How to Change Your Name in San Bernardino County, California
Changing your name in San Bernardino County (county seat: San Bernardino) means working through several offices in a specific order. This page lays out the exact steps, offices, and fees for San Bernardino County after marriage, divorce, or a court order.
The short answer
After a marriage: order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the San Bernardino County Clerk — $19.00 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 San Bernardino County Superior Court 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 San Bernardino County Clerk. For divorce or a court order, you'll get certified copies from the San Bernardino County Superior Court (below).
San Bernardino County Clerk
San Bernardino County Superior Court
Phone: (909) 521-3571 · Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 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
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
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 (San Bernardino County) | $19.00 |
| 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: APPOINTMENTS REQUIRED for in-person service. Main: 222 W Hospitality Lane 1st Floor San Bernardino 92415. Also Hesperia. Certificates available ~2 weeks after marriage license received.
You have the addresses. Here is what still goes wrong.
This page has to work for everyone — marriage, divorce and court order alike. Your guide is built for one of them. The exact forms for your reason, what to bring to each counter so you are not sent home to come back, the order that avoids a second trip, and a tracker you fill in as you go.
Built for San Bernardino County · Emailed in minutes · Find anything wrong in it and I will fix it and refund you the same day.
Get my San Bernardino County guide → $24.99Frequently asked questions
- How do I change my name after marriage in San Bernardino County, CA?
- Order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino County?
- The San Bernardino County Clerk charges $19.00 for certified copies. Order at least three so each agency can keep one.
- Where is the San Bernardino County Clerk's office?
- Phone: (909) 387-8306. Confirm current hours before visiting.
- Do I need to go to court to change my name in San Bernardino 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: San Bernardino County Clerk · San Bernardino County Superior Court · Social Security Administration · how we verify this