If you are a victim of domestic violence or are testifying in a criminal court, law enforcement agencies have the ability to help you get a new identity. To learn how to change your name and sign up for a new social security number, keep reading to help yourself start a new life.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Changing Your Name
Step 1. Choose a new name
Choose something that will be easy to use for you and a call you enjoy. Practice signing with your new name to get used to your name. Try introducing yourself with your new name to a number of strangers to see if it looks natural or not.
- You will not be able to change your name if you avoided bankruptcy by pretending to be someone else, your new name infringes on a trademark, the name uses numbers or symbols, or the name contains profanity.
- Consider adopting a common name. If you want to be hard to find, changing your name to something generic, like “Jim Smith” or “Ashley Johnson” is a good thing.
Step 2. Fill out a petition for your area
Most regions require you to fill out a petition stating the reasons for your desire to change your name. Visit the website of your courthouse or district court for the correct form, then ask a notary to certify the form and have it filled out by a courthouse official. The petition will be submitted to a judge, so make sure it explains your reasons properly and thoroughly.
If you are an immigrant, ex-convict or a lawyer, you will need a valid statement of service notification to the authorities in addition to your petition
Step 3. Go to court for your renaming case
Most courts are usually fast-paced, but the judge may have some questions for you. Try to answer clearly and honestly. State the reasons for wanting to change your identity.
- If the judge rejects your application, make a copy of the refusal and try again.
- If the judge approves your application, you will be issued a renaming court order, which will likely be issued to you by a civil court officer in your area. Make copies of your letters.
Step 4. Change your name on a valid document
Using the documentation from your court case, apply for a new driver's license or passport so you have identification. Change the name on the STNK or loan letter on the identity record. Doing this first will make it easier for you to get a new social security card.
Part 2 of 3: Changing Your Social Security Number
Step 1. Fill out the social security card application
Using your new name, fill out an application for a new social security card, find it here:
- You will have to provide proof of age with your form. This could include a copy of your birth certificate, adoption letter or other religious documentation.
- You will need to provide proof of your identity. Use your new driver's license, passport or identity card in addition to your new driver's license, if these documents have not been replaced, you can provide proof of your new name change as proof of your identity, including subpoena of your case.
Step 2. Visit the social security office in your area
Bring the completed form and required proof of identity and age and be prepared to present your case to the officer. The social security office will provide you with a new number if you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- You have been a victim of domestic violence, or your life has been threatened in some way.
- Sequential numbers on Social Security numbers from different people from the same family cause confusion.
- More than one person has been assigned the same number.
- You have religious or cultural restrictions on sequences or numbers.
- You have been a victim of identity theft and the use of the number continues to put you at risk.
Step 3. Consider liaising with legal institutions
If you are a victim of violence and want to change your name to avoid someone hurting you, tell your local law enforcement agency that your life will be in danger unless you are given a new identity. The law firm will provide you with the documentary evidence you need to take to the Social Security Administration to change your Social Security number.
Part 3 of 3: Using Your New Identity
Step 1. Get ready to start over
You will have no debt or employment records. You will have no employment or self-references, and no special education or training record. Anyone who checks your debt or employment records will likely be suspicious when they find nothing.
Step 2. Practice introducing yourself with your new name
Practice writing and speaking. You don't want your old name to come out accidentally, even once. As with your name, practice the lies you have to tell about your family, personal history and places you've lived or visited.
Step 3. Use new body language, clothing and behavior
You may be able to develop an appetite for different foods, or even find a new hobby. You may want to change your hair color, wear colored contact lenses or stop wearing contact lenses and wear glasses to prevent yourself from being recognized. You may need to choose a new field of work.
Step 4. Get away from your friends, family and boss
Don't tell anyone your new name or where you are. Cut off all contact to reduce the risk of someone knowing your old identity revealing your new one by accident.
Step 5. Don't draw attention
A number of government and private agencies have records of changing your identity, and your old identity could be exposed if you are detained, prosecuted or attract media attention.
Tips
- Be sure to change your name before signing up for a new social security number.
- If you change your social security number, you will lose all information associated with the old number; which means, you may not receive the eligible benefits under your old identity.
