Yes, you can legally change your name in California to match your gender identity by filing Form NC-110, the Petition for Change of Name to Conform to Gender Identity, with the superior court in your county of residence. The process is faster, cheaper, and more private than a standard adult name change because California law removes the publication requirement and protects your records under Code of Civil Procedure § 1277.5.
Filing the wrong form, leaving a box blank, or skipping the confidentiality request can delay your decree by months and expose your former name in public court files. According to the 2022 U.S. Trans Survey, only 6% of transgender respondents have all of their IDs updated to reflect their correct name and gender, often because the paperwork feels intimidating.
Here is what you will learn in this guide:
- 📝 How to fill out every line of Form NC-110 without errors
- ⚖️ Which California statutes and forms control your petition under the Gender Recognition Act (SB 179)
- 🏛️ County-specific filing quirks in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Sacramento
- 💸 How to waive the filing fee with Form FW-001 and what counts as financial hardship
- 🔒 How to keep your former name confidential and seal your court file
What California Form NC-110 Is and Why It Exists
California Form NC-110 is the official Judicial Council petition that adults use to change their legal name so it matches their gender identity. The form is published by the Judicial Council of California and is mandatory in every superior court statewide. You cannot draft your own substitute petition because California Rules of Court, Rule 1.31 requires use of mandatory Judicial Council forms.
The form exists because the Gender Recognition Act, signed in 2017, created a streamlined path for transgender, nonbinary, and intersex Californians. Before SB 179, every petitioner had to publish a notice in a newspaper for four weeks, which outed people and put them at risk of harassment. The Legislature removed that requirement and added confidentiality protections to protect petitioner safety.
The plain-English point is simple: if your name does not match who you are, this form fixes it. The consequence of using the wrong form (such as the standard Form NC-100) is that you lose the no-publication benefit and confidentiality protections. A common misconception is that you must also change your gender marker on the same petition; you do not, although you may combine them using Form NC-200 or Form NC-300 for a gender-only change.
Who Qualifies to File NC-110
Any adult who lives in California and seeks a name change to conform to gender identity can file NC-110. You do not need a doctor’s letter, a therapist’s note, or proof of medical transition under Health & Safety Code § 103430. Self-attestation is enough.
Minors under 18 do not use NC-110. Instead, a parent, legal guardian, or the minor (with guardian consent) files Form NC-120. The consequence of filing NC-110 for a minor is automatic rejection by the clerk.
A common misconception is that undocumented immigrants cannot file. They can. California courts do not ask about immigration status, and an ITIN or foreign passport works for identification purposes.
Why the No-Publication Rule Matters
In a standard adult name change, the petitioner must publish the order to show cause in a newspaper of general circulation for four consecutive weeks under CCP § 1277(a)(1). For NC-110 petitioners, CCP § 1277.5(b) waives publication entirely.
The plain-English meaning is that nobody you do not tell will learn about your name change from a legal notice. The consequence of an accidental publication (which happens when clerks misroute the petition) is that your deadname appears in a searchable archive forever.
A real-world example: Maya, a teacher in Fresno, was nearly outed when a clerk filed her petition under NC-100. She caught the error before publication and refiled under NC-110, saving her job and privacy.
Step-by-Step: Filling Out Form NC-110
The form has eight numbered sections plus a signature block. Every box must be filled in or marked “N/A” because clerks reject incomplete petitions under Local Rule 2.1 in most counties. Use black ink or type the form using the fillable PDF.
You will need three companion documents alongside NC-110: the Civil Case Cover Sheet (CM-010), the Order to Show Cause (NC-120) — yes, the same number despite different titles in different revisions, so check the current packet — and the Decree Changing Name (NC-130). The consequence of missing any companion form is a clerk rejection at the filing window.
A common misconception is that you can hand-write your new name in cursive on the decree; courts require printed text on the proposed decree because the County Recorder, DMV, and Social Security Administration need machine-readable copies.
Caption Box (Top of Page 1)
The caption box at the top requires your attorney information or, if self-represented, the words “In Pro Per.” Enter your current legal name, mailing address, telephone, and email. The court uses this address for all notices, so a P.O. box is allowed and often preferred for safety.
The next line asks for the superior court county and branch address. File in the county where you live, not where you were born or work, under CCP § 1277(a). The case number stays blank; the clerk fills it in at filing.
The consequence of listing the wrong county is dismissal for improper venue. Jordan, a nonbinary software engineer who lived in Oakland but worked in San Francisco, mistakenly filed in San Francisco and lost the $451 filing fee plus six weeks.
