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Name Change to Match Gender Identity in California: Steps, Cost & Forms

Verified against California Superior Court and .gov sources · Last verified July 16, 2026.

Quick answer

A name change to match gender identity in California is filed in the Superior Court (Civil), costs about $0–$435 (typical $0, varies by county), and requires a newspaper notice unless it's waived. Most cases finish in 4–10 weeks. You'll need the forms below and certified copies of the signed order to update your IDs.

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What it costs

Filing fee
$0–$435 (typical $0, varies by county)

California waives the filing fee for a name change to conform to gender identity when filed with a gender-marker change (Form NC-200 series)

Court
Superior Court (Civil)

Superior Court in the county where you live

Timeline
4–10 weeks

Step by step

  1. 1

    Complete the NC-200 series (Petition for a name change to conform to gender identity) — NC-200, NC-210, NC-220, and NC-230.

  2. 2

    File with the Superior Court; newspaper publication is NOT required and you can ask the court to keep the records confidential.

  3. 3

    Attend the hearing if required and obtain the signed NC-230 decree.

  4. 4

    Use the decree to update Social Security, the California DMV gender marker, and your US passport.

Official forms

Every link goes to the official court or government host — never a paid re-host.

FormCodeOfficial link
Petition for Change of Name to Conform to Gender IdentityNC-200Open ↗
Decree Changing Name to Conform to Gender IdentityNC-230Open ↗
Newspaper publication: Required (waivable) — California does NOT require newspaper publication for a name change to conform to gender identity, and records may be kept confidential.
Background check: No background check
Good to know in California:
  • • No publication requirement, and the court may seal the file for safety.
  • • You can change your name and gender marker in the same petition.

Then update your IDs

Once you have the signed order, update Social Security first, then your California license, then your passport and accounts.

Who to notify →Build my checklist →See my timeline →

Gender identity name change in nearby states

Texas →Florida →New York →Pennsylvania →

Name Change to Match Gender Identity in California: FAQ

How much does a name change to match gender identity cost in California?
About $0–$435 (typical $0, varies by county), filed in the Superior Court (Civil). California waives the filing fee for a name change to conform to gender identity when filed with a gender-marker change (Form NC-200 series).
Do I have to publish a notice in a newspaper in California?
Usually, but it can be waived. California does NOT require newspaper publication for a name change to conform to gender identity, and records may be kept confidential.
Is a gender-identity name change private in California?
California does NOT require newspaper publication for a name change to conform to gender identity, and records may be kept confidential.
How long does it take in California?
Typically 4–10 weeks from filing to a signed order, then Social Security (7–10 business days), the DMV, and your passport (4–6 weeks).
What do I do after the judge signs my order in California?
Order certified copies, then update Social Security first, the DMV next, then your passport, banks, and employer. Our Who-To-Notify Checklist builds the full ordered list.

Sources

Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:

See our verification methodology and themaster source list.

Last verified July 16, 2026Reviewed by the Name Change Atlas Editorial Team against official court and .gov sources.