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Minor Child Name Change in California: Steps, Cost & Forms

Verified against California Superior Court and .gov sources · Last verified July 16, 2026.

Quick answer

A minor child name change in California is filed in the Superior Court (Civil), costs about $435–$485 (typical $435, varies by county), and requires a newspaper notice. Most cases finish in 6–12 weeks. You'll need the forms below and certified copies of the signed order to update your IDs.

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What it costs

Filing fee
$435–$485 (typical $435, varies by county)

Same civil filing fee as an adult petition; waivable with Form FW-001

Court
Superior Court (Civil)

Superior Court in the county where you live

Timeline
6–12 weeks

Step by step

  1. 1

    Complete Form NC-110 (Attachment for a minor) together with NC-100 and NC-120, naming the child and the requested name.

  2. 2

    Serve notice on the child's other parent using Form NC-121, or show the court why service is not required.

  3. 3

    File the petition, pay or waive the fee, and publish the Order to Show Cause as directed.

  4. 4

    Attend the hearing; the judge decides based on the child's best interest.

  5. 5

    Get the signed NC-130 decree and update the child's Social Security record, school records, and passport.

Official forms

Every link goes to the official court or government host — never a paid re-host.

FormCodeOfficial link
Attachment to Petition for Change of Name (Minor)NC-110Open ↗
Petition for Change of NameNC-100Open ↗
Newspaper publication: Required — The Order to Show Cause is published once a week for four weeks unless waived.
Background check: No background check
Good to know in California:
  • • Both parents generally must receive notice; if a parent cannot be located, ask the court about service by publication or posting.
  • • The court weighs the child's best interest, not just the parents' preference.

Then update your IDs

Once you have the signed order, update Social Security first, then your California license, then your passport and accounts.

Who to notify →Build my checklist →See my timeline →

Minor child name change in nearby states

Texas →Florida →New York →Pennsylvania →

Minor Child Name Change in California: FAQ

How much does a minor child name change cost in California?
About $435–$485 (typical $435, varies by county), filed in the Superior Court (Civil). Same civil filing fee as an adult petition; waivable with Form FW-001.
Do I have to publish a notice in a newspaper in California?
Yes. The Order to Show Cause is published once a week for four weeks unless waived.
Do both parents have to agree to change a child's name in California?
Both parents generally must be notified. If the other parent objects or can't be found, the court decides based on the child's best interest. Both parents generally must receive notice; if a parent cannot be located, ask the court about service by publication or posting.
How long does it take in California?
Typically 6–12 weeks from filing to a signed order, then Social Security (7–10 business days), the DMV, and your passport (4–6 weeks).
What do I do after the judge signs my order in California?
Order certified copies, then update Social Security first, the DMV next, then your passport, banks, and employer. Our Who-To-Notify Checklist builds the full ordered list.

Sources

Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:

See our verification methodology and themaster source list.

Last verified July 16, 2026Reviewed by the Name Change Atlas Editorial Team against official court and .gov sources.