NC-110 – Name and Information about the Person Whose Name Is to Be Changed

Jurisdiction: Country: United States | Province or State: California

If you are preparing a court filing to change a name in California, NC-110 – Name and Information about the Person Whose Name Is to Be Changed is one of the key documents you will complete. This form provides detailed personal information about the individual whose name will be changed.

You use this document as part of a larger name change filing package submitted to the superior court. It works alongside a petition and other required forms. The court relies on the information in this form to identify the person involved and review eligibility.

This form is not just a formality. It collects specific facts about the person’s identity, background, and status. Incomplete or inconsistent information can delay processing.

If you are filling it out yourself, it helps to understand what the court is looking for and how each section fits into the overall filing. This guide walks you through what the form does and how to approach it clearly and accurately.

What is NC-110 – Name and Information about the Person Whose Name Is to Be Changed?

Clear definition

NC-110 – Name and Information about the Person Whose Name Is to Be Changed is a California court form used to provide personal details about someone who is requesting a legal name change. It supplements the main petition for a change of name.

The document captures identifying information such as the person’s current name, proposed new name, date of birth, place of birth, and residence details. It may also ask for information about parents or guardians if the person is a minor.

The court uses this information to confirm identity and determine whether the name change request meets basic legal requirements. It becomes part of the official court record once filed.

Who typically uses this form?

You use this form if you are seeking a court-ordered name change in California. This includes adults changing their own names and parents or guardians requesting a name change for a child.

Adults often complete the form for themselves. In cases involving minors, a parent, legal guardian, or sometimes both parents participate in the completion and signing of the required paperwork.

In some situations, a person under 18 may be included in the filing along with other siblings. Each individual whose name will change usually requires a separate NC-110 form attached to the main petition.

If more than one person is included in the same case, the court generally expects separate personal information forms for each person. This helps the court keep records clear and organized.

Why might you need this form?

You need this form when you want the court to formally recognize a change of name. A court order is often required to update identification records, such as a driver’s license, passport, or social security record.

People request name changes for many reasons. Some want to change their name after marriage or divorce, although separate processes sometimes exist for those situations. Others want a name that better reflects their identity.

Parents may request a name change for a child due to family changes, adoption, or personal reasons. In these cases, the court reviews the request carefully, especially if both parents are not in agreement.

The form ensures that the court has a complete picture of who is involved before granting an order. It helps prevent confusion, identity issues, or misuse of the name change process.

Typical real-life scenarios

• You may use this form if you have used a nickname for years and now want your legal documents to match the name you use in daily life. A court-ordered change can simplify banking, employment, and licensing records.
• Another common situation involves restoring a former name after divorce. While some divorce judgments include a name restoration, others require a separate name change filing, which may include this form.
• Parents sometimes seek to change a child’s last name to match the custodial parent or step-parent. In those cases, the court considers the child’s best interests and whether proper notice has been given to the other parent.
• Adults may also request a name change to reflect gender identity. A court order can support changes to official identification documents and personal records.
• In blended families, a child may want to share the same last name as siblings or a step-parent. This type of request typically includes detailed information about both biological parents and living arrangements.
• You might also use this form if you recently became a U.S. resident and want your legal name to align with the name used in other countries, provided you meet the general requirements for a court-ordered change.

When would you use NC-110 – Name and Information about the Person Whose Name Is to Be Changed?

You use this form at the time you file a petition for a court-ordered name change in a California superior court. It is part of the initial submission, not a later step in the process.

If you are filing for yourself as an adult, you typically complete and submit this form along with the main petition and any required attachments. The clerk reviews the packet to confirm that it includes all necessary documents.

If you are filing for a minor, you include this form for each child whose name will change. The information helps the court evaluate parental involvement, notice requirements, and the child’s current living situation.

You also use this form when multiple family members are seeking a name change in the same case. Each individual’s details are documented separately to avoid mixing personal data.

