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How to Change to Your Married Name in California

How to Change Your Name in California

Just married in California? Congratulations. The Golden State makes a married name change straightforward, with one catch worth knowing up front: you have to lock in your new name on your marriage license before the wedding. Here is exactly how to do it, in order, with what it costs and how long it takes.

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What a California Name Change Costs and How Long It Takes

The honest math for a standard married name change in California:

StepCalifornia cost
Social Security card (SS-5)Free
Certified marriage certificate copies$19 to $21 each, by county
Driver’s license$39
Vehicle title (Form REG 227)$0

Core out-of-pocket runs about $40 to $80, with the $39 license as the main cost. A passport update adds more only if yours is over a year old.

Time: plan for a few weeks. Your new Social Security card takes about 2 to 3 weeks, and it must show your new name before the DMV will process your license. A mailed title update takes 10 to 30 business days.

Step 1: Get Certified Copies of Your Marriage Certificate

In California your certified marriage certificate comes from the County Recorder (Clerk-Recorder) of the county where you got your marriage license; the state vital records office can also issue one. Order 2 or 3 certified copies, since Social Security and the DMV each want to see an original. As of January 2026 the fee is $19 per copy in most counties ($21 in Alameda), listed by county below.

Step 2: Update Social Security First

Social Security is free and the same in every state: complete form SS-5, show your certified marriage certificate, and your new card arrives in about 2 to 3 weeks. Do this first, because the California DMV electronically verifies your name against Social Security and will not issue your license until your SSA record shows the new name. Details: ssa.gov.

California has 124 Social Security field offices. Find the one nearest you:

