Changing Name, Gender or Sex Identifier

• How much does it cost to change my name, gender, or sex identifier?

  It costs $435 to file a petition with the court. If you cannot afford the filing fee, file a Fee Waiver at the same time you file your forms. You can pay in person by cash, money order, cashier's check, check made out to “Sacramento Superior Court,” or by credit card.

  The Court's Fee Waiver does not cover the cost of publication. Look at the list of newspapers of general circulation for name change to choose a newspaper that fits your needs and budget.

• How do I complete the required forms?

  Instructions and forms can be obtained in person at Civil Self-Help Services or from the California Court’s Self-Help Guide 

  For name change petitions except those filing for a name change under the Safe at Home Program or any name change to conform to a gender identity, you must choose a newspaper to publish a notice of the name change. Choose from the list of newspapers of general circulation for name change. The fee for publication is not waived by a Fee Waiver.  

  How do I change a minor's gender marker, name, and get new certificates issued?

  The Law Help Interactive Interview program cannot be used for a Minor's Petition for Recognition of Change of Gender, for Issuance of a New Birth Certificate, or for Change of Name.

  A Petition for Recognition of Minor's Change of Gender and For Issuance of New Birth Certificate and Change of Name packet with forms and instructions can be obtained from Civil Self-Help Services.  

  Forms and information are also available on the Judicial Council of California’s website.

  How do I file a confidential name change petition if I am a participant in the Safe at Home Program?

  Participants in the Safe at Home Program must follow the program's guidelines to apply for a confidential name change. If you are not a member, contact an enrolling agency to see if you qualify for this program. Current participants must obtain, complete, and file a Confidential Intent of Name Change (CINC) form with the Safe at Home program. This form lists both the old and new names of the participant and is kept confidential at the Secretary of State's office. Participants must contact Safe at Home at 877-322-5227 to request this form. It is not available on the internet, and the court does not have it.

  Once the Safe at Home Program has provided you with the “Court Letter” authorizing a Confidential Name Change, obtain from Civil Self-Help Services the Safe at Home Name Change Packet. This packet will contain the Court forms necessary for the process, as well as filing information. Forms and information are also available on the Judicial Council of California’s website.

• How do I file my forms?

  Once you are done with the interview, print your forms, and follow the signature and copy instructions on the first page.

  If you are not filing a Request to Waive Fees (FW-001), the filing fee is $435. You can pay in person by cash, money order, cashier's check, check made out to “Sacramento Superior Court,” or by credit card. Mailed forms must include a check made out to “Sacramento Superior Court."

  You can submit documents and fees or fee waivers in person, by mail, or via Dropbox at the Tani Canti-Sakauye Sacramento County Courthouse, 500 G Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.

  Documents may also be e-filed. Be sure to save each form as a separate PDF.

• I filed my petition. What now?

  The next step is to send a copy of the Order to Show Cause (NC-120) to the newspaper you chose. They will take your form and write up a classified-style ad that will run once a week for 4 weeks in a row. Publication is not required for petitions to affirm or change gender/sex identifier, or confidential name changes.

  The newspaper will either send Proof of Publication directly to the court, or they will send it to you, and you will send it to the court. The court needs a copy of the Proof of Publication before the judge can grant an order to change your name.

• Do I need to come to court? (tentative ruling process)

  The court will post a tentative ruling on the Public Portal one court day before your hearing at 2:00 pm. Review the tentative ruling to determine whether your appearance is required at the hearing.

• How do I reschedule my hearing date?

  If you need another hearing date, you will need to fill out a new Order to Show Cause (NC-120) , and write “Amended” before “Order to Show Cause.” You may need to republish the Amended Order to Show Cause. If you have questions, contact Self-Help Services.

• My name change was granted. What do I do now?

  The court will not notify government agencies or businesses that your name has changed. You need to take or send certified copies of the Decree Changing Name (NC-130) to government agencies and/or places you do business with to update your legal name. The court will send you 2 certified copies, included in the cost of the filing fee. Some government agencies keep the certified copy, so make sure you keep a regular copy for your records in case you need to request more certified copies from the court.

  Additional certified copies are $.50 a page plus $40 for certification (waived with a fee waiver). You can request certified copies by completing a Request for Copies of Civil Records form.

  These links may be helpful in changing the name on your legal documents after you receive the final order from the court:

  • California Department of Public Health (info on changing name on birth certificate)
  • California DMV
  • Social Security
  • U.S. State Department (Passports)
  • Transgender Law Center – ID Please- A Guide to Changing California & Federal Identity Documents to Match Your Gender