In general, this form is used before any hearing takes place. It provides the factual background that supports your request and becomes part of the file the judge may review.

Legal Characteristics of NC-110 – Name and Information about the Person Whose Name Is to Be Changed

This form is an official California court document. It is designed to be filed with the superior court and becomes part of the public record in most cases.

For the form to be accepted, it typically must be complete, legible, and consistent with the main petition. Information such as names and dates must match across all documents in the filing.

Common reasons for rejection or delay include missing signatures, incorrect case numbers, incomplete address information, or mismatched proposed names. Clerks may return filings that appear inconsistent or unclear.

Accuracy matters. The court relies on the information provided to confirm identity and assess whether the request complies with general legal standards. Providing false information can create serious legal consequences.

Although this form belongs to the California court system, specific procedures may vary slightly by county. Filing methods, hearing requirements, and local rules can differ in format or timing.

It is important to understand what this document does not do. Completing and filing it does not automatically change your name. Only a signed court order issued after the review process makes the name change official.

The form also does not update your records with government agencies or private institutions. After a court order is granted, separate steps are usually required to update identification and accounts.

Is it legally binding?

On its own, this form is not legally binding in the sense of changing a name. It is a supporting document within a court proceeding.

The information you provide, however, is given under penalty of perjury when signed as part of the overall filing. That means you are declaring that the statements are true and correct to the best of your knowledge.

Once the court reviews the full set of documents and issues a signed order granting the name change, that order becomes legally effective. The NC-110 form supports that decision but does not create the legal change by itself.

If the court denies the petition or requires corrections, the form remains part of the record but does not produce any legal change in your name. The binding effect comes only from the court’s final order.

How to fill out NC-110 – Name and Information about the Person Whose Name Is to Be Changed

Step 1 – Complete the caption at the top of the form

At the top of the form, fill in your name and contact information in the space provided for the petitioner or attorney. If you are representing yourself, you list your own details. Include the court’s name and branch location exactly as it appears on your other filing documents. If you already have a case number, write it in the designated box so the form matches your petition.

Step 2 – Identify the person whose name will be changed

Enter the current legal name of the person whose name is to be changed. This must match the name listed in the main petition. Then write the proposed new name clearly and consistently. Double-check spelling to avoid future corrections.

Step 3 – Provide personal details

Fill in the person’s date of birth and place of birth. Include the city and state, or the country if born outside the United States. This information helps confirm identity and distinguish the individual from others with similar names.

Step 4 – Indicate age and status

State whether the person is under 18 years old, 18 years of age, or older. The form may require different information depending on age. For minors, additional details about parents or guardians are usually required.

Step 5 – Enter current residence information

Provide the current residential address of the person whose name will be changed. Use a physical address rather than a mailing address unless the form specifically allows otherwise. This information establishes the connection to the county where the petition is filed.

Step 6 – Provide information about the parents if the person is a minor

If the name change involves a minor, list the names and addresses of the parents, if required. The form may ask whether each parent is living and whether their parental rights are intact. Fill in each section carefully to avoid missing required details.

Step 7 – Address any additional required declarations

Some versions of the form include statements about jurisdiction, custody, or other relevant facts. Read each declaration closely before completing it. Provide accurate responses based on the person’s current circumstances.

Step 8 – Review for consistency with the main petition

Before signing, compare the information in this form with the main petition and any attachments. Confirm that names, dates, and addresses match exactly. Even small differences can slow down processing.

Step 9 – Sign and date the form

Sign the form where indicated. If you are the petitioner, sign your own name. If the filing involves a minor, the appropriate parent or guardian signs as required. Add the date of signing in the space provided.

Step 10 – Attach the form to your filing packet

Place the completed form with the rest of your name change documents before submission to the court. Make sure it is included in the same packet as the petition and any other required forms so the clerk can process the case without missing information.