CityAddressZIPPhoneMon-Fri
Alhambra555 W Main St91801(866) 227-65619 AM-4 PM
Anaheim900 S Harbor Blvd92805(866) 657-31339 AM-4 PM
Antioch2508 Verne Roberts Cir94509(866) 331-23249 AM-4 PM
Auburn11855 Edgewood Rd95603(866) 931-60879 AM-4 PM
Bakersfield2575 Haley Street93305(866) 366-95589 AM-4 PM
Bakersfield5300 Office Park Drive93309(866) 476-14899 AM-4 PM
Berkeley2045 Allston Way94704(877) 531-46969 AM-4 PM
Brea3230 E Imperial Hwy92821(866) 593-27579 AM-4 PM
Burbank1420 W Olive Ave91506(888) 748-76999 AM-4 PM
Campbell1480 W Campbell Ave95008(866) 348-58329 AM-4 PM
Chatsworth20439 Nordhoff St91311(855) 727-35989 AM-4 PM
Chico1370 E. Lassen Ave95973(866) 964-75859 AM-4 PM
Chula Vista626 L Street91911(888) 487-99079 AM-4 PM
Compton171 E Compton Blvd90220(888) 472-61179 AM-4 PM
Concord2150 John Glenn Dr94520(877) 319-60429 AM-4 PM
Crescent City560 E Hoover Ave95531(855) 727-36009 AM-4 PM
Daly City355 Gellert Blvd94015(888) 748-77029 AM-4 PM
Delano2234 Girard Street93215(866) 635-02879 AM-4 PM
El Cajon846 Arnele Ave92020(866) 964-00129 AM-4 PM
El Centro3007 N Imperial Ave92243(866) 593-56809 AM-4 PM
El Monte9351 Telstar Ave.91731(866) 931-03409 AM-4 PM
Eureka3144 Broadway95501(866) 828-19919 AM-4 PM
Fontana10668 Sierra Ave92337(866) 726-78659 AM-4 PM
Fountain Valley17075 Newhope Street92708(877) 304-15669 AM-4 PM
Fremont3100 Mowry Ave94538(888) 632-70739 AM-4 PM
Fresno5140 E Olive Ave93727(866) 366-49189 AM-4 PM
Fresno865 Fulton Street93721(877) 311-26409 AM-4 PM
Fresno640 W Locust Avenue93650(866) 931-90419 AM-4 PM
Garden Grove11900 Gilbert Street92841(877) 669-31159 AM-4 PM
Gilroy1059 First Street95020(877) 452-41989 AM-4 PM
Glendale225 W Broadway91204(855) 886-96339 AM-4 PM
Glendora1165 E Route 6691740(866) 964-60459 AM-4 PM
Hanford330 North Harris St93230(855) 207-48669 AM-4 PM
Hawthorne11539 Hawthorne Blvd90250(866) 331-76949 AM-4 PM
Hayward24301 Southland Dr94545(866) 964-50549 AM-4 PM
Hemet3095 W Devonshire Ave92545(855) 207-70839 AM-4 PM
Hollywood1122 N Vine St90038(866) 613-28619 AM-4 PM
Huntington Park6303 Rugby Avenue90255(866) 931-99419 AM-4 PM
Indio46845 Monroe Street92201(877) 319-57589 AM-4 PM
La Mesa7961 University Ave91942(877) 405-14459 AM-4 PM
Lakeport991 Parallel Dr95453(888) 676-26669 AM-4 PM
Lakewood4957 Paramount Blvd90712(866) 964-64849 AM-4 PM
Lancaster42225 10th St W93534(866) 964-17259 AM-4 PM
Lodi1110 W Kettleman Lane95240(888) 257-26419 AM-4 PM
Long Beach2005 Long Beach Blvd90806(888) 256-26319 AM-4 PM
Los Angeles4000 Wilshire Blvd90010(866) 964-75929 AM-4 PM
Los Angeles3840 Crenshaw Blvd90008(877) 531-46939 AM-4 PM
Los Angeles12429 Avalon Blvd90061(877) 836-15589 AM-4 PM
Los Angeles1122 W Washington Blvd90015(866) 964-74019 AM-4 PM
Los Angeles215 N Soto Street90033(866) 964-20359 AM-4 PM
Los Angeles1401 W 8th Street90017(877) 803-63089 AM-4 PM
Los Angeles11500 W Olympic Blvd90064(866) 964-47799 AM-4 PM
Madera348 E Yosemite Ave93638(877) 405-14539 AM-4 PM
Manteca510 Commerce Ct95336(866) 320-25879 AM-4 PM
Merced3185 M St95348(888) 632-70699 AM-4 PM
Mission Viejo23311 Madero92691(888) 306-98789 AM-4 PM
Modesto1521 N Carpenter Rd95351(888) 748-76989 AM-4 PM
Montebello2216 W Beverly Blvd90640(866) 964-74359 AM-4 PM
Moreno Valley22815 Calle San Juan De Los Lagos92553(888) 590-27059 AM-4 PM
Mountain View701 N Shoreline Blvd94043(877) 319-01619 AM-4 PM
Napa1850 Soscol Ave94559(877) 836-15599 AM-4 PM
National City700 E 24th St91950(866) 331-22039 AM-4 PM
