How to Change Your Name in California

California Name Change Forms - howtochangeyourname.com/california.htm
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The California name change for an adult as descibed in the State Code 1275-1279.6 is done by filing a petition to the county's civil court where you are a resident. It is easier, if you were just married, to have your certified marriage license with the raised seal or if you were recently divorced to have your divorce decree. Typically, you will not have a court hearing in California but it depends on the circumstances of the name change.
REQUIREMENTS
Must be a resident for at least 6 months
If just married, must have your original marriage certificate.
If just divorced, must have your divorce decree.
Step 1 - Fill-Out the California Petition for Name Change NC-100, the required cover sheet CSM-010, and the Name Change Addendum NC-110. All forms and the Petition must be notarized.

Step 2 - Make 2 copies of each.

Step 3 - File the Petition to the County Court Clerk's office in the County where your live (See County List Below). Pay the filing fee and you will be given a case number.
Step 4 - You will need to file the NC-120, which is the showing cause for name change form which requires the petitioner to make a publication in the newspaper where they are a resident for at least 1 day for 4 consecutive weeks. The type of ad that you will need is referred to as the 'General Circulation', the newspaper will usually have a department sepcifically for handling these.

Step 5 - Take your NC-130 and go back to the court when there is a time available or told by the court clerk and you will be able to have your name change decree signed by a Judge which is the official document that authorizes your legal name change. Take this form everywhere with you to change your name at the Social Security, Passport, DMV, and any other institutions you wish to have your name changed.