Name Change Instructions

All you have to do is complete and file a petition for name change with the court. There are many reasons for officially changing your name. The most common are marriage and divorce. But if your birth name is Mergatroid or something like that, you might not need any other reason.

A: The main reasons why a judge would not agree to change your name are: If the judge finds that you are changing your name to commit fraud, or. If the judge finds that you are changing your name to hide from the law or the police or for some other illegal reason.

You will be asked to pay a fee for submitting a name change petition and order, typically around $150. The court clerk will assign a court and hearing date.

You must visit a Driver Service Center to make changes to your name. You will need your current license and the original or certified document showing the reason for the change; for example: An original or certified marriage certificate, original or certified copy of your divorce decree, or the original court order.

Social Security Administration. This is where you get a new social security card. Department of Motor Vehicles. Get a new driver's license, car title, and registration. Voter Registration. State Department.

When you file your name change forms, you'll have to pay the California state filing fee. The California name change cost is $435.

Get Your Marriage License and Certified Copies. Update Your Social Security Card. Get a New Driver's License. Get a New Passport and Travel Documents. Change the Name on Your Bank Accounts. Change the Name on Your Credit Cards. Provide Your New Name and Banking Information to Your Employer.