Change your name to prevent further identity theft.
Being the victim of identity fraud is a violating experience. When someone gathers your personal information for their own gain, it leaves you feeling invaded and can also lead to procuring debt that you did not obtain yourself. You cannot change your name to get out of such debts, but you can change your name to prevent someone from using your previous name to incur more debt on your behalf.
Instructions
1. Go to your county courthouse and ask to fill out a "Petition for Legal Name Change" form. Bring two pieces of identification with you. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver's license, passport, birth certificate and Social Security card. Fill in all the information including your new name. Make sure it is legible and spelled correctly.
2. Take the form to a notary to get it notarized. Notaries can be found at banks, insurance agencies and vehicle registration offices. Pay the fee amount which differs from county to county.
3. Go back to the county courthouse to file the "Petition for Legal Name Change" form. You will receive a court date to appear before a judge.
4. Appear in court on your designated court date with two pieces of identification. Acceptable forms of identification include a driver's license, passport, birth certificate and Social Security card. You also need to bring two witnesses that can testify to your identity. The judge will determine if all requirements have been met and that there is reasonable and proper cause for the name change. Once the judge has approved your name change, he will sign an "Order Granting Name Change" form. Obtain copies of the form by paying a fee which varies from county to county.
5. Take copies of the form to your Social Security office to apply for a new Social Security card with your new name on it, as well as to your local Department of Motor Vehicles office to apply for a new driver's license that has your changed name on it.
