After a few weeks, I finally got a response from the Transgender Law Center on how to fill everything out. Here's what they sent for anyone still confused.
Follow these steps in order to obtain a court-ordered name change in California:
First: fill out the following forms:
CM 010 - Civil Case Cover Sheet
Directions for completing the Civil Case Cover Sheet:
List your old name(s) in the petitioners box at the top of the page
You cannot list a PO box as your address
The Case Name is "In re: [your old name]"
Check boxes:
"Unlimited" in the box on the top left
Question #1 "Other petition" (it's the last option in the bottom right corner)
Question #2 "is not"
Question #3 "b. nonmonetary"
Question #4 "1 cause of action"
Question #5 "is not" a class action suit
NC 100 - Petition for Change of Name
Be sure to check the box in Question # 6 in order to enjoy the benefits of the simplified name change process under AB 1121, effective July 1, 2014
NC 110 Petitioner's Information
NC 120 Order to Show Cause for Change of Name
If you checked the box in Question #6 on form NC – 110, then you should also check the box next to Question #3 b. "Other (Specify)" and write the following text below the line "This petition seeks to conform to petitioner's name with petitioner's gender identity."
NC 130 Decree Changing Name
Second: Make 2 copies of all your signed forms.
Third: File your forms at your county's Superior Court and pay the filing fee or apply for a fee waiver.
At the time of filing, applicants must also pay the filing fee to the court. This fee is $435 in all counties, except for San Francisco and Riverside counties where the fee is $450.
However, if an applicant cannot afford both their essential living expenses and the filing fee, they may apply for a waiver of some or all of the filing fees. To apply for a fee waiver, the following forms must also be completed and submitted to the court:
FW 001 - Application for Waiver of Court Fees and Costs
FW 003 - Order On Application for Waiver of Court Fees and Costs
The clerk will process your forms (& fee waiver application) and assign you a court date for your name change hearing. If you apply for a fee waiver the court may schedule a separate hearing for you to bring evidence of your financial situation before it is approved.
Fourth: Two days before your court hearing, call the clerk of the court to ensure no one has contested your name change. If no one has, then you will not have to attend the hearing.
Fifth: If you do not have to attend a court hearing, bring all of the copies of your court forms with you to the court to pick up your name change order.
Sixth: Ask the clerk for several (3 or 4) certified copies of your name change order (you will need them to update your name on most official records). There is usually a fee of $25 per certified copy. If you were approved for a Fee Waiver, then the fees for your certified copies should also be waived.
How to Update Name & Gender on CA Birth CertificateSince January 1, 2014, pursuant to the first phase of AB 1121, the process to amend a birth certificate after gender reassignment in California has become simpler. A costly court-ordered gender change used to be required before you could amend the gender on your birth certificate. Now, it is possible to amend the gender on your birth certificate directly with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
Please note, however, that if you plan to change both your name and gender on your birth certificate, it is advantageous to wait to receive your approved court-ordered name change and then request the name & gender change to your birth certificate simultaneously. If you request a name change to your birth certificate after already changing your gender on your birth certificate, the name change is simply stapled to the birth certificate; whereas, when you request a name & gender change simultaneously, the CDPH will re-issue a new birth certificate, and place the old certificate under seal.
You will need to gather several documents before you may amend your birth certificate:
Completed form VS 24
You must obtain an original application form VS 24. PDFs or photocopies will not be accepted. Request an original form VS 24 at
https://apps.cdph.ca.gov/AutoForm2/default.aspx?af=1184, or by calling (916) 445-2684, or by going to your local County Health Department.
Notarized Sworn Statement (the Sworn Statement is included in the VS 24 form and must be notarized).
A physician's letter stating that you have had "clinically appropriate treatment for gender transition." (see model letter below)
Check or money order for $23.00 made payable to the CDPH Vital Records.
Photocopy of your current birth certificate (optional).
If you would also like to update your name on your birth certificate, you will also need to include a certified copy of your name change order and indicate that you would like your name changed on the VS-24 form.
Mail all of these items to:
California Department of Public Health
Vital Records – M.S. 5103
P.O. Box 997410
Sacramento, CA 95899-7410
For more detailed information on how to fill out the VS 24 form, including an example, refer to the California Department of Public Health's useful pamphlet, Obtaining A New Birth Certificate After Gender Reassignment.
Once you have submitted your application to amend your birth certificate then the California Department of Vital Records will re-issue your birth certificate with the new name and gender, and place your old birth certificate under seal. According to the state agency's website (
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/certlic/birthdeathmar/pages/processingtimes.aspx) the processing time to receive a new birth certificate is currently two months, but we have been told that it often takes as many as eight months for a person to actually receive the birth certificate in the mail.
Model Physician's Declaration:
[Attending Physician's Official Letterhead]
I, (physician's full name), (physician's medical license or certificate number), am a licensed physician in (jurisdiction). I attest that (name of petitioner) has undergone clinically appropriate treatment for the purpose of gender transition to (male or female).
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the forgoing is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
Sworn to this _____ day of _______________, 20___, in _______ (city), (state).
Signature of Physician
Typed Name of Physician