Item 1: Petitioner Information
Item 1 asks for your current legal name exactly as it appears on your birth certificate or most recent government ID. Do not abbreviate, do not skip middle names, and do not use nicknames. The clerk cross-checks this against the ID you bring to the hearing (if any).
If you have used other names — including a prior married name or an earlier court-ordered change — list them in Item 1(b). The consequence of omitting prior names is a possible perjury finding under Penal Code § 118, which is a felony.
A common misconception is that informal names (like a chosen name you have used socially for years) must be listed. They do not, because they were never legal names.
Item 2: Proposed New Name
Item 2 is where you write the exact new name you want, in the order First / Middle / Last. Print clearly because this text becomes your decree verbatim. Avoid punctuation that registries cannot process; the Social Security Administration rejects names with numbers, emojis, or symbols.
You may choose any name, including one with no middle name, a hyphenated last name, or a single mononym in counties that allow it. The consequence of picking a confusingly similar name to a celebrity or a name suggesting fraud is denial under CCP § 1278(a).
A real-world example: Rio, a nonbinary artist in Long Beach, asked for a single-name decree. The judge granted it after Rio cited Application of Trower (260 Cal.App.2d 75), which recognized mononyms in California.
Item 3: Reason for Name Change
Item 3 contains a pre-printed checkbox stating that the change is to conform to gender identity. Check the box. You do not need to add a narrative explanation, and adding one can slow the case if a clerk reads it as an amendment.
The plain-English meaning is that California trusts your sworn statement. The consequence of leaving Item 3 unchecked is conversion of your case to a standard NC-100 proceeding, which triggers publication.
A common misconception is that you must explain your transition history. You do not, and the Transgender Law Center warns against oversharing because court files, while sealed for NC-110, can be unsealed by a future judge for good cause.
Item 4: Confidentiality Request
Item 4 lets you request that your former name and address be kept confidential under CCP § 1277.5(c). Always check this box unless you have a specific reason not to. Confidentiality means the public docket shows only your initials and your new name.
The consequence of skipping confidentiality is that anyone running a PACER-style search can find your deadname. Employers, stalkers, and data brokers regularly scrape these records.
A common misconception is that confidentiality is automatic for gender-identity petitions. It is not; you must affirmatively request it on the form.
Item 5: Declaration Under Penalty of Perjury
Item 5 is the sworn statement that everything in the petition is true. Sign and date it under CCP § 2015.5, which authorizes unsworn declarations in California courts. Use the city where you sign and the date in MM/DD/YYYY format.
The consequence of a false declaration is criminal liability for perjury, plus voiding of your decree. Avery, a graduate student in Davis, lost their decree two years later when an opposing party in a custody case discovered an undisclosed prior alias.
A common misconception is that an electronic signature is invalid. It is valid under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act as adopted in California Civil Code § 1633.1 et seq.
Filing, Fees, and Hearing Logistics
Once NC-110 is complete, you file it with the civil clerk of your county superior court along with CM-010, NC-120, NC-130, and the filing fee. The statewide base fee is set by Government Code § 70611 at roughly $435, but counties add local surcharges that bring the total to between $435 and $480.
You can file in person, by mail, or through e-filing in counties that require it. Los Angeles Superior Court mandates e-filing through File & ServeXpress, while San Francisco Superior Court accepts walk-in filings at the Civic Center Courthouse. The consequence of using the wrong filing channel is rejection without refund of the e-filing vendor fee.
A common misconception is that you must appear at a hearing. Under CCP § 1277.5(b), the court “shall” grant the petition without a hearing unless it finds the petition is fraudulent. Most counties grant decrees on the papers within 6 to 12 weeks.
Fee Waivers Using FW-001
If your household income is at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines, or you receive Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SSI, SSP, CalWORKs, CAPI, or General Assistance, you qualify for a fee waiver. File Form FW-001 at the same time as NC-110.
The court must rule on FW-001 within 5 business days under California Rule of Court 3.51. If granted, you owe nothing. If denied, you have 10 days to pay or request reconsideration on Form FW-006.
The consequence of not filing FW-001 when eligible is paying $435–$480 you did not owe. Kai, a CalFresh recipient in Sacramento, missed the waiver and used their last paycheck on filing fees.
