California · CA
Change your name in California
The exact steps, documents, and official California links to change your name after marriage or divorce, in the correct order.
DMV / license agency
California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)License update fee
$37 license / $40 ID (change of info)
Marriage certificate
California Department of Public Health, Vital Records (CDPH-VR)Voter deadline
Register/update online or by mail at least 15 days before an election. Within 15 days of an election (including on Election Day), you must use Same Day Voter Registration in person at your county elections office or a polling/vote center.
Instructions verified July 2026 against official California government sites. How we verify
Book a DMV appointmentCalifornia step-by-step guides
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