Needles1502 Bailey Avenue92363(866) 596-79469 AM-4 PM
Norwalk12440 E Imperial Hwy90650(866) 331-32819 AM-4 PM
Oakland7200 Bancroft Avenue94605(888) 527-93299 AM-4 PM
Oakland360 22nd St94612(866) 964-74209 AM-4 PM
Oceanside2160 S El Camino Real92054(855) 287-47939 AM-4 PM
Ontario1100 E Holt Blvd91761(866) 331-22169 AM-4 PM
Oroville115 Table Mountain Bl95965(866) 331-71309 AM-4 PM
Oxnard2000 Outlet Center Dr93036(866) 931-83529 AM-4 PM
Palm Springs4201 E Ramon Rd92264(877) 873-91059 AM-4 PM
Panorama City14500 Roscoe Blvd91402(866) 341-07859 AM-4 PM
Pasadena104 N Mentor Avenue91106(877) 255-15089 AM-4 PM
Placerville3916 Missouri Flat Rd95667(877) 545-54979 AM-4 PM
Pomona2130 N Garey Ave91767(888) 808-54869 AM-4 PM
Porterville890 W Morton Avenue93257(866) 388-89039 AM-4 PM
Redding2660 Park Marina Dr96001(866) 964-12369 AM-4 PM
Redwood City1718 Broadway St94063(888) 860-55829 AM-4 PM
Richmond3164 Garrity Way94806(877) 877-31169 AM-4 PM
Riverside10000 Magnolia Ave92503(866) 931-44959 AM-4 PM
Roseville910 Cirby Way95661(866) 348-78309 AM-4 PM
Sacramento2424 Arden Way95825(855) 782-91539 AM-4 PM
Sacramento40 Massie Circle95823(866) 708-32089 AM-4 PM
Sacramento8581 Folsom Blvd95826(877) 274-54199 AM-4 PM
Salinas928 E Blanco Rd93901(877) 600-28579 AM-4 PM
San Bernardino605 N Arrowhead Ave92401(866) 331-71329 AM-4 PM
San Diego8505 Aero Dr92123(866) 331-63979 AM-4 PM
San Diego1333 Front Street92101(855) 820-00979 AM-4 PM
San Fernando456 S F Mission Blvd91340(888) 383-15999 AM-4 PM
San Francisco560 Kearny Street94108(877) 319-30709 AM-4 PM
San Francisco3140 16th St94103(866) 755-63239 AM-4 PM
San Francisco90 7th St94103(866) 964-50519 AM-4 PM
San Jose6140 Cottle Rd95123(888) 383-11809 AM-4 PM
San Jose2500 Fontaine Rd95121(866) 931-44969 AM-4 PM
San Jose280 S First Street95113(866) 331-22359 AM-4 PM
San Leandro320 Davis St94577(866) 331-21819 AM-4 PM
San Luis Obispo3240 S Higuera St93401(855) 207-48659 AM-4 PM
San Marcos367 Via Vera Cruz92078(866) 614-47699 AM-4 PM
San Mateo800 South Claremont St94402(866) 726-81939 AM-4 PM
San Rafael99 Smith Ranch Road94903(866) 331-77619 AM-4 PM
Santa Ana1851 East First Street92705(888) 366-61469 AM-4 PM
Santa Barbara122 W Figueroa St93101(866) 695-62859 AM-4 PM
Santa Cruz169 Walnut Avenue95060(800) 593-85239 AM-4 PM
Santa Maria2436 Professional Pkwy93455(866) 331-23169 AM-4 PM
Santa Rosa2099 Range Ave95401(877) 870-63849 AM-4 PM
Sonora745 Morning Star Drive95370(888) 397-41259 AM-4 PM
Stockton4747 Feather River Dr95219(877) 803-63149 AM-4 PM
Suisun City700 Main Street94585(866) 964-50219 AM-4 PM
Susanville2603 Riverside Dr96130(855) 420-85639 AM-4 PM
Thousand Oaks322 E Thousand Oaks Bl91360(888) 397-48079 AM-4 PM
Torrance20000 Mariner Ave Ste 15090503(877) 319-07329 AM-4 PM
Ukiah521 S Orchard Ave95482(888) 590-27069 AM-4 PM
Valencia27200 Tourney Rd91355(888) 632-70729 AM-4 PM
Vallejo106 Plaza Dr94591(888) 808-54879 AM-4 PM
Ventura6477 Telephone Road93003(877) 651-71189 AM-4 PM
Victorville13955 Park Ave92392(877) 405-14359 AM-4 PM
Visalia1901 E Noble Avenue93292(866) 344-84759 AM-4 PM
Watsonville180 Westgate Drive95076(800) 521-33859 AM-4 PM
West Covina501 S Vincent Ave91790(866) 964-01629 AM-4 PM
West Sacramento825 Riverside Parkway95605(866) 726-81369 AM-4 PM
Whittier7200 Greenleaf Ave90602(866) 336-21879 AM-4 PM
Yreka1960 S. Oregon Street96097(888) 366-61459 AM-4 PM
Yuba City355 Percy Avenue95991(866) 331-54499 AM-4 PM
Yucca Valley56492 29 Palms Hwy92284(877) 325-74179 AM-4 PM

