How to Change Your Identity

If you're a victim of domestic violence or a witness in a criminal trial, law enforcement may assist in helping you adopt a new identity. To understand the process of changing your name and registering for a new social security number, read the article below to get started.

Choose a new name. Select a name that is easy to use and fits your preferences. Practice signing your new name to get comfortable with it. Additionally, you can introduce yourself to strangers using your new name to see how it feels.

• You cannot change your name if it’s being done to evade bankruptcy by pretending to be someone else, if the new name infringes on trademarks, if the name contains numbers or symbols, or if it includes offensive language.
• Choose a common name. If you want your identity to be hard to trace, choose a typical name like "Nguyễn Văn Minh" or "Trần Thị Nga".

Fill out a petition to submit to the authorities. Most regions require you to complete a petition that clearly states your reasons for changing your name. To obtain a sample form, visit the local court or access their website, then notarize the form and submit it to the court clerk. The petition will be presented to a judge, so it’s important to clearly and accurately explain your reasons.

Attend the name change hearing. Most hearings are transparent, but the judge may ask some questions. You should respond clearly and honestly. Present your reasons for wanting to change your identity.

• If the judge denies the request, you will need to obtain a copy of the denial and try again.
• If the judge grants your request, the local civil court clerk will provide you with a court order for the name change. Make multiple copies for your records.

Update your name in all legal documents. Use the documents from the hearing, your driver's license, or passport to reflect your new identity. Update the name on your vehicle ownership documents or loan paperwork. This will help you obtain a new Social Security card more easily.

Apply for a new Social Security card. Fill out the application for a new Social Security card using your new name here: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.pdf

• You will need to provide proof of your age along with the application. This can include your birth certificate, adoption papers, or other relevant documents.
• You must also provide proof of your identity. Use your driver's license, passport, or new identification card. If you haven’t updated these documents, you can submit evidence of your name change, such as the court order from your hearing, as proof of identity.

Visit your local Social Security office. Bring the completed application form along with the necessary identification documents proving your identity and age. The Social Security office will assign a new number if you meet one of the following conditions:

• You are a victim of domestic violence, harassment, or in immediate danger.
• There are consecutive numbers in the Social Security number of a family member, causing confusion.
• Two or more people share the same Social Security number.
• Your cultural or religious beliefs conflict with the assigned number.
• Your identity has been compromised by identity theft, and using that number poses a risk to your safety.

Contact law enforcement. If you are a victim of abuse or violence and want to change your name to protect yourself from harm, you need to notify local law enforcement that you are in danger unless you are granted a new identity. The authorities will provide the necessary documentation for you to submit to the Social Security Administration to change your number.

Start over from scratch. Your credit history and professional records will be erased. You will have no job history, personal connections, or educational or training details. Anyone who checks your employment or credit history might become suspicious if they can’t find any relevant information.

Practice introducing yourself with your new name. You can write down your new name and practice saying it to avoid accidentally using your old name, even just once. Similarly, you will need to get used to fabricating details about your family, personal history, and places you have lived or visited.

Change your style, clothing, and behavior. You may need to alter your food preferences or even your hobbies. Additionally, consider changing your hair color, wearing contact lenses instead of glasses, or vice versa, to avoid recognition. Furthermore, you should opt for a new career field.

Distance yourself from friends, family, and recruiters. Do not share your new name or your location with anyone. Sever all contact to minimize the risk of someone unintentionally revealing your new identity if they are familiar with your previous one.

Be discreet in your behavior. Some government and private agencies maintain records of identity changes, and your old identity might be revealed if you are arrested, accused of something, or attract media attention.