Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Re: Name Change

Good question. I have always believed that one can change one's name at any time, for any reason except the one's you say you're not doing it for. Consequently, any ID you get will not be "fake." However, it may be difficult to get a new license from the DMV without a court-ordered name change. There are probably several books available that can tell you how to legally get new identity documents. Just don't lie to any agency in the application process and you will be fine.

Re: Name Change

In California, you may change your name at anytime except for a fraudulent purpose. You may do this by making application to the superior court in the county where you live. Most courts have forms for this purpose. However, you don't have to go to court. California has a statute that preserves the common law right to change your name without a court order. You do it by going to DMV and telling them that your name has been changed and they will issue you a license or ID in the new name. Make sure that you tell social security about the name change or you'll have trouble getting your contributions recorded. The court order is probably the better way to go (but more costly) because many do not realize that the order is unnecseeary and will demand to see "proof".