Name Change Paralegal

661-489-3369

1412 17th Street, Suite 314, Bakersfield, CA 93301

Yes, you can change your name and/or gender in California. Here are the general steps you need to follow:

Name Change

  1. We Help You Fill Out the Required Forms:
    • Petition for Change of Name
    • Attachment to Petition for Change of Name
    • Order to Show Cause for Change of Name
    • Civil Case Cover Sheet
    • Decree Changing Name
  2. We File the Forms with the Court:
    • We take the completed forms to the superior court.
    • We help you complete a request a fee waiver if you cannot afford the fee.
  3. Publish the Order to Show Cause:
    • In most cases, you must publish the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name in a newspaper of general circulation once a week for four weeks in a row. This must be done before the court hearing.  We work with several newspapers to make sure the publication is done correctly.
  4. Attend the Court Hearing:
    • The court will set a date for your hearing. You attend the hearing yourself and bring any additional documents or proof required.  If you are not comfortable attending the hearing alone, we can introduce you to an attorney who will attend with you.
  5. Get Your Decree Changing Name:
    • If the judge approves your request, they will sign the Decree Changing Name, legally changing your name.
  6. Update Your Records:
    • After obtaining the court order, you need to update your name on all your legal documents, such as your driver’s license, social security card, and passport.

The process can vary slightly depending on your specific circumstances, such as if you are changing a child’s name or if you have certain criminal convictions.

Change Gender Marker

Yes, you can change your gender marker on legal documents in California. The process is relatively straightforward and can be done through the court system or, in some cases, directly with certain state agencies. Here are the general steps for changing your gender marker:

Changing Your Gender Marker on a California Birth Certificate

  1. We Help You Fill Out the Required Forms:
    • Petition for Change of Gender and Issuance of New Birth Certificate
    • Attachment to Petition for Change of Gender
    • Order to Show Cause for Change of Gender and Issuance of New Birth Certificate
    • Decree Changing Name and Gender
  2. File the Forms with the Court:
    • We take the completed forms to the superior court.
    • We help you complete a request a fee waiver if you cannot afford the fee.
  3. Attend the Court Hearing:
    • The court will set a date for your hearing. You attend the hearing yourself and bring any additional documents or proof required.  If you are not comfortable attending the hearing alone, we can introduce you to an attorney who will attend with you.
  4. Get Your Court Order:
    • If the judge approves your petition, they will sign the Decree Changing Name and Gender.
  5. Submit the Court Order to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH):
    • Submit the court order to the CDPH to update your birth certificate.

Changing Your Gender Marker on a Driver’s License or Identification Card

  1. Fill Out the Required Form:
    • Complete the Gender Category Request form (DL 329).
  2. Visit the DMV:
    • Take the completed form to a California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office.
    • You do not need a court order for this step.
  3. Update Your Records:
    • The DMV will issue a new driver’s license or ID card with your updated gender marker.

Changing Your Gender Marker on a Social Security Card

  1. Fill Out the Required Form:
    • Complete the Application for a Social Security Card.
  2. Gather Supporting Documents:
    • Provide a government-issued document reflecting your updated gender (e.g., court order, updated passport, or updated birth certificate).
  3. Submit the Form and Documents:
    • Submit the form and supporting documents to your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office.

Changing Your Gender Marker on a U.S. Passport

  1. Fill Out the Required Forms:
    • Complete the appropriate passport application form (Form DS-11 for a new passport, or Form DS-82 for a renewal).
  2. Gather Supporting Documents:
    • Provide proof of identity, proof of U.S. citizenship, a passport photo, and a doctor’s letter confirming appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition.
  3. Submit the Form and Documents:
    • Submit the form and supporting documents to a passport acceptance facility or by mail.

Each step involves specific forms and requirements, so it’s essential to carefully follow the instructions provided by each agency.