Sacramento County Public Law Library & Civil Self Help Center 609 9th St. Sacramento, CA 95814 saclaw.org (916) 874-6012

NAME CHANGE Disponible Understanding the Name Change en español Process in Sacramento Disclaimer: This guide is intended as general information only. Your case may have factors requiring different procedures or forms. The information and instructions are provided for use in the Sacramento County Superior Court. Please keep in mind that each court may have different requirements. If you need further assistance, consult a lawyer.

STOP! If you are changing your NAME AND GENDER, the process is different, and this guide will not work for you. Ask the Reference Librarian for more information.

In Sacramento, to petition the court to change a name of an adult or to change the name of a minor; download the instructional packet, including forms, from the Sacramento Superior Courts website: Requirements for Petition for Change of Name Packet (CV/E-142-N).

Our Understanding the Name Change Process in Sacramento packet includes answers to commonly asked questions and sample forms.

COMMON QUESTIONS If you are restoring your name after dissolution of marriage, you can ask the family court to restore your former name.  “Ex Parte Application for Restoration of Former Name after Entry of Judgment and Order” Restoring Former Name Packet

If changing the name of a minor over the age of 12, it is recommended that the minor write a declaration agreeing to the name change.  Declaration of Minor (MC-030) www.courts.ca.gov/documents/mc030.pdf

If the other parent cannot be served because their location is unknown, the petitioning parent must submit a declaration detailing all attempts made to locate the other parent.  Declaration of Diligent Search and Request to Dispense with Notice saclaw.org/sbs-name-change-declaration-of-diligence/

Once the name change is granted, in order to amend a California birth certificate, you will need to contact the California Office of Vital Records.  California Office of Vital Records www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Vital-Records.aspx

www.saclaw.org/name-change-guide Giving a child a different name from the father’s or otherwise changing the child’s name does not affect the parent-child relationship or the legally recognized identity of the parents.  Information on Parentage: www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp-parentage.htm

CHANGING YOUR NAME IN GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESS RECORDS Once your name change is granted, you will need to contact agencies to alert them of your new name. Here are some common documents that will need to be updated:

Public Records Private Records Social Security Card Employer’s Records Driver’s License or California ID card Bank Accounts Passport Credit Cards and Credit Reporting Agencies Tax Records Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds, and IRAs Voter Registration Vehicle Registrations State Licensing Boards Deeds to Real Estate and Mortgages Public Assistance Wills, Insurance Veterans Administration Medical & School Records Birth Certificates and Attachments Utilities

FOR HELP Sacramento County Public Law Library Civil Self Help Center 609 9th Street, Sacramento 95814 saclaw.org/self-help/civil-self-help-center (916) 476-2731 (Appointment Request Line)

Services Provided: The Civil Self Help Center provides general information and basic assistance to self-represented litigants on a variety of civil legal issues. All assistance is provided by telephone or Zoom videoconference. Visit “Issues We Can And Cannot Assist With” (saclaw.org/cshc-services) for a list of qualifying cases.

Eligibility: Must be a Sacramento County resident or have a qualifying case in the Sacramento County Superior Court.

On the Web Name Change Workshop Video saclaw.org/video-library/name-change-workshop-2011/ This video from the Civil Self-Help Center walks viewers through all the paperwork necessary to petition the court for a name change.

California Courts Self-Help Website – Name Change www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp-namechange.htm This website explains the name change process, and provides links to all the forms.

At the Law Library How to Change Your Name in California KFC 109 .L6 (Self-Help) Electronic Access: From any computer (library or home) via the Legal Information Reference Center. Instructions are available on our website at saclaw.org/nolo-ebooks.

H:\public\LRG-SBS\SbSs\Name Change\individual docs\SBS-understanding-name-change-process-Sacramento.docx 2 Created 11/12 mpj; saclaw.org/name-change-guide Updated 6/19 jjc Enter the current name, address and phone number of the petitioner. If changing your own name, this is you. If changing a minor’s name, this is the parent(s). “In Pro Per” means you’re representing yourself.

