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NC-100-INFOOptional

Instructions for Filing a Petition for Change of Name

California · Judicial Council of California · Effective July 1, 2026

This form provides instructions for filing a request to change a name in court. It explains what documents are needed and where the request must be filed depending on the person's residency.

The court describes it as: Explains what will happen in your name change case and what forms to use. Also gives information about changing a child's name and other important information. If your case involves a change of name related to gender identity, use form NC-200-INFO instead.

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

Start a case

Stage: Start a case

This form is used when someone needs to file a petition to change their own name or the name of others, such as children under 18.

Either party may file.

Official instructions

How-to guides published by the court for this form.

Common questions

Where must I file this form?
California residents must file the petition in the superior court of the county where the person whose name is changing lives. Non-California residents have different filing rules depending on other documents they are requesting. Great care must be taken to follow the specific instructions for filing.
What forms do I need to file?
If the name change is not related to gender identity, you generally need the Petition for Change of Name (form NC-100), Name and Information About the Person Whose Name Is to Be Changed (form NC-110), and other listed forms. Always check with the local court for extra forms.
Do I have to publish the order?
In most cases, a copy of the Order to Show Cause must be published in a local newspaper for several weeks before the hearing. However, there are exceptions, such as if you are in the address confidentiality program or if the name change is for a minor.<0xC2><0xA0>

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect July 1, 2026.

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