How do I change my name after marriage in Contra Costa County, CA?

Order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Contra Costa County Clerk, then update your Social Security record, your California DMV driver's license, and your passport — in that order.

How much does a certified copy cost in Contra Costa County?

The Contra Costa County Clerk charges $23.00 for certified copies. Order at least three so each agency can keep one.

Where is the Contra Costa County Clerk's office?

Phone: (925) 335-7900. Confirm current hours before visiting.

Do I need to go to court to change my name in Contra Costa County?

No for a marriage or divorce name change — your certificate or decree is your legal document. A court-order name change requires filing a petition with the District Clerk and attending a hearing.

Home › California › Contra Costa County

How to Change Your Name in Contra Costa County, California

Changing your name in Contra Costa County (county seat: Martinez) means working through several offices in a specific order. This page lays out the exact steps, offices, and fees for Contra Costa County after marriage, divorce, or a court order.

Step 1 — Get your certified copies

Every agency needs to see an original certified document. For a marriage name change, order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Contra Costa County Clerk. For divorce or a court order, you'll get certified copies from the District Clerk (below).

Contra Costa County Clerk

Phone: (925) 335-7900

Certified copy fee: $23.00

www.contracostavote.gov

Contra Costa County Superior Court

725 Court St, Martinez CA 94553

Phone: (925) 608-1000 · Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Certified copy fee: $25 per certified copy

www.cc-courts.org

Step 2 — Update Social Security

Update your Social Security record first — it must come before your driver's license. It's free, but bring your certified document and a current photo ID.

Local Social Security office

Concord

Step 3 — Update your California DMV license

Once your Social Security record is updated, visit the California DMV to reissue your driver's license or state ID with your new name.

California DMV office

Concord

Certified copy fee: $36 (DL renewal/name change)

Step 4 — Update your passport

Submit the correct passport form with a certified copy of your name-change document. Passport services are available in San Francisco.

Fees at a glance

Item	Cost
Certified copies (Contra Costa County)	$23.00
Social Security card update	Free
Driver's license reissue	$36 (DL renewal/name change)
U.S. passport update	$0–$130 (depends on timing)

Local note: Main: 555 Escobar St Martinez CA 94553. HIGHEST FEE of CA Tier 1 at $23 (increased from $21 by AB 64 Jan 2026). Fee retained even if no record found. Govt agency fee $14.

Skip the guesswork — get your Contra Costa County guide

Your personalized, step-by-step guide for Contra Costa County — every office, fee, and form, with clickable links and a fillable progress tracker. Delivered to your inbox.

Get my Contra Costa County guide → $24.99

Frequently asked questions

How do I change my name after marriage in Contra Costa County, CA?: Order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Contra Costa County Clerk, then update your Social Security record, your California DMV driver's license, and your passport — in that order.
How much does a certified copy cost in Contra Costa County?: The Contra Costa County Clerk charges $23.00 for certified copies. Order at least three so each agency can keep one.
Where is the Contra Costa County Clerk's office?: Phone: (925) 335-7900. Confirm current hours before visiting.
Do I need to go to court to change my name in Contra Costa County?: No for a marriage or divorce name change — your certificate or decree is your legal document. A court-order name change requires filing a petition with the District Clerk and attending a hearing.