Enter the county, address and branch of the court. In Sacramento County, use the 720 Ninth Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 address

“In re:” and the current name(s) of the person(s) whose names will be changed.

Enter the number of people whose names are being changed.

The Petitioner(s) must write in the date, print their name and sign the form Enter the current name, address and phone number of the petitioner. If changing your own name, this is you. If changing a minor’s name, this is the parent(s). “In Pro Per” means you’re representing yourself.

Enter the county, address and branch of the court. In Sacramento County, use the 720 Ninth Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 address

Enter petitioner’s name. If an adult’s name is being changed, this will be the current legal name of that person. If changing a child’s name, this is the full legal name(s) of the parent(s)/guardian(s).

Enter the current name and proposed name for each person whose name will be changed. If changing more than four names, check the box below and list other names on a separate sheet.

Indicate how many children’s names are to be changed. If none, Complete question 5 enter 0. ONLY if minor(s) name(s) are being changed. Indicate who is filing this petition. Complete question 6 ONLY if you (or the minor) are changing names to conform to gender identity.

Indicate how many people’s names are to be changed. Separate attachments are required for each person.

Enter full present name(s) of petitioner(s). Number the attachment(s).

Indicate if this attachment is for the petitioner, or for another person. For the person described in this attachment, provide the requested information.

Briefly explain the reason for this name change

Check the box that best describes the relationship between the petitioner and the person whose name will be changed.

If the person whose name will be changed is a minor, list the names and addresses of both parents or nearest relatives. If a parent’s address is unknown, or if the parent is deceased, write that in the space for that parent’s address.

If the person whose name is being changed is over 18, complete this Declaration Box.

All petitioners must sign and date the form. Enter the current name, address and phone number of the petitioner. If changing your own name, this is you. If changing a minor’s name, this is the parent(s). “In Pro Per” means you’re representing yourself.

Enter the county, address and branch of the court. In Sacramento County, use the 720 Ninth Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 address

Enter full present name(s) of petitioner(s).

Enter the current name and proposed name for each person whose name will be changed. If changing more than five names, check the box below and list other names on a separate sheet.

The clerk will fill out this part when you file your papers.

Enter the address of the courtroom that will hear your name change petition. In Sacramento County use the 813 Sixth Street, 2nd Floor , Sacramento, CA 95814 address

Enter the name of the newspaper where you will have this Order to Show Cause published. A list of newspapers is available at the end of this guide.

Enter the current name, address and phone number of the petitioner. If changing your own name, this is you. If changing a minor’s name, this is the parent(s). “In Pro Per” means you’re representing yourself.

Enter the county, address and branch of the court. In Sacramento County, use the 720 Ninth Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 address

Enter full present name(s) of petitioner(s).

Leave questions 1 and 2 blank. The Judge will complete these questions.

Enter the current name and proposed name for each person whose name will be changed. If changing more than five names, check the box below and list other names on a separate sheet.

Enter the current name, address and phone number of the petitioner. If changing your own name, this is you. If changing a minor’s name, this is the parent(s). “In Pro Per” means you’re representing yourself.

Enter the county, address and branch of the court. In Sacramento County, use the 720 Ninth Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 address

Enter full present name(s) of petitioner(s).

Check the appropriate box.

Address of person serving the documents.

If both parents are petitioning the If the other parent lives in California, court, you do NOT documents must be served in need this form. This person. Check this box, and provide form is only used to the requested information. serve the other parent if they are not petitioning the court. It must be If the other parent lives outside California, documents may be completed by served by mail. Check this box, someone over 18 and provide the requested who is not a party to this case.

Name, date and signature of person serving documents

Enter the current name, address and phone number of the petitioner. If changing your own name, this is you. If changing a minor’s name, this is the parent(s). “In Pro Per” means you are representing yourself.

Enter the county, address and branch of the court. In Sacramento County, use the 720 Ninth Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 address

Enter full present name(s) of petitioner(s).

A consent declaration is recommended if changing the name of a minor aged 12‐17. It will show that the minor consents to having their name changed.

Name, date and signature of the minor.

Check “Other” and write in Minor.

