How to Change Your Name in San Francisco

Important Notice:

This guide is for adults changing their own name. The process for changing a child's name requires different forms and procedures.

Forms
Filing
Waiting
Decree
Documents

Important Document Notes:

Required Forms

CM-010: Civil Case Cover Sheet

NC-300: Gender Recognition Form

This form combines gender recognition, name change, and new certificate requests.

Gender Marker Selection Tips:

  • Nonbinary is a valid option for both driver's license and passport
  • Some airports may have difficulty processing nonbinary markers on passports
  • Ensure your selected gender marker matches throughout all forms

NC-110: Name Change Attachment

NC-125: Order to Show Cause

NC-330: Final Order Form

To file your documents at the San Francisco Superior Court:

  1. Make at least two copies of all completed forms
  2. Go to Room 103 (Civil Filing Office) at the courthouse
  3. Present your original forms and copies to the clerk
  4. Pay the $450 filing fee or submit your fee waiver forms
  5. Get your copies back with the "Filed" stamp and case number

Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco
Street address: 400 McAllister St
Mailing address: 400 McAllister St
City and Zip Code: San Francisco 94102
Branch name: Superior Court of San Francisco

Fee Waiver Information:

If you receive state benefits or are not currently employed, you may qualify for a fee waiver:

  • Visit Public Viewing in the courtroom to fill out fee waiver forms
  • The waiver is valid for 60 days
  • Covers both the $450 filing fee and certified copy fees (if obtained within the 60-day window)

After filing:

  • There's a mandatory six-week waiting period for potential objections
  • If no objections are filed, your name change will be granted without a hearing
  • You'll receive a case number and link to check your court order status online

After approval, you have two options for getting certified copies of your court order (NC-330):

  • Wait to receive certified copies in the mail (typically within a few days)
  • Visit the court in person to get copies printed (fee applies unless you have a valid fee waiver)

Important: Other agencies require certified copies from the court, not photocopies or scans.

Updating Your Documents

Visit the Social Security office with your court order and photo ID. Do this first before updating other documents.

After receiving your new Social Security card, visit the DMV to update your ID or driver's license.

Submit your court order and required forms to update your passport.