Who can file this petition?

Anyone who lives in California or was born there can ask the court for this order. If the person asking is under 18, the petition must be on form NC-500 and signed by an adult.

What forms do I need to file?

Petitioners generally need an original and two copies of form NC-500, form NC-530, and form CM-010. Other forms might be needed depending on who is filing.

A filing fee will be charged unless the person qualifies for a fee waiver, in which case they should look at form FW-001.

NC-500-INFOOptional

Instructions for Filing Petition for Recognition of Minor's Change of Gender and Sex Identifier

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

This form provides instructions for filing a request with the court to officially recognize a minor's change of gender and sex identifier, and potentially to change the minor's name and get a new birth certificate. It explains which forms are needed and how to fill them out.

The court describes it as: Explains what will happen in your child's case to recognize their gender (and, if you want, to change their name) and what forms to use. Also gives information about how to fill out the forms, whether you will need to see a judge, and other important information.

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

Start a case

Start a case
Respond
Motions
Discovery
Hearing
Judgment
After judgment
Appeal

Stage: Start a case

This form is used when someone needs to ask the court to recognize a minor's gender change and potentially change their name and get updated birth records.

Either party may file.

Official instructions

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

Common questions

Who can file this petition?: Anyone who lives in California or was born there can ask the court for this order. If the person asking is under 18, the petition must be on form NC-500 and signed by an adult.
What forms do I need to file?: Petitioners generally need an original and two copies of form NC-500, form NC-530, and form CM-010. Other forms might be needed depending on who is filing.
Is there a fee?: A filing fee will be charged unless the person qualifies for a fee waiver, in which case they should look at form FW-001.

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

CM-010
Civil Case Cover Sheet
This form is a Civil Case Cover Sheet that asks for basic details about a civil case being started. It requires checking the type of case, noting if the case is complex, and listing what the parties are asking the court for.
MandatoryFillable PDF
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Eff. Jul 1, 2026
FW-001
Request to Waive Court Fees
This form is used to ask the court to waive the fees and costs you would normally have to pay to file papers or receive court services. You must provide information about your income and property to the court.
MandatoryFillable PDF4 translations
Motions
Eff. Mar 1, 2026
FW-001-INFO
Information Sheet on Waiver of Superior Court Fees and Costs
This sheet explains who can ask the court to waive fees and costs so that a person can go to court without paying. It tells people what forms to use to make this request.
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Eff. Mar 1, 2026
NC-500
Petition for Recognition of Minor's Change of Gender and Sex Identifier and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate and Change of Name
This form is used to start a court case asking the judge to officially recognize a minor's change of gender and sex identifier, and to request a new birth certificate and possibly a name change.
MandatoryFillable PDF3 translations
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Eff. Jul 1, 2026
NC-510G
Declaration of Guardian or Juvenile Attorney (Attachment to form NC-500)
This form is a declaration used to give the court information about a minor's relatives and the person asking to change the minor's name. It must be attached to a form called NC-500 before it is filed.
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Eff. Jul 1, 2026
NC-520
Order to Show Cause—Recognition of Minor's Change of Gender And Issuance of New Birth Certificate
This form is used to ask the court to recognize a minor's change of gender and to get a new birth certificate issued. It also includes a section to ask for a change of name.
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Eff. Jul 1, 2026
NC-530
Order Recognizing Minor's Change of Gender and Sex Identifier and For Issuance of New Birth Certificate
This form is used to ask the court to officially recognize a minor's change of gender and sex identifier, and it can also be used to request a change of name. If approved, the court orders that a new birth certificate be issued.
MandatoryFillable PDF3 translations
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Eff. Jul 1, 2026
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
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Eff. Jul 1, 2026