Name, address and telephone number 1 PETER PARKER PARENT of the petitioner. In Pro Per means 564 OAK LANE you’re representing yourself. 2 SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 916-555-1234 3

4 PETER PARKER PARENT, IN PRO PER This Declaration is used only when a 5 petition to change a minor’s name is filed by one parent, and the other 6 parent cannot be located.

7 8 SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

9 FOR THE COUNTY OF SACRAMENTO

10

11

12 IN RE: _CHARLIE CHRISTOPHER ) Case No.: 13 ) DECLARATION OF DILIGENT SEARCH ) AND REQUEST TO DISPENSE WITH CHILD____ Name of the minor whose 14 ) NOTICE name will be changed ) 15 ) ) 16 ) ) 17 ) Petitioner’s Name 18 I, _____Peter Parker Parent______, declare:

19 1. I am the mother ⊠ father of a minor child currently named 20 Minor’s current name and birth date

21 __Charlie Christopher Child______, born on ___May 23,

22 1997______. 2. I am requesting the minor’s name be changed to 23 _Patrick Christopher Child____ Proposedfor the new reason name specified on the 24 Attachment to Petition for Change of Name (Form NC-110). I request 25 that the court not require notice to the minor’s other parent as I 26

27 am unable to locate him/her. Absent parent’s name 28 3. The minor’s other parent is: ______Patricia Pamela Parent______

- 1 - DECLARATION OF DILIGENT SEARCH

1 4. Last known address for this person: 764 Riverview Drive,

2 Sacramento 95835_ Absent parent’s last known address

3 5. Approximate date when the person named above was last known to 4 Last date absent parent known reside there: ___July 30, 2010______to reside at that address 5 My attempts to locate the person named above include the following: 6

7 6. I contacted the following relatives of the person named above:

8 Name Relationship to person named above Address Telephone number Phyllis Newman, Sister, 4235 Countryside Lane, San Francisco, CA 415-555-4567 9 Peter Abbot, Father, 1650 Main Street, Woodland, CA 530-555-1346 10 List name,______relationship, address and phone number for all relatives 11 you contacted. Below, describe what you learned from these relatives. ______12 Results of interview and additional information received:______13

14 Neither Ms. Newman nor Mr. Abbot was able to provide me with

15 current contact information for Ms. Parent. Ms. Newman said she had

16 not spoken with Ms. Parent in several years, but thought Ms. Parent 17 may have moved to Arizona. ______18 7. I contacted the following friends and acquaintances of the 19 person named above: 20

Name Relationship to person named above Address Telephone number 21 Sharon Sanders friend 6857 28th Ave, Sacramento 916-555-7410______22 Bradley Silvers, former co-worker 732 Hobart Place, Sacramento 916-555-8025 23 Michael Dunnigan, Pastor 1750 Trinity Way, Sacramento, 916-555-9157 24 ______List name, relationship, address and phone number for all friends and acquaintances 25 you contacted. Below, describe what you learned from these friends. Results of interview and additional information received: ___None 26 of these people had current contact information for Ms. 27 Parent. Pastor Dunnigan stated that Ms. Parent had not attended 28

- 2 - DECLARATION OF DILIGENT SEARCH

1 church services in many months.

2

3 8. I contacted the following employers of the person named above: 4 Name and Title Business Name Address telephone number Dates of employment

5 Tom Jones, Manager, Shop Smart, 456 Howe Ave, 916-555-4987 4/2007-7/2010

6 Jane Simms, owner, C&C Pharmacy, 983 Genoa Dr., 916-555-3791 11/2009-7/2010

7 ______List name, title, address and phone number for all employers you 8 Results contacted.of interview Below, describe and whaadditionalt you learned frominformation these employer received:______s.

