Do I need a lawyer to use this program?

You are not required to have a lawyer, but the sheet suggests talking to one or a legal service agency to discuss the effects of a confidential name change.

What is the first thing I need to do?

Before filing anything with the court, you must become an active participant in the Safe at Home program by filing a Notice of Intent of Name Change with the Secretary of State’s Office.

What forms do I need to file?

You will need to complete several forms, including the Petition for Change of Name (form NC-100), and you must include a Confidential Cover Sheet (form NC-400) when you file.

NC-400-INFOOptional

Information Sheet for Name Change Proceedings Under Address Confidentiality Program (Safe at Home)

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

This sheet explains the rules for keeping a name change case private when using the Safe at Home program. It tells people what steps to take and what forms are needed to keep their current and new names confidential from the public.

The court describes it as: Explains who can ask the court to keep a name change case confidential under the Safe at Home program, what forms are needed, and other important information.

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

General & info

Information / general use — not tied to one step of a case

This information sheet is used by people who are asking the court to change their name and want to keep that name change process private because they are involved in the Safe at Home program.

Either party may file.

Official instructions

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

Common questions

Do I need a lawyer to use this program?: You are not required to have a lawyer, but the sheet suggests talking to one or a legal service agency to discuss the effects of a confidential name change.
What is the first thing I need to do?: Before filing anything with the court, you must become an active participant in the Safe at Home program by filing a Notice of Intent of Name Change with the Secretary of State’s Office.
What forms do I need to file?: You will need to complete several forms, including the Petition for Change of Name (form NC-100), and you must include a Confidential Cover Sheet (form NC-400) when you file.

Revision history

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

Related forms

NC-100
Petition for Change of Name
This form is used to start a case asking the court to officially change a name or the name of a minor child. It asks for the current legal name and the new name that is being requested.
MandatoryFillable PDF3 translations
Start a case
Eff. Jul 1, 2026
NC-110
Name and Information About the Person Whose Name is to be Changed (Attachment to Petition for Change of Name)
This form is an attachment used when someone files a request to change a name. It asks for details about the person whose name is changing, including their current and desired new name, and the reason for the change.
MandatoryFillable PDF3 translations
Start a case
Eff. Jul 1, 2026
NC-120
Order to Show Cause—Change of Name
This form is used to ask the court for an official order to change a person's name. It tells everyone involved that a name change is being requested and sets the date, time, and place for a hearing.
MandatoryFillable PDF
Judgment
Eff. Jan 1, 2023
NC-130
Decree Changing Name
This form is a court order that officially states the judge's decision about changing a person's name or a minor child's name. It records the old name and the new name that the court has approved.
MandatoryFillable PDF3 translations
Judgment
Eff. Jul 1, 2026
NC-400
Confidential Cover Sheet—Name Change Proceeding Under Address Confidentiality Program (Safe at Home) (Change of Name)
This form is a cover sheet used when filing papers to start a name change case if the person is part of the Safe At Home program and wants the court to keep the case private. It is used to attach to the main petition and other related documents.
MandatoryFillable PDF3 translations
Start a case
Eff. Jul 1, 2026
NC-410
Application to File Documents Under Seal in Name Change Proceeding Under Address Confidentiality Program (Safe at Home)
This form is used to ask a judge to keep certain papers from a name change case private by filing them under seal. It requires the person filing to also submit a Declaration in Support of the Application.
MandatoryFillable PDF
Start a case
Eff. Jan 1, 2010
NC-420
Declaration in Support of Application to File Documents Under Seal in Name Change Proceeding Under Address Confidentiality Program (Safe at Home)
This form is a written statement used to ask the court to keep documents related to a name change private (under seal). It requires the person filing it to explain why keeping the records secret is necessary to protect them from danger.
MandatoryFillable PDF
Start a case
Eff. Jan 1, 2019
NC-015
Ex Parte Request to Make Records Confidential (Health & Saf. Code, § 103437)
This form asks the court to keep records private. It is used when a case has already been filed asking to change a name or gender/sex identifier, and the person filing wants the court to keep those records confidential.
OptionalFillable PDF3 translations
Motions
Eff. Jul 1, 2026