How to Change Your Name in San Francisco County, California
Changing your name in San Francisco County (county seat: San Francisco) means working through several offices in a specific order. This page lays out the exact steps, offices, and fees for San Francisco County after marriage, divorce, or a court order.
The short answer
After a marriage: order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the San Francisco County Clerk — $15.00 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 Francisco 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 San Francisco County Clerk. For divorce or a court order, you'll get certified copies from the San Francisco Superior Court — Civil Division (below).
San Francisco County Clerk
San Francisco Superior Court — Civil Division
Phone: (415) 551-3900 · 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
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 San Francisco.
Fees at a glance
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copies (San Francisco County) | $15.00 |
| 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: LOWEST FEE in CA Tier 1 at $15 (has not adopted AB 64 increase). City Hall Room 190 1 Dr Carlton B Goodlett Place SF 94102. Marriage licenses issued at Room 168.
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Get my San Francisco County guide → $24.99Frequently asked questions
- How do I change my name after marriage in San Francisco County, CA?
- Order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the San Francisco 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 Francisco County?
- The San Francisco County Clerk charges $15.00 for certified copies. Order at least three so each agency can keep one.
- Where is the San Francisco County Clerk's office?
- Phone: (415) 554-5596. Confirm current hours before visiting.
- Do I need to go to court to change my name in San Francisco 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 Francisco County Clerk · San Francisco Superior Court — Civil Division · Social Security Administration · how we verify this