Legal Question in Employment Law in California

I moved to California about 2 years ago. I have been trying to obtain a CA driver's license but my current license and social security card name is different than my birth certificate. I cannot get a CA driver's license and want to know if it will impact my ability to collect unemployment.

My current last name was changed when I was 13 by my step father. NO legal name change took place. He went to the Social Security office and they changed it without any adoption papers, court order, etc. I spoke with SS and they admit in ''very rare'' cases they will do this but swear this is not what's happened with me. I was there at the office when my name was changed and yes, he just spoke with them and talked them into it. My EX step father is completely estranged from me and my family and is a criminal. I've been trying to change my name for awhile but no one will do it because I have NO proof of how my name was changed to the current name in the first place. So rather than help me, I've been stuck with the last name of a man who served 9 years in person for abusing me.

I've even asked if I get married will it allow me show proof to CA DMV but the employee told me I still need to show proof of how I got my current name. I have nothing!! I'm so frustrated and have no idea what to do. I am going to be laid off soon and just don't know what else I can possibly do, it's like I don't even exist. Please help me.


Asked on 12/24/09, 10:04 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert F. Cohen Law Office of Robert F. Cohen

You might petition the superior court in your locale for a legal name change, so that you will then have a court order that you could show to the world.

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Answered on 12/30/09, 1:33 am


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