Legal terms you might encounter in NC-110 – Name and Information about the Person Whose Name Is to Be Changed

1. Petitioner: The petitioner is the person asking the court to approve the name change. On this form, the petitioner may be the person whose name is being changed or, in the case of a minor, a parent or guardian. You must make sure the petitioner listed matches the main petition form exactly.
2. Proposed Name: This is the new name you want the court to approve. You enter it clearly and completely, including first, middle, and last names. The proposed name must be consistent across every document in your filing packet.
3. Present Name: This refers to the person’s current legal name as it appears on official records, such as a birth certificate or government identification. You should use the full legal name, not a nickname. Any mismatch can delay processing.
4. Date of Birth: The date of birth confirms the identity of the person whose name will change. You must enter it accurately. Courts use this information to distinguish between people with similar names.
5. Place of Birth: This is typically the city and state, or country, where the person was born. It helps confirm identity and may affect how records are updated after the name change is granted.
6. Sex as stated on the original birth certificate: This reflects the designation recorded at birth. The form may also ask for current gender identity information in certain cases. You must answer based on what the document specifically requests.
7. Residence Address: This is the current home address of the person whose name is to be changed. It determines the proper court location and confirms jurisdiction. Use a physical address unless the form allows otherwise.
8. Minor: A minor is someone under the age of 18. If the person whose name is to be changed is a minor, additional information about parents or guardians is required. The court pays close attention to parental rights and notice requirements in these cases.
9. Guardian: A guardian is a person legally appointed to care for a minor or dependent adult. If a guardian is filing for the name change, you must reflect that role accurately and ensure supporting documentation matches.
10. Declaration: A declaration is a written statement made under penalty of perjury. When you sign this form, you confirm that the information is true and correct. Providing false information can lead to serious consequences.

FAQs

Do I need to file NC-110 – Name and Information about the Person Whose Name Is to Be Changed for each person if I am changing more than one name?

Yes. You must complete a separate version of this form for each individual whose name will be changed. Even if you are filing one main petition that lists multiple people, this document is designed to provide detailed information about one person at a time. Do not combine two people’s information on a single form.

What if the current legal name is spelled differently on different documents?

You should use the name exactly as it appears on the primary legal record, usually the birth certificate or a prior court order. If there are variations, make sure the name on this document matches the name listed on the main petition. Inconsistent spelling is one of the most common reasons courts ask for corrections.

Do I have to list every address the person has ever lived at?

No. This form generally asks for the current residence. You do not need to provide a full address history unless another part of your filing requires it. Focus on entering the present address accurately and completely.

What happens if I make a mistake after I sign the form?

If you catch the error before filing, complete a clean, corrected version and sign it again. If the mistake is discovered after filing, you may need to file an amended form. Do not cross out major errors without confirming that handwritten corrections are acceptable, because messy corrections can cause rejection.

Who signs this document if the person whose name is being changed is a minor?

A parent, legal guardian, or other authorized petitioner signs on behalf of the minor. The adult signing must have the legal authority to request the change. Make sure the signer’s name and role are consistent with the main petition and any supporting documents.

Is the name change effective when I submit this form?

No. Submitting this document does not automatically change a name. The change becomes legally effective only after the court signs and issues the official order. This form is part of the request process, not the final approval.

What if the person’s date of birth or place of birth is unknown or uncertain?

You should check official records before completing the form. If information is truly unknown, review the instructions carefully to see whether an estimate is allowed. Do not guess unless the form specifically permits approximate information, and never leave required fields blank without explanation.

Will the information on this form become part of the public record?

In most cases, yes. Information you include becomes part of the court file. That means accuracy matters, and you should avoid including unnecessary details beyond what the form asks. Once filed, the document is generally maintained as part of the official record.

Checklist: Before, During, and After NC-110 – Name and Information about the Person Whose Name Is to Be Changed

Before

• Confirm the exact current legal name from an official document.
• Verify the correct spelling of the proposed new name.
• Gather birth information, including date and place of birth.
• Confirm the current residential address.
• Determine whether the person is a minor or an adult.
• Identify who has legal authority to sign.
• Review the main petition to ensure consistent information.
• Check whether you need one form per person.

