If you are a victim of spouse abuse or are a witness under protection, the government can help you take on a new identity. To learn how to change your name and documents, follow the instructions in this tutorial.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Change the Name
Step 1. Choose a new name
Find one that feels simple to use and that you like. Practice signing and get used to using it. Try introducing yourself with the new name and see if you can do it naturally.
- You will not be able to change your name if you want to do so to avoid bankruptcy, if the name you have chosen infringes copyright, if it contains numbers or symbols, if it includes obscene words.
- Consider using a fairly common name. If you don't want to be easily found, change your name to a popular one like "Mario Rossi" or "Anna Ferrari".
Step 2. Fill out the name change request
On the form, most likely, you will have to indicate the reasons that push you to make this choice. Go to the competent court or consult its website to get the necessary forms, finally bring the completed sheet in person to be registered by the secretariat. The request will be reviewed by a judge, so explain your reasons fully and clearly.
If you are an immigrant, ex-convict or lawyer, you need a sworn statement from the Notification Service to attach to your petition
Step 3. Wait for the hearing date to be set
In most cases these are quick and easy procedures, but the judge may want to ask you questions. Try to answer clearly and comprehensively. Explain your reasons for wanting to change your name.
- If the judge rejects your request, take a copy of the denial and try again.
- If the judge accepts your request, you will be granted a name change order that will probably be delivered to you by the clerk of the registry office of your municipality. Make a photocopy of it.
Step 4. Change the name on all your documents
Thanks to the order issued by the court, you can obtain a new driving license, passport and identity card. Remember to change the name on the registration documents of your vehicles and on all documents of any loans. Once all the documents have been updated, it will be easier to obtain a new social security number and health card.
Part 2 of 3: Change the Tax Code
Step 1. Apply to the Revenue Office
With the new identity document, go to the office in charge and fill out the application form.
- You will need to prove your date and place of birth, so it is likely that you will need to attach a copy of your identity card or birth certificate.
- In addition, the aforementioned documents will also prove your identity. If they have not yet been updated with the new name, you will need to enclose a copy of the court order.
Step 2. Now that you have the tax code, you can contact the relevant ASL
Since the European health card is both a tax code and a health card at the same time, you must contact the local health authority of your municipality to obtain the one with your updated data. To change your patient code in the NHS, you will need to meet the following requirements:
- You must have been the victim of domestic abuse, harassment, or you must be in danger of life.
- There is such a narrow case of homonymy (same name and surname, date and place of birth) that it creates confusion in the national health system.
- Your patient code has been assigned to more than one person.
- The code assigned to you offends, for some reason, your culture or religion.
- You are a victim of identity theft and using the same tax code / patient would harm you.
Step 3. Consider contacting the police
If you are being abused and want to change your identity to protect yourself, call the police and convince the authorities that your life is in danger. The police will support your request at the court and state offices to speed up the procedures.
Part 3 of 3: Using the New Identity
Step 1. Be prepared to start over from scratch
You will not be able to prove that you are a good payer (if you need a loan) and you will not have a resume to present to find a job, much less references. It will be very difficult to prove the academic qualifications achieved or any specializations and internships. Anyone who tries to find out more about your credit and business history will be suspicious because they will find nothing.
Step 2. Practice introducing yourself to others with your new name
Practice pronouncing and writing it. Under no circumstances should you accidentally say your old name, not even once. Likewise, build a simple and believable lie for when asked about your family, personal history, and places where you have lived.
Step 3. Adopt new behaviors, dress and manners
You have to get used to eating different foods and have new hobbies. You may need to dye your hair, use colored contact lenses, or stop using corrective lenses and switch to glasses to avoid being recognized. You will also need to completely change the sector of work.
Step 4. Get away from friends, family and employers
Don't tell anyone what your new name is or where you are. Cut off any contact to minimize the chances of someone who knows your old identity putting your new one at risk.
Step 5. Keep a low profile
Several government and private agencies have records of your change of identity and it may be made public if you are arrested, reported or if you draw media attention to you.
Advice
- Before requesting the new tax code, make sure you have changed your name.
- If you change your social security number, you will lose all information associated with the old one, so you may not receive the benefits you returned with the old identity.
