How to Change Your Name in California

The complete guide to changing your name in California!

Divorce, complicated spelling, tricky pronunciation, personal preference -- there are several reasons why you may want to change your name. And though the rules have changed recently, it's still a relatively straightforward procedure in the Golden State.

How to Change Your Name in California provides the step-by-step instructions and legal forms you need to:

• choose a name and make it your own
• change back to your former name after divorce
• change your child's name
• get a new or amended birth certificate for you or your child
• get a new driver license, Social Security card and passport
• get a court to recognize a change of gender

The 13th edition reflects the latest rules and regulations on changing your name, a new section on changing your name after a same-sex marriage, including discussion of potential conflicts between state and federal law that can affect how the name change process turns out. Plus, it's been updated to reflect a recent law that allows either spouse to change their name after marriage.

Nolo has dozens of products created just for California residents. Check out Nolo's list of California products.