How do you find out if your California county requires in-person filing for name changes?

Every Superior Court in California has its own administrative rules for handling name change petitions, and those rules often determine whether you must file your documents in person, by mail, or through an electronic filing system (known as “e-filing”). Some courts, like Los Angeles, allow (or even require) e-filing, while others still require you to physically bring your documents to the clerk’s office. The requirement usually depends on your county’s size, resources, and current technology. Because these policies vary widely, it’s not safe to assume what works in one county will apply in another.

To find out what your county requires, the best starting point is your county Superior Court’s website. Most courts have a “self-help,” “civil,” or “name change” section with instructions on how petitions must be filed. You can also call the clerk’s office directly and ask whether name change cases must be filed in person. Court staff won’t walk you through the whole process, but they can confirm whether e-filing or mail is an option for your type of petition. Keep in mind that even in courts with e-filing systems, some special petitions (for minors, guardianship cases, or Safe at Home participants) may still require in-person filing.

EZ Name Change stays up-to-date on filing requirements in every California county. Because filing rules can change without much notice, our team checks with each Superior Court to confirm the correct process before submitting your paperwork. That way, your petition doesn’t get delayed or rejected for something as simple as being filed the wrong way. With EZ handling the details, you won’t have to guess whether your county requires in-person filing—we’ll make sure it’s done correctly the first time.