If you reside in California and are desiring to legally change your gender, you might have a lot of questions on the process. Here is how to legally change your gender in California.
Steps to Take to Legally Change Gender
1. Fill Out Court Forms.
- Use the DMV form DL-329 to make the request for the change, forms can be found online or at any DMV location. Some courts may require one to fill out extra forms.
2. Have Forms Reviewed.
- A court family law facilitator or self-help center can help people with a name change and properly review your documents before filing.
3. Make a Copy of All Forms.
4. File Forms with the Court Clerk.
- A filing fee will be asked for, but it can be waived if the proper paperwork is completed.
5. If Needed, Attend a Court Hearing.
- If there are no objections in good cause, then a court hearing will not be required
6. Obtain a Decree That Changes Name and Gender
- If approved by the judge, the judge will then sign the Decree Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate- Form NC-230. The court desk will provide a certified copy once the signed decree is granted. Use this document for a name change on legal documents such as a birth certificate and driver’s license.
7. Make Changes to One’s Birth Certificate
- Bring the court order to the state registrar within thirty days and pay the fee.
How Long Does it Take to Legally Change Your Name?
After obtaining a name change court order with a judge’s signature, a certified copy of it can be granted the same day by the same court. The certified copy is necessary to make the allocated changes to one’s records. It usually takes around six weeks to six months (oftentimes, it falls at eight weeks) to obtain the Court Order.
Related: How to Change Your Name After Divorce in California
How Does One Update Name and Record Change On School Records?
The request in writing should include the information one wants updated and which records should be updated. In addition, the email or mailing address where one wants the updated records sent, and a document identifying the updated name and/or gender must be included as well. This document can be any one of the following: a state issued driver’s liscence, a birth certificate, a pasaport, a social security card, or a court order that evinces the updated name and/or gender change. In the case that one who wants to change their name is currently a student and is a minor, the California Education Code (Section 49070) allows the parent or guardian of the student to change the contents of the record on the student’s behalf. The guardian must declare that the current records are either misinforming or not accurate to be deemed legitimate for review.
Related: How to Get a Transgender Name Change in California
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