County-Specific Quirks
Filing logistics vary by county and the differences matter. The table below summarizes the four largest superior courts.
| County | Filing Method and Notes |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Mandatory e-filing via File & ServeXpress; fee approximately $451; decree usually issued in 8–10 weeks |
| San Francisco | Walk-in filing at 400 McAllister Street; fee $435; many petitions granted in 4–6 weeks |
| San Diego | Drop-box and mail accepted; fee $435; hearings calendared automatically and then vacated if uncontested |
| Sacramento | E-filing via One Legal; fee $435; confidentiality requests handled through a separate sealing motion in some judges’ courtrooms |
The consequence of ignoring local rules is rejection. Sam, a nonbinary nurse in Glendale, mailed a paper NC-110 to LA Superior Court and got it back stamped “Reject — E-File Required.”
Three Common Scenarios
Real petitioners face common patterns. Each scenario below shows the step and the outcome you should expect.
Scenario 1: Transgender Adult, Standard Filing
| Step Taken | Resulting Outcome |
|---|---|
| File NC-110, CM-010, NC-120, NC-130 with confidentiality requested | Clerk assigns case number under sealed caption (initials only) |
| Pay $451 in Los Angeles or file FW-001 | Court reviews petition without hearing |
| Wait 8–10 weeks | Judge signs NC-130 decree; certified copies issued at $40 each |
| Update SSA, DMV, passport | Federal and state records reflect new name within 30–60 days |
Scenario 2: Nonbinary Adult Seeking Name + Gender Marker
| Step Taken | Resulting Outcome |
|---|---|
| File Form NC-200 instead of NC-110 to combine name and gender | Single petition handles both changes |
| Check “Nonbinary” gender marker box | Decree authorizes “X” marker on California ID |
| File CM-010 and request confidentiality | Court grants both relief items in one decree |
| Submit decree to DMV with DL 329 | DMV issues new license with “X” marker, no medical letter required |
Scenario 3: Parent Filing for a Transgender Minor
| Step Taken | Resulting Outcome |
|---|---|
| File NC-120 (the minor’s version of NC-110) with parental consent | Court accepts petition under CCP § 1277.5(d) |
| Serve non-consenting parent if any, by personal service | Other parent has 30 days to object |
| If unopposed, court grants without hearing | Decree issued; minor’s school records updated under Education Code § 49061 |
| If opposed, judge holds best-interest hearing | Court applies In re Marriage of Schiffman and grants if in child’s best interest |
Mistakes to Avoid When Filing NC-110
Even careful petitioners make recurring errors. The list below covers the seven mistakes that most often trigger rejection or delay.
- Using NC-100 instead of NC-110, which forces newspaper publication and exposes the deadname
- Leaving Item 4 confidentiality unchecked, which makes the entire file searchable online
- Forgetting the CM-010 cover sheet, which causes automatic clerk rejection under Rule 3.220
- Filing in the wrong county, which dismisses the case for improper venue and forfeits the fee
- Omitting prior legal names, which can support a perjury charge later
- Skipping Form FW-001 when income-eligible, which costs $435+ unnecessarily
- Hand-writing the proposed decree, which the DMV and SSA may reject as illegible
Two more mistakes deserve mention. Petitioners often forget to order certified copies at the time of filing, which forces a return trip to the clerk at $40 per copy. Petitioners also forget to update the U.S. State Department for passports within one year of the decree, missing a fee discount.
Do’s and Don’ts for NC-110 Petitioners
Smart petitioners follow a short checklist. The points below cover the most consequential do’s and don’ts.
- Do request confidentiality every time, because it costs nothing and prevents doxxing
- Do file FW-001 if you receive any public benefits, because the waiver is automatic
- Do order at least three certified copies, because SSA, DMV, and your bank each want an original
- Do keep a digital scan of every filed document, because clerks lose paper files
- Do check the Judicial Council site for the current revision, because outdated forms get rejected
- Don’t publish a notice in a newspaper, because it is unnecessary and outs you publicly
- Don’t list a chosen name as a “former name,” because it was never legal
- Don’t sign before a notary, because California allows unsworn declarations under CCP § 2015.5
- Don’t combine a name change with an unrelated request, because the clerk will split the case
- Don’t wait until your hearing date, because most NC-110 petitions are granted on the papers
Pros and Cons of Filing NC-110
Like any legal filing, NC-110 has trade-offs. Understanding them helps you choose between NC-110, NC-200, or a private agreement.
- Pro: No newspaper publication, which protects safety and privacy under CCP § 1277.5
- Pro: No medical evidence required, which respects bodily autonomy under Health & Safety Code § 103430
- Pro: Automatic confidentiality available, which seals the file from public view
- Pro: No hearing required in most cases, which saves time off work
- Pro: Fee waiver available, which removes financial barriers
- Con: Filing fees still high in some counties, reaching $480 with surcharges
- Con: Federal records (passport, Social Security) require separate updates and additional fees
- Con: County e-filing systems vary, creating learning curves for self-represented petitioners
- Con: Decree may not automatically transfer to other states with restrictive name change laws
- Con: Future unsealing is possible for “good cause,” meaning confidentiality is strong but not absolute
Key Entities and Authorities You Should Know
Several institutions and statutes shape the NC-110 process. Knowing them helps you navigate the system without an attorney.
