How to Change Your Name in Los Angeles County, California
Changing your name in Los Angeles County (county seat: Los Angeles) means working through several offices in a specific order. This page lays out the exact steps, offices, and fees for Los Angeles County after marriage, divorce, or a court order.
The short answer
After a marriage: order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Los Angeles County Clerk, 12400 Imperial Hwy, Norwalk, CA 90650 — $17.00 each. Then update Social Security, then your California DMV license, then your passport, in that order. No court filing is required.
After a divorce or a court order: your certified copies come from the Los Angeles County Superior Court — Civil Division instead. The rest of the sequence is identical.
Order matters. Social Security has to be updated before the California DMV — the license office checks your SSA record, and if it still shows your old name they will turn you away.
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 Los Angeles County Clerk. For divorce or a court order, you'll get certified copies from the Los Angeles County Superior Court — Civil Division (below).
Los Angeles County Clerk
Phone: (800) 201-8999 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Certified copy fee: $17.00
Los Angeles County Superior Court — Civil Division
Phone: (213) 830-0803 · Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Certified copy fee: $25 per certified copy
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
Phone: 1-877-803-6308 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm
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
Mon, Tue, Thu 8am-5pm; Wed 9am-5pm
Driver's license / ID 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 Los Angeles.
Fees at a glance
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copies (Los Angeles County) | $17.00 |
| 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 office: 12400 Imperial Hwy Norwalk CA 90650. Multiple branch offices countywide. Authorized copy required for name change (not informational). Certificate must be from county where license was issued.
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Get my Los Angeles County guide → $24.99Frequently asked questions
- How do I change my name after marriage in Los Angeles County, CA?
- Order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Los Angeles County Clerk (12400 Imperial Hwy, Norwalk, CA 90650), 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 Los Angeles County?
- The Los Angeles County Clerk charges $17.00 for certified copies. Order at least three so each agency can keep one.
- Where is the Los Angeles County Clerk's office?
- 12400 Imperial Hwy, Norwalk, CA 90650. Phone: (800) 201-8999. Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Confirm current hours before visiting.
- Do I need to go to court to change my name in Los Angeles 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 Superior Court, Civil Division and attending a hearing.
Sources: Los Angeles County Clerk · Los Angeles County Superior Court — Civil Division · Social Security Administration · how we verify this