The California name change process:
- Get your California proof of name change document;
- Update the SSA;
- Visit the California DPS for your California driver’s license name change;
- You may update your California voter registration, passport office (if traveling); IRS & USPS if moving; and last,
- Update California banks, California utilities, and others here.
Try our California Name Change Online Tool for Free
Read about the California name change process:
1. California Legal Proof of Name Change Documents
California Marriage Certificate, California Divorce Certificates & Birth Certificate
California Marriage Certificate
The safest place to get a certified copy of your California Marriage Certificate with your name change is through the County Recorder in the county where your marriage occurred. For “confidential marriages” you must contact the County Clerk where the marriage license was issued.
Fees vary by county.
**In California, you MAY also be able to get your Marriage Certificate while getting your birth certificate. The State office will have your marriage certificates for people married in California between 1946-1986 and 1998-1999. You should pay your fee with a check or Money Order payable to CDPH Vital Records.
For all other dates you must go to your local California County Recorder or the County Clerk where the marriage license was issued (as described above).
Divorce Decree or Certified Certificate
The California Vital Records Offices DO NOT carry divorce decrees. You must get the divorce decree at the county’s California Superior Court where the divorce was issued.
Also, California is one of the few states that have a simple form (FL-395) if your Decree does not state your legal name change will be changing back to your maiden name. Use this form if that’s the case.
California Birth Certificates can be obtained from the California Department of Public Health’s Vital Records Office. They may have Marriage Certificate too.
CA Department of Public Health – Vital Records
MS: 5103
P.O. Box 997410
Sacramento, CA 95899-7410
2. Social Security Name Change
3. California Driver’s License Name Change
California Driver’s License Name Change
First, make sure to hurry a bit here. If you move or change your name, you have just 10 days to update the California DMV.
To change your name on your driver’s license in California, visit your local DMV in-person with (1) Completed FORM DL 44; (2) an original or certified copy of your proof of name change document; (3) your old driver’s license and (4) the fee of $27 for your new driver’s license ($29 for ID; Free if over 62 yrs.; or $8 if you qualify for a reduced fee).
Note that you may have your thumb print taken. Also, make sure to look good because you’ll likely be taking a new photograph.
You should receive your new driver’s license in the mail in about sixty days or less.
California Name Change on ID card
The process is identical the California driver’s license detailed above.
California Vehicle Title and Registration Name Change
You may change your name on your title or registration In-Person or Through the Mail.
FREE if you have your Vehicle’s Title
Get your Vehicle Title with your old name on it and put your new name on it.
It will be $20 if you require a new Title along with completed REG 227 form.
In order to get a new California Registration Card with your new name, you can request a new copy here.
California DMV notes: When making transactions by MAIL you must pay by check or MO. Credit cards ARE NOT ACCEPTED for in-person transactions. You MUST pay with CASH, CHECK, MO, or ATM/Debit Cards.
4. California Voter Registration Name Change, Passport Name Change and/or Address Changes
California Voter Registration Name Change
Register or change your name by using the California’s online tool.
5. Telling Everyone Else about your Name Change
