SashaName change by state · California
How to change your name in California
After a wedding or a divorce, here's the order that works in California, what to bring, and what it costs.
Get certified copies
Order certified copies of your marriage certificate (from the county that issued your license) or your divorce decree (from the court). Offices won't take photocopies. Most people need three or four.
Divorce: check that your decree says you may go back to your former name. If it doesn't, ask the court about an order restoring it first.
Update Social Security
This comes first, and it's free. Fill in form SS-5 and bring it with your certified document to a Social Security office or mail it. Federal REAL ID rules mean the California DMV checks your new name against Social Security's records, so wait a day or two after this step.
Get a new California driver's license
The form is the DL 44 / eDL 44.
Bring:
- Marriage certificate showing your name before and after
- Current license
- Completed DL 44 application
Good to know:
- You get a temporary license valid for 60 days; the new card arrives by mail in 3–4 weeks.
Update your passport
If your passport is less than a year old, use form DS-5504 (free). If it's older but you can renew by mail, use DS-82. Otherwise apply in person with DS-11.
Everyone else
Banks and credit cards, your employer and payroll, insurance, voter registration, your car title, doctors, utilities and online accounts. Most accept a short letter with a copy of your certificate or decree.
Let Sasha do the paperwork
Sasha builds this checklist for you, keeps track of what's done, and fills in your Social Security and passport forms. It also writes your letters for banks and insurers. The checklist is free.
Official sources
Last checked October 7, 2026. Rules and fees change; confirm on the official site before you go.