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Changing Your Name. Please read the following important information about name changes BEFORE completing your marriage license application. Changes to your name CANNOT be made once your license is issued. The Name Equality Act
If you are getting married, you may be able to change your middle or last name by listing it on your marriage license. Then, once you're married you can use your marriage certificate to change your name on identity documents.
You can legally change your name by filing papers in court. If a judge agrees, they will give you a court order that states your new legal name. You need this order to change your name on identity documents, like your driver’s license, passport, or social security card.
Learn the legal implications of name change after marriage as well as the eligibility and adminstrative requirements for updating all official documents to reflect the new name, across relevant California agencies.
Judicial Council forms can be used in every Superior Court in California. You will need to use these forms when you file your case. Statewide approved forms are available for Adoptions, Appellate, Civil, Conservatorships, Criminal, Guardianships, Family Law, Juvenile, Name Change, Probate, Small Claims, and Traffic.
Changing one’s name through this process can only be done at the time the marriage license is issued by the County Clerk or authorized Notary Public, as applicable. The current last name of the other spouse. The last name of either spouse given at birth.
File your name change petition Once you complete your forms, you need to file them with the court and pay a filing fee. If you can’t afford the fee, you can ask the court to waive it.
