your request, you may decide to appeal against the decision or seek legal counsel.

California Birth Certificate Policy & Procedures

The California Department of Public Health will issue an amended birth certificate upon receipt of a court order. However, to amend solely the gender marker on a California birth certificate, a court order is not required.

Please note: If you receive a new birth certificate after amending your gender or your gender and your name together, the agency creates a new birth certificate and seals the old record. However, if you receive a new birth certificate after amending only your name, your previous birth certificate is not sealed. 

Requests can take 10-12 weeks to process (however processing times may vary).

When Amending the Name Only

To change your name on your birth certificate, download the packet Application to Amend a Birth Record After a Court Ordered Name Change, and submit the following:

  • V23 Birth Form
  • A certified copy of the name-change order
  • A completed notarized sworn statement
  • The amendment fee of $26.00. Pay with a check or money order, do not send cash. There is an additional fee for multiple copies. 

The Department of Public Health will not return your affidavits and other documents, and it is advisable to keep copies for your own records. All required forms are included in the packet.

When Updating the Name and Gender Marker, or Gender Marker Only

The California Department of Public Health will issue a new birth certificate reflecting a gender of female, male, non-binary upon receipt of the appropriate documentation. No medical provider attestation is required.

To change your gender marker on your birth certificate, download the packet Application to Amend a Birth Record and follow the instructions on page 7: “Change Child’s Sex Field to Reflect Gender Identity Checklist.” All required forms are included in the packet.

You will need to submit the following:

  • VS 24B Form
  • A certified copy of order for gender marker change (if available)
  • A completed notarized sworn statement
  • The amendment fee of $26.00. Pay with a check or money order, do not send cash. There is an additional fee for multiple copies.
  • A certified copy of order for change of name (if you wish to update your name at the same time)

If you do not have a court order, a person who is 18 years or older may self-attest to reflect their own gender identity. In the reason field, you may write : “To match the sex specified on my birth certificate to reflect my gender identity and not for any fraudulent purpose.” You do not need any other signatures besides your own. If you are a minor, you will need at least one parent or guardian to sign the application.

The Department of Public Health will not return your affidavits and other documents, and it is advisable to keep copies for your own records. All required forms are included in the packet.

Submitting the Required Documents & Next Steps

If you were born in California, you may mail your application to the California Vital Records Office. 

Mailing Address:

California Department of Public Health - Vital Records 
MS 5103 
P.O. Box 997410 
Sacramento, CA 95899-7410

If you are no longer a California resident, but you have a birth certificate issued by the state of California, you are still able to mail-in your request and amend your birth certificate as outlined above. The California Vital Records will accept a certified copy of an order for name change issued by a court from your current state of residence.

If you were not born in California, you will need to follow the amendment instructions from the state’s vital records office. For more instructions, find the state that issued your birth certificate in A4TE’s ID Doc Center and skip to the section on birth certificates.

For further information about amending records, you can contact the California Vital Records Office.

California Driver's License Policy & Procedures

In order to update the name on a California ID, you must first change your name with the Social Security Administration. For more information on that process, visit the Social Security Record section of the ID Documents Center.

To change your name on your license of state ID, you will need to make an in-person appointment with the DMV. You can schedule an appointment here. 

Before your appointment, fill out the new DL/ID online application form. You will need to bring the following to your appointment: 

  • Proof of identity
  • Your current DL/ID
  • Your social security number
  • Two forms of proof of California residency
  • The licensing fee (which varies depending on license type)

See the DMV’s list of acceptable identification documents here. During your appointment, you will have your thumbprint scanned and your photo taken. 

When Updating the Name and Gender Marker, or Gender Marker Only

California driver's licenses and ID cards can display a gender of M, F, or X. No medical documentation is required to update your gender marker. 

To change your gender marker on your license or state ID, you will need to make an in-person appointment with the DMV. You can schedule an appointment here.

Before your appointment, fill out the new DL/ID online application form. You will need to bring the following to your appointment: 

  • Proof of identity
  • Your current DL/ID
  • Your social security number
  • Two forms of proof of California residency
  • The licensing fee (which varies depending on license type)

During your appointment, you will have your thumbprint scanned and your photo taken.

If you have additional questions, you may wish to contact your DMV at 1-800-777-0133.

Additional Resources

For even more information, please check out the A4TE Name Change Overview page as well as the additional state resources listed below. You can also reach out with questions via email at [email protected].

California State Legislature Code Citations

Last updated September 2025.

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