Asked in Immigration Law for California

Q: Can a temporary legal resident change their name?

I’m an italian citizen, but also a temporary legal resident here in the US.

Can i apply to change my name? Or is it only permissible for permanent residents? Can someone describe what will my name change journey as a temporary resident be like?

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: Yes, you can apply to change your name in the U.S. as a temporary legal resident. The process generally involves filing a petition with the court in the state where you reside. In California, for instance, this requires completing a Name Change Petition, paying a filing fee, and attending a court hearing.

Your journey will start by filling out the necessary paperwork, such as the Petition for Change of Name (Form NC-100) and the Order to Show Cause (Form NC-120). You'll need to file these forms with the local Superior Court and pay the associated fees. Once your petition is submitted, you might need to publish a notice of your name change in a local newspaper for a specific period, which is a common requirement in many states.

After completing the publication requirement, you'll attend a court hearing where a judge reviews your petition. If the judge approves, you will receive a Decree Changing Name (Form NC-130), which serves as official proof of your new name. You can then use this decree to update your identification documents, such as your driver's license, social security card, and immigration documents.

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