California Application to Amend a Birth Record After a Court Order Name Change (VS 23)
Official state formLegal name changeForm VS 23Free downloadLast verified November 10, 2026
Pamphlet and application used after a court order name change to show the new name on a California birth record. It is mailed with a certified copy of the court order to the state vital records office.
Who can use this form
- Any applicant may file it
- The applicant does not have to be the person named on the birth certificate
What to send with it
- Completed VS 23 form
- Certified copy of the court order name change, with the court's certification stamp and seal and the judge's signature
- Certified English translation if the court order is in another language
- Payment by check or money order payable to CDPH Vital Records
- Completed notarized sworn statement (VS 20, included in the PDF)
Where to send it
- Mail to
- CDPH - Vital Records MS 5105 P.O. Box 997410 Sacramento, CA 95899-7410
- State fee
- $26, which includes one certified copy of the amended record. Additional certified copies are $31 each.
- Typical processing
- The form does not state a time. The office's processing times page lists an average of 7 to 9 weeks for amendments.
- Form revision
- 01/2026
- Source
- Official government page