Asked in Immigration Law for California

Q: Which states allow a temporary but legal resident to change their name and last name?

I'm an italian citizen, who's also a legal but temporary US resident.

Can i change my name and last name during my year here in CA?

Does the state of California allow temporary residents to change their name?

Will i need to go to the CA court and meet a judge?

Will the judge treat my request just like he treats a permanent resident's request?

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: Yes, you can change your name in California, even as a temporary resident. California law allows anyone residing in the state, including temporary residents, to petition for a name change. You'll need to file the necessary paperwork with the court and pay a filing fee.

After filing, you will likely attend a hearing before a judge. The judge will consider your request in the same way as they would for a permanent resident, as long as your reasons are valid and meet the legal requirements. Common reasons, such as marriage, personal preference, or cultural changes, are usually accepted.

Make sure to follow the court's instructions and provide any required documentation, such as proof of residency. Once the judge approves your request, you will receive a court order confirming the name change, which you can then use to update your official documents.

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