California

California does not have a voter ID law.

Registered voters do not need to provide an ID when they vote in person, except for some first-time voters.

Check the federal ID requirements for first-time voters!

All active registered California voters will automatically receive a mail-in ballot before each election.

A copy of your ID is not required to vote by mail, with the exception of some first-time voters.

Check the federal ID requirements for first-time voters!

You must file a formal request with your local superior court to change your name in California.

You may request a court order to change your legal name AND recognize your change of gender or to change your legal name to match your gender identity. The requirements are different for each process.

If the court approves your name change, you will receive a court order that can be used to update the name on your ID documents.

Submit a request to California’s Department of Public Health to amend your birth certificate.

You may request to change your birth certificate due to a court-ordered name change or a court-ordered name and gender change.

To change only your legal name, you will need to provide:

• completed Form VS 23 (PDF)
• certified copy of name-change court order
• notarized sworn statement if you wish to request a certified copy of amended birth certificate (if applicable – PDF)
• payment of applicable fee(s)

See “Update Gender Marker on Birth Certificate” section below for how to change your name and gender marker on a California birth certificate.

Note: You must update your birth certificate with the state where you were born.

1: You must update your name with the Social Security Administration before you can change your name on a California-issued ID.

2: Complete online application for a new driver’s license or ID card.

3: Visit the DMV and provide the required documentation to demonstrate your name change. Note you may need to provide proof of all former legal name changes.

Note: If you change the name and gender marker or your California-issued ID at the same time, the name change will be sealed in the DMV records. 

Submit a request to California’s Department of Public Health to amend your birth certificate.

California allows residents to mark female, male, nonbinary, or two dashes on their birth certificate. Medical certification is not required.

To apply for an amended California birth certificate, you will need to provide:

• completed Form VS 24 (PDF)
• certified copy of court order
• notarized sworn statement if you wish to request a certified authorized copy of amended birth certificate (if applicable – PDF)
• Supporting documents include copies of the following:
  • Vital Records (birth, death, marriage)
  • any other documents that support the request for the amendment
  • certified name change order (required to change the name listed on the birth certificate)
  • payment of applicable fee(s)

Note: You must update your birth certificate with the state where you were born.

California allows residents to mark M, F, or X on their state-issued ID. Medical certification is not required.

1: Complete online application for a new driver’s license or ID card.

2: Visit a DMV field office and submit a completed “Gender Category Request” form (PDF).

Note: If you change the name and gender marker or your California-issued ID at the same time, the name change will be sealed in the DMV records.