What's in a name? Not much if it isn't legal. (Although "legal" is a broad term: a woman successfully changed her name to Merri Christmas!) This helpful, easy-to-use book provides all the necessary forms and instructions to legally change a name in California. It covers how to: - choose a new name and make it legal - amend a birth certificate, or get a new one - change children's names - get a new driver's license, passport and Social Security card - change back to a former name after divorce. Provides all necessary forms as tear-outs, including Marriage Surname Agreement, Parental Agreement on Child's Name and Application for Restoration of Former Name After Divorce. Divorce, complicated spelling, tricky pronunciation, personal preference - any of these may convince you that it's time for a new name. And although the rules have changed recently, it's still a relatively simple procedure. How to Change Your Name in California provides step-by-step instructions and all the forms you need to: - choose a name and make it your own - change back to your former name after divorce - change your child's name - get a new or amended birth certificate for you or your child - get identification in your new name, including a driver's license, Social Security card and passport - get a court to recognize a change of gender The 11th edition reflects the latest rules and regulations stemming from 9/11 and the rise of identity theft, and provides the latest forms as tear-outs.