How much does it cost to change your name in California?
A court-ordered adult name change in California starts with a $435 ($450 in Riverside and San Francisco counties) Superior Court filing fee. Publication costs vary by newspaper; ask the paper for its rate (CA courts self-help). Certified copies of the court order cost $40 per certified copy, plus $0.50 per page (CA court fee schedule). A name change through marriage has no court filing fee — you mainly pay for certified copies of your marriage certificate (varies; check the county recorder's office).
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Fee figures from our state cost data, last verified 2026-04-25. General information only, not legal advice. Fees and timelines change and vary by county — confirm with your court clerk or agency before you file.
California court-ordered name change: fee breakdown
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Superior Court filing fee (petition NC-100) | $435 ($450 in Riverside and San Francisco counties) (statewide civil fee schedule) |
| Newspaper publication (varies; check your court) | Publication costs vary by newspaper; ask the paper for its rate (CA courts self-help) |
| Certified copies of the decree × 4 | $40 per certified copy, plus $0.50 per page (CA court fee schedule) |
| Total before updating your ID | Court filing fees vary by county; check your court's fee schedule |
Filing fees vary by county. If you can't afford the filing fee, you can ask the court to waive it with form FW-001 (Request to Waive Court Fees). Publication exemptions are available if you are a victim of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault and can provide evidence; request the exemption when you file.
Costs after you have your decree (or marriage certificate)
- Social Security card (Form SS-5): $0
- IRS name update (via Social Security; no IRS form): $0
- California DMV driver's license (Form DL 44): Varies; check the California DMV
- U.S. passport: $130 to renew with DS-82, $130 + $35 acceptance fee ($165 total) for a new DS-11 passport, or $0 with DS-5504 if your passport is less than a year old and your name changed after it was issued (State Department passport fees, last checked 2026-10-11)
California marriage name change cost
In California, your marriage certificate is your legal name change document — no court order, no publication, and no court filing fee. Budget for certified copies of the marriage certificate (our calculator assumes 3; the fee per copy varies), plus the ID updates above. Check the county recorder's office.
See your own itemized total in the name change cost calculator, or read the full California name change guide and the California court petition guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is a name change free in California if I'm getting married?
There is no court filing fee for a marriage name change in California — your certified marriage certificate is the legal document. You still pay for certified copies of the certificate and any ID updates, such as the DMV fee. Check the county recorder's office and the California DMV.
Can I get the California court filing fee waived?
Yes, if you qualify based on income or financial hardship. File form FW-001 (Request to Waive Court Fees) with your petition and the court decides whether to waive the fee.
Do I have to pay to publish my name change in California?
Publication costs vary by newspaper; ask the paper for its rate. Court filing fees vary by county; check your court's fee schedule. Exemptions are available for victims of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault who can provide evidence.
Related guides
- California name change guide
- Name change cost by state
- How long a California name change takes
- Name-change fee waivers
- How a California court name change works
Ready to get started?
Free guides, plus an optional tool that copies what you type onto blank official forms you choose.
Official sources
Forms, fees and rules change. Check these official pages (and your county court) before you file.
- Name change self-help guide (California Courts Self-Help Guide)
- Court forms: name change (NC) series (Judicial Branch of California)
- Fee waiver self-help guide (California Courts Self-Help Guide)
Links checked 2026-10-08.
Fee data last verified 2026-04-25 · Not legal advice · Terms · Privacy