How To Change Last Name After Marriage In California

Choose the option that best fits your situation:

File a name change petition
Filing a Petition for a Change of Name is the almost common process and results in a court society. This section will walk you through the steps.

Divorced or getting divorced
If you desire to change your proper noun dorsum to your maiden name or a prior married name, select this process.

Changing an Adult'due south Name to Conform to Gender Identity
If you desire to change your name to arrive lucifer your gender identity, select this process.

Recognition of gender change
If you desire to legally alter your gender (with or without a name change likewise), proceed with this option.

Getting married
If you recently got married and want to change your final name to your spouse'due south last name, you may not take to go to court. Contact both your local DMV office and your social security office, and ask them whether you can change the name on your driver's license and social security card simply by showing your matrimony license or document. Note that it is possible they will tell yous to become a court gild, so be prepared for that.

Note: In California, y'all by and large take the legal right to change your proper noun only by using a new name in all aspects of your life, also known every bit the "usage method." BUT, with few exceptions, government agencies require a court guild every bit official proof of a name change and so getting a courtroom order is the best way to make sure you legally modify your proper noun.