How to Change Your Name in California By:"Lisa Sedano","Emily Doskow" Published on 2014-01-10 by Nolo The complete guide to changing your name in California! Divorce, complicated spelling, tricky pronunciation, personal preference -- there are lots of reasons to change a name. And though the rules have changed recently, it's still a relatively straightforward procedure in the Golden State. How to Change Your Name in California provides the step-by-step instructions and legal forms you need to: - choose a name and make it your own - change back to your former name after divorce - change your child's name - get a new or amended birth certificate for you or your child - get a new driver license, Social Security card and passport - get a court to recognize a change of gender This edition reflects the latest rules and regulations on changing your name, a new section on changing your name after a same-sex marriage, including discussion of potential conflicts betwe...