Changing Your Name and Gender: Intro and Overview

This is an introduction only to the procedure for changing your name and gender in California. It is not intended to be a comprehensive resource. Additional research may be necessary. If you require further assistance, please consult a reference librarian.

The California Gender Recognition Act (SB 179), effective September 1, 2018, resulted in changes to the process and forms used for obtaining a court order to change your name and/or gender. The court process for changing your name and/or gender varies depending on your specific situation. This guide provides an outline of the current court process for:

• Name change only
• Name change for a minor
• Gender change
• Name and gender change

Additionally, this guide provides a process outline for:

• Changing your name on your California Driver's License
• Changing your Social Security records, and 
• Changing your Birth Certificate

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