During

• Complete one form for each person whose name will change.
• Print clearly or type to avoid legibility issues.
• Use full legal names, not nicknames.
• Match all information exactly with the main petition.
• Double-check dates and spelling before signing.
• Answer every required question; do not leave blanks.
• Sign and date in the correct place.
• Make sure the signer’s role is clearly indicated if signing for a minor.

After

• Make at least two copies of the completed form.
• Attach it to the main name change petition.
• Review the entire packet for consistent information.
• Submit the packet according to court filing procedures.
• Keep a stamped copy for your records.
• Monitor for any court notices requesting corrections.
• Bring copies to any scheduled hearing.
• Store the final approved order with your important documents.

Common mistakes to avoid with NC-110 – Name and Information about the Person Whose Name Is to Be Changed

• Mistake: Using a nickname or shortened version of the current legal name because it feels familiar, which happens when people rely on everyday usage, leading to court rejection for name mismatch, and you must not forget to use the full legal name exactly as shown on official records.
• Mistake: Entering a proposed name that differs slightly from the one listed on the main petition due to last-minute changes, which causes inconsistencies in the filing packet and delays processing, and you must not forget to verify that every form shows the identical proposed name.
• Mistake: Listing the wrong date of birth because of memory errors or typographical mistakes, which can create identity confusion and require amendments, and you must not forget to double-check against a birth certificate or official ID.
• Mistake: Forgetting to complete a separate form for each individual, which happens when families file together and assume one form is enough, resulting in incomplete records, and you must not forget that this document covers only one person at a time.
• Mistake: Having the wrong person sign the form due to a misunderstanding of who the petitioner is, which can invalidate the filing and require refiling, and you must not forget to confirm legal authority before signing.
• Mistake: Leaving required sections blank because the information seems unimportant, which can cause clerks to reject the filing as incomplete, and you must not forget to review every field and provide all required details.
• Mistake: Making handwritten corrections after signing without rechecking court rules, which often happens in a rush to meet a deadline and can make the document look altered, leading to rejection. You must not forget that a clean, newly completed form is usually safer.
• Mistake: Providing inconsistent residence information compared to the main petition, which can raise jurisdiction questions and delay acceptance, and you must not forget to confirm that the address matches across all documents.

What to do after filling out NC-110 – Name and Information about the Person Whose Name Is to Be Changed

Once you complete the form, your focus shifts to accuracy, organization, and proper submission. This document does not stand alone. It must be filed with the main petition and any other required forms in your name change packet.

Start by reviewing the completed form slowly. Read every line. Confirm that the current name and proposed name are spelled correctly and match the main petition exactly. Check birth details and address information one more time.

• Step 1: Make at least two copies of the signed form—one for your records and one for service or court use if required.
• Step 2: Attach the original to your main name change petition and arrange the packet in the required order.
• Step 3: Review the entire packet as a single unit to confirm that names, dates, and personal details are consistent throughout.
• Step 4: Submit the complete filing packet to the appropriate court clerk using the accepted filing method.
• Step 5: Pay any required filing fee or submit a fee waiver request if applicable.
• Step 6: Obtain a stamped “filed” copy from the clerk for your records.
• Step 7: Watch for written confirmation from the court, including a case number or hearing date if one is required.
• Step 8: Calendar any deadlines related to service, publication, or additional documents.
• Step 9: Bring your copies of all filed forms to any scheduled hearing.
• Step 10: After the court issues the official order approving the name change, obtain certified copies of that order for updating identification and records.

Keep your filed copy in a secure place. Once the court grants the name change, you will use the signed order—not this form—to update your identification, financial accounts, school records, and other documents.

Staying organized at this stage prevents delays later. Careful review, clean copies, and consistent information across your paperwork will make the overall process smoother and more predictable.