9 Ms. Parent is no longer employed by either of her last known 10 employers. She quit both positions in July 2010, and left no 11 forwarding address or telephone number. 12 ______13 ______14 9. I reviewed the city telephone directories of __Sacramento and 15 Elk Grove_____ and contacted directory assistance on __11/8/2012__ 16 List the city directories you consulted, Results additionaland informationthe date you call 4-1-1. received: Below, __No listings were found 17 describe what you learned from these directories. 18 for Ms. Parent. ______

19 ______10. I searched the real and personal property indexes in the 20

21 Recorder’s and Assessor’s Offices of _Sacramento______County Indicate which county records you 22 on __11/9/2012______.consulted, and the date you searched these public records. Below, describe 23 Results additional informationwhat you learned received: from these searches. __I found no properties 24 owned by Ms. Parent.______25 ______26 11. I conducted an internet search using __Google and 27 Facebook______Indicate what internet searches you on ___11/8/2012______. 28 conducted. Below, describe what you learned from these searches.

- 3 - DECLARATION OF DILIGENT SEARCH

1 Results and additional information found: _Ms. Parent does not have

2 a Facebook account. No information about her current location was

3 found through the Google search of her name. ______4 ______5 12. I contacted the applicable criminal justice agency on 6 __11/9/2012______.Indicate the date you searched inmate databases. Below, describe what you learned from these searches. 7 Results additional information received: __Ms. Parent is not 8 currently incarcerated in any California State Prison, or in the 9

10 Sacramento County jail. ______

11 ______

12 13. Other relevant information:

13 Ms. Parent has worked as a licensed Pharmacy Technician for many

14 years. I searched the State of California’s Pharmacy Technician 15 licensing database, and found that Ms. Parent’s license has been Describe16 any other efforts you made to locate the absent parent, orcanceled. any other informa Thetion State you have lists that shows her address as 764 Riverview Drive, you’ve17 made diligent effort to find the other parent. Sacramento 95835, an address where she no longer lives.______18

19 Despite my diligent efforts, I have not been able to find _Patricia

20 Parent______,Absent and parent’s therefore name. ask the Court permission to 21 dispense with notice to _ Patricia Parent______. 22 I declare under penalty of perjury, under the laws of the State of 23 California, the foregoing is true and correct. 24 DATED: June 27, 2019 25

26 Date and signature of petitioner Peter Parent Peter Parent 27 In Pro Per

28

- 4 - DECLARATION OF DILIGENT SEARCH NEWSPAPER ADDRESS WEBSITE PHONE FAX FILE DEADLINE DATE PUBLICATION FILE PROOF NAME FEE Carmichael 7144 Fair Oaks Blvd., #5 www.mpg8.com 916‐773-1111 916‐773-2999 Friday 5:00 PM for $35.00 YES. They will send proof Times Carmichael, CA 95608 Pay Online at: www.mpg8.com publication on following of publication directly to Email: [email protected] Friday court prior to the hearing. Elk Grove 8970 Elk Grove Blvd., www.egcitizen.com 916‐685-5533 209‐745-4492 Noon on Monday for $40.00 NO. They will mail proof Citizen Elk Grove, CA 95624 Wednesday publication. of publication to client Noon on Wednesday for prior to the hearing. Client must be responsible and Friday publication file proof of publication with the court. Folsom 921 Sutter St Folsom, CA www.folsomtelegraph.com 916‐985-2581 916‐985-0720 Thursday 12:00 PM for $175.00 YES. They will send proof Telegraph 95630 the following of publication directly to Wednesday court prior to the hearing. Galt Herald P.O. Box 307, 604 Lincoln www.galtheraldonline.com 209‐745-1551 209‐745-4492 Tuesday 12:00 PM $40.00 NO. Client must pick up Way, Galt, CA 95632 their proof and file it with the court prior to hearing date. Rio Linda 6808 Front Street www.obri.net/rlenews 916‐991-3000 N/A Monday 5:00 PM for $40.00 1st NO. They will mail proof Elverta News Rio Linda, CA 95673 Friday publication name, $5.00 of publication to client and Printing each additional prior to the hearing. Client must be responsible and name file proof of publication with the court. Sacramento 2100 Q Street, www.sacbee.com 916‐321-1371 916-321-1110 Wednesday for Friday $375 - $400 YES. They will send proof Bee Sacramento, CA 95816 publication of publication directly to Newspaper Mailing: P.O. Box 151779, court prior to the hearing. Sacramento, CA 95852 Spectrum 530 Bercut Drive, Suite E, N/A 916‐445-6825 916‐443-5871 Thursday 9:00 AM for $50.00 YES. They will send proof Newspaper Sacramento, CA 95814 Tuesday publication of publication directly to court prior to the hearing. The Daily 901 H Street, Room 312, N/A 916‐444-2355 N/A Two business days prior $35.00 YES. They will send proof Recorder Sacramento, CA 95814 X 102 to publication of publication directly to court prior to the hearing. The 530 Bercut Drive, Suite E, N/A 916-445-6825 916-443-5871 Two business days prior $50.00 YES. They will send proof Sacramento Sacramento, CA 95814 to publication of publication directly to Bulletin court prior to the hearing. The 770 L Street, Suite 950, www.sacgazette.com 916‐567-9654 888-567-1193 Tuesday 12:00 PM $67.00 YES. They will send proof Sacramento Sacramento, CA 95814 of publication directly to Gazette court prior to the hearing. Newspaper The 2330 Alhambra Blvd., www.sacobserver.com 916‐452-4781 N/A Wednesday 5:00 PM for $75.00 YES. They will send proof Sacramento Sacramento, CA 95817 Friday publication of publication directly to Observer court prior to the hearing.