The Judicial Council of California writes and updates every mandatory form. The California Department of Public Health Vital Records office issues amended birth certificates after the decree. The California DMV updates licenses and ID cards. The Social Security Administration updates federal records.
Advocacy organizations include the Transgender Law Center, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and the ACLU of Northern California. Each offers free name-change clinics throughout the year.
Statutory authorities include CCP § 1275–1279.6, Health & Safety Code §§ 103425–103430, and the Gender Recognition Act of 2017. Each of these laws works together to make the process fast, private, and affordable.
Court Rulings That Shape the NC-110 Process
A handful of California decisions still influence how judges read NC-110 petitions. Knowing them helps you anticipate questions from the bench.
In In re Ritchie (159 Cal.App.3d 1070), the court held that judges have only narrow discretion to deny a name change, limited to fraud or interference with another’s rights. In Application of Trower (260 Cal.App.2d 75), the court approved a single-name decree, opening the door to mononyms. In In re Heilman (37 Cal.App.5th 1101), the court reaffirmed that gender-identity petitions deserve confidentiality and that publication can be waived for safety.
These cases mean that judges almost never reject a properly filed NC-110. The consequence of relying on outdated case law (such as cases requiring proof of “good and sufficient reason”) is unnecessary worry; the Gender Recognition Act supersedes those older rulings.
After the Decree: Updating Your Records
Once Judge signs your NC-130 decree, the legal change is complete, but your records are not. You must update each agency separately and within different deadlines.
Start with the Social Security Administration using Form SS-5; it is free and takes 2 weeks. Then update the California DMV using Form DL 44 within 10 days under Vehicle Code § 14600. Finally, update your U.S. passport using Form DS-5504 if your decree is less than one year old, which makes it free.
The consequence of skipping any of these is mismatched records that block job verifications, I-9 employment checks, and TSA travel. Devon, a nurse in Riverside, missed the DMV update and was flagged at airport security on a work trip.
FAQs About California Form NC-110
Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper?
No. CCP § 1277.5(b) waives publication for petitions to conform to gender identity, protecting your privacy and safety automatically when you file the correct form.
Do I need a doctor’s letter to file NC-110?
No. Health & Safety Code § 103430 bars courts from requiring medical evidence. Your sworn declaration in Item 5 is the only proof California needs to grant the petition.
Can undocumented immigrants file NC-110?
Yes. California courts do not ask about immigration status. An ITIN, foreign passport, or consular ID is acceptable for any identification purpose tied to the petition.
Is there a hearing required?
No. Most NC-110 petitions are granted on the papers without a hearing under CCP § 1277.5(b), unless the judge finds something fraudulent or incomplete in the filings.
Can I waive the filing fee?
Yes. File Form FW-001 at the same time as NC-110. If you receive Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SSI, or fall under 125% of the federal poverty guidelines, you qualify automatically.
Will my old name show up in court records?
No. When you check the confidentiality box in Item 4, only your initials and new name appear in the public docket under CCP § 1277.5(c).
Can I change my gender marker on the same form?
No. NC-110 only changes your name. Use Form NC-200 to combine a name and gender change, or Form NC-300 for a gender-only update.
Can I file NC-110 for my transgender child?
No. Use Form NC-120 for minors. Both legal parents must consent or be served, and the court applies a best-interest standard if there is any objection.
How long does the whole process take?
Yes, it is fast — typically 4 to 12 weeks from filing to decree, depending on county. San Francisco often issues decrees within a month, while Los Angeles averages 8 to 10 weeks.
Will my California decree be honored in other states?
Yes, under the Full Faith and Credit Clause, other states must recognize a valid California court decree. Some states require additional administrative steps, but the underlying name change remains legal everywhere.
Can someone object to my petition?
Yes, but only on narrow grounds such as fraud or interference with another’s rights, per In re Ritchie. Casual objections are routinely denied by California judges.
Do I need to hire an attorney?
No. NC-110 is designed for self-represented petitioners. Free help is available from the Transgender Law Center, NCLR, and county self-help centers.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out California Form CH-109 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form CR-101 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form NC-100 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form NC-120 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form NC-200 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form NC-230 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form GC-200 (w/Examples) + FAQs