Step 3: Update Your California Driver’s License

Head to a California DMV office in person. Here is your checklist:

  • Update Social Security first and wait for your new card. The DMV verifies against Social Security and will not proceed without it.
  • Bring a certified marriage certificate.
  • Pay the $39 license fee.
  • Expect a new photo and thumbprint, since it is done in person.
  • Book an appointment at dmv.ca.gov to skip the wait, since walk-in waits can top two hours. Or use the free Get in Line virtual queue.
  • Ask about REAL ID at the same visit. For REAL ID, also bring a passport or certified birth certificate and two printed proofs of California residency.
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Step 4: Update Your Vehicle Title

Good news for California car owners: a title name change is free. Use Form REG 227:

  1. Complete Form REG 227 with your new name.
  2. Attach a certified marriage certificate, your updated Social Security card, your current California title, and your California license in the new name.
  3. Mail it to the DMV.
  4. Allow 10 to 30 business days.

California Marriage Certificate Offices by County

Order certified copies from the County Recorder that issued your marriage license:

CountyCertified copy feeOrder from
Los Angeles$19Registrar-Recorder
San Diego$19Recorder-Clerk
Orange$19Clerk-Recorder
Riverside$19Clerk-Recorder
San Bernardino$19Recorder-Clerk
Sacramento$19Clerk-Recorder
Santa Clara$19Clerk-Recorder
Alameda$21Clerk-Recorder

Other California Licenses to Update

A few state-issued credentials need your new name too:

CredentialWhat to do
Notary publicFile a Name Change Application with the Secretary of State for an amended commission, then file a new oath and bond and get a new seal within 30 days.
Concealed carry (CCW)Submit a modification to the sheriff or police department that issued your permit (not wherever you live now). Update your license first, then upload your new license and marriage certificate. Fees vary by county (about $10, e.g. Los Angeles).
Hunting and fishingEmail the CDFW License and Revenue Branch at LRB@wildlife.ca.gov with your old and new names and your GO ID. Keep your existing record so your preference points stay attached.

Update Your Voter Registration

Re-register under your new name at RegisterToVote.ca.gov. A DMV name change does not automatically update your voter registration. The deadline is 15 days before an election.

California State Taxes

California has a state income tax, but there is no separate name-change form. Once you have updated Social Security, file your next Franchise Tax Board return under your new name (enter your prior last name in the return’s Prior Name field), and give your employer an updated DE 4. To fix an account issue sooner, call the FTB at 800-852-5711.

California Name Change Tips

The one thing California newlyweds miss

  • Decide your new name before the wedding. California lets you take your spouse’s last name, hyphenate, or use your maiden name as your middle name, but only on the marriage license when it is issued. You cannot add or change it after the ceremony without going to court.
  • Do Social Security first. The DMV will not process your license until your SSA record shows the new name.
  • Your car title change is free. Do not pay for a new title unless you want one.

Which Names Can You Take in California?

Spouse’s last name, hyphenated, or maiden name as your middle name: Yes, chosen on your marriage license under California’s Name Equality Act. A certified marriage certificate is your legal proof.

The catch: you must choose the new name on the license before the ceremony. It cannot be added or amended afterward.

A new first name, or a name not offered on the license: this needs a court petition in Superior Court.

Licensed Professional? Update Through BreEZe

Most California professions, from nursing to real estate to cosmetology, are licensed under the Department of Consumer Affairs through the BreEZe online system.

  • A single name-change submission in BreEZe notifies every participating board and bureau, so you file once.
  • Do it within 30 days, with a certified marriage certificate. DCA name change details.

Changing your name is one of the happiest kinds of paperwork there is. Take it one step at a time, in the order above, and you will be signing your new California name before you know it.

Ready for a New Name? Order Now!