How do I change my name after marriage in Santa Clara County, CA?

Order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara County?

The Santa Clara County Clerk charges $17.00 for certified copies. Order at least three so each agency can keep one.

Where is the Santa Clara County Clerk's office?

Phone: (408) 299-5688. Confirm current hours before visiting.

Do I need to go to court to change my name in Santa Clara 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.

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How to Change Your Name in Santa Clara County, California

Changing your name in Santa Clara County (county seat: San Jose) means working through several offices in a specific order. This page lays out the exact steps, offices, and fees for Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara County Clerk. For divorce or a court order, you'll get certified copies from the District Clerk (below).

Santa Clara County Clerk

Phone: (408) 299-5688

Certified copy fee: $17.00

clerkrecorder.santaclaracounty.gov

Santa Clara County Superior Court

191 N 1st St, San Jose CA 95113

Phone: (408) 882-2100 · Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Certified copy fee: $25 per certified copy

www.scscourt.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

San Jose

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

San Jose

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 Jose.

Fees at a glance

Item	Cost
Certified copies (Santa Clara 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: 70 W Hedding St East Wing 1st Floor San Jose 95110. Hours 8am-4:30pm (vital records), 8am-4pm (marriage). AB 64 $2 increase may not yet be reflected — verify current fee.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I change my name after marriage in Santa Clara County, CA?: Order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara County?: The Santa Clara County Clerk charges $17.00 for certified copies. Order at least three so each agency can keep one.
Where is the Santa Clara County Clerk's office?: Phone: (408) 299-5688. Confirm current hours before visiting.
Do I need to go to court to change my name in Santa Clara 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.