CURRENT PRICES MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE AMOUNTS LISTED ON THIS HANDOUT. PLEASE CALL PAPERS TO CONFIRM CURRENT PRICES. Updated 06/2019 JJC H:\public\LRG-SBS\SbSs\Name Change\individual docs\NEWSPAPER INFO UPDATED 6.19.rtf Now That You Have Changed Your Name, What Do You Do Next?

SOCIAL SECURITY  To obtain a Social Security card in your new name, file an Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS‐5). Form is available at www.ssa.gov, at your local Social Security office or by calling 1‐800‐772‐1213. You will need to submit the form in person at your local office.  In addition to the completed form you will need to provide a certified copy of your decree or court order and a photo ID. DRIVER’S LICENSE  Once you have your new social security card you can apply for a new driver’s license. This must be done in person. You can find your local DMV office here: http://apps.dmv.ca.gov/fo/offices/toc_fo.htm  You will need to complete Form DL‐44. Check the box on the form for “Name Change.” In addition to the completed form you will need to provide a certified copy of your decree or court order. Once you have been issued your new Social Security card and new Driver’s License you can tackle any other agencies or businesses that need your new name. The following is a list of common places you may need to contact. PASSPORT  There are several different ways to change your name on your passport, depending on how long you have had it. For more information, including links to the forms, go here: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/services/correction.html VOTER REGISTRATION  You will need to complete an Affidavit of Voter Registration which can be done online here http://registertovote.ca.gov/. Paper voter registration applications are available at your county elections office, library, DMV office or U.S. Post Office. BIRTH CERTIFICATE  An amendment can be attached to your birth certificate to reflect your new name. If you were born in CA, you will need a certified copy of your Decree Changing Name, and will need to submit it and an original Form VS‐23 to the CA Office of Vital Records. You may obtain this form online at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/CDPH%20Document%20Library/ControlledForms/VS23.pdf If you were born in another state you will need to contact the appropriate agency in that state for their procedures. PROPERTY DEEDS  Fill out a new deed and file it with the recorder’s office in the county where the property is located. For more information visit our guide here http://saclaw.org/wp‐content/uploads/sbs‐completing‐and‐ recording‐deeds.pdf VEHICLE REGISTRATION  Changing your name on your driver’s license doesn’t automatically change the name on your registration. You will need to file Form REG‐256 with your existing pink slip at your local DMV office, which you can find here http://apps.dmv.ca.gov/fo/offices/toc_fo.htm STATE LICENSING BOARDS, PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, VETERANS ADMINISTRATION, EMPLOYERS, BANK ACCOUNTS, CREDIT CARDS, CREDIT REPORTING AGENCIES, INSURANCE PROVIDER, MEDICAL PROVIDER, ETC.  Contact each agency to find out their requirements. Most have you fill out a form and provide a certified copy of your name change order.