California Divorce Name Change Checklist

California law provides two paths: include the name restoration request in your divorce judgment (checking Item #4(f) on Form FL-180), or file Form FL-395 post-judgment at no cost. Under California Family Code Section 2080, the court must restore your former name upon request—no separate petition required. Start with Social Security (Form SS-5, free), then DMV, passport, and other accounts in sequence.

No separate court order is needed if your divorce judgment includes name restoration language. California Family Code Section 2080 mandates that judges grant name restoration requests in dissolution proceedings. If your finalized judgment omitted this, file Form FL-395 (Ex Parte Application for Restoration of Former Name)—there's no filing fee, and approval typically takes 2-4 weeks without a hearing.

You need a certified copy of your divorce judgment showing name restoration ($40 from Superior Court), government-issued photo ID, and your Social Security card. For passport changes, bring Form DS-82 (mail renewal) or DS-11 (in-person), your current passport, and a passport photo. Each agency—DMV, banks, professional boards—requires the certified decree plus their specific application forms.

Core costs include: certified divorce decree copies at $40 each from Superior Court, California driver's license replacement at $37, and passport renewal at $130 (plus $60 for expedited). Form FL-395 filing is free if your judgment didn't include name restoration. Social Security card replacement is free. Vehicle title changes cost $27. Budget $250-350 total for all essential documents.

The complete process typically takes 4-8 weeks. Social Security processes new cards in 5-10 business days. California DMV issues temporary licenses immediately with permanent cards arriving in 2-3 weeks. Passport renewal takes 8-11 weeks for routine service or 5-7 weeks expedited. If filing Form FL-395, expect 2-4 weeks for court processing before starting agency updates.

No—keeping your married name is entirely optional under California law. Many people retain their married name for professional continuity, to match children's surnames, or to avoid paperwork. If you later decide to revert to your former name, you can file Form FL-395 with the original divorce court at any time, even years after the divorce was finalized.

A child's name change requires a separate petition under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1275-1279.6, not the divorce process. Both parents must consent, or the non-consenting parent must be served and given opportunity to object. Courts consider the child's best interests, including age, preference, and relationship with each parent. Filing fees range from $435-450.

Always update Social Security first—California DMV verifies your Social Security record electronically, and most other agencies require your Social Security name to match. Visit ssa.gov or a local office with Form SS-5, your certified divorce decree, and photo ID. The service is free, and you'll receive your updated card in 5-10 business days. Then proceed to DMV, passport, and other accounts.