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.
To see how California's license fee compares with every other state, use our name change fee table.
Instructions verified August 2026 against official California government sites. How we verify
DMV appointment optionsWhat California asks you to bring
Documents for the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- Certified copy of marriage certificate showing new name
- Updated Social Security card/record (change with SSA before visiting DMV)
- Current California driver's license or ID card
- Proof of true full name (marriage certificate suffices for non-REAL ID)
- For REAL ID upgrade: proof of identity + SSN + two proofs of CA residency (e.g., utility bill, bank statement)
Online or in person
You can start the California application online, but your name change isn't complete until you visit a DMV office. You can book an appointment or walk in.
REAL ID in California
For a REAL ID-compliant card you must also provide proof of identity, your Social Security Number, and two proofs of California residency; for a standard (non-REAL ID) card you need only provide proof of your true full name.
Updating your California voter registration
California lets you update your registration online. 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.
Update your registrationCalifornia step-by-step guides
Sources
We checked the details on this page against the official sources below in August 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm anything you are about to act on at the agency's own page. The legal citations were last re-read against their sources in October 2026. How we verify.
- State agencyCalifornia Department of Public Health, Vital Records (CDPH-VR): certified copies
- State agencyCalifornia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): name change on a license or ID
- State agencyCalifornia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): appointments
- State agencyCalifornia official voter registration page
- State agencyCalifornia Secretary of State: registering to voteThe state's page: register at least 15 days before Election Day; after that, conditional registration is available.
- FederalSocial Security Administration: change your name
- FederalSocial Security Administration: Form SS-5
- FederalU.S. Department of State: change or correct a passport
NameWright is not a government agency and this is not legal advice. We prepare your paperwork; you file it.
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