California Legal Name Change: Cost & Process
Researched by the LawLintel Data Team · Sources verified 2026-08-24
- Filing fee
- $435–$450fee waiver available (FW-001)
- Publication
- Yes — once a week for 4 weeksexceptions for gender-identity petitions and safety cases
- Fingerprints
- Not required
- Court
- Superior Court
A California adult name change starts with a petition in the Superior Court of your county and a filing fee of $435–$450 (the same first-paper fee as other civil petitions; a fee waiver is available). Most petitions are decided on the papers in about two to three months without a hearing.
California still requires publishing the order to show cause once a week for four weeks in a court-approved newspaper — but with meaningful exceptions: petitions to conform to gender identity are exempt, and confidential procedures protect people escaping violence or in the Safe at Home program.
Costs & fees
| Item | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Petition filing fee | $435–$450 | Official fee |
| Newspaper publication (4 weeks)varies widely by county paper | $80–$300 | Estimate |
| Certified copies of the order | $25–$50 for several | Official fee |
Requirements
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Residency | File in your county of residence |
| Publication | Order to show cause published 4 consecutive weeks (exceptions apply) |
| Hearing | Only if someone objects or the judge has questions |
| Fee waiver | FW-001 for qualifying filers |
The process, step by step
- File the petition. Forms NC-100, NC-110, NC-120 in your county Superior Court; pay $435–$450 or file FW-001.
- Publish (if required). Run the Order to Show Cause in an approved newspaper once a week for 4 weeks; file proof of publication.
- Court decision. No objection → most courts grant on the papers around the hearing date; you receive the signed decree (NC-130).
- Update your records. Social Security first, then DMV, passport, banks — certified copies in hand.
Forms & where to file
Superior Court of your county of residence.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a name change cost in California?
$435–$450 in court filing fees (waivable via FW-001), plus roughly $80–$300 for the four weeks of newspaper publication where publication is required.
Do I have to publish my name change?
Generally yes — once a week for four weeks. Exceptions: petitions to match gender identity, and confidential filings for people escaping violence, stalking or in address-confidentiality programs.
Will I have to appear in court?
Usually not — uncontested petitions are commonly decided on the papers in 2–3 months.
Related information
Sources & verification
Official fees and statutory rules above are traceable to the listed authorities; figures marked as estimates are LawLintel editorial estimates, not government fees. Laws and fees change — last verified 2026-08-24. See our methodology and legal disclaimer.
LawLintel provides general legal information, not legal advice. Laws, rules, procedures and fees change and can depend on your specific facts and county. Verify important information with the applicable court or a qualified attorney before acting.