Do I Need to Reside in the US to Change My Name?

Q: Am I still a US resident if I live abroad?

Yes, you can still be considered a U.S. resident while living abroad if you maintain a permanent address in the U.S., file taxes, and do not take actions that suggest you have abandoned your residency. It's important to stay informed about residency requirements, as they can vary by state.

Q: Can you change your name while overseas?

Yes, you can change your name while overseas, but the process may require you to follow the laws of the state where you are a resident. If you intend to change your name legally, you may need to file a petition in that state or return to the U.S. to complete the process, depending on the residency requirements.

Q: How do you maintain residency in a state while living abroad?

To maintain residency in a state while living abroad, keep a permanent address in that state, continue to pay state taxes, and renew your driver's license or state ID. Additionally, voting in state elections and maintaining bank accounts can help demonstrate your intent to remain a resident.

Full question:

I am an American citizen, living oversea for 12 years and intending to change legal name, last state of residence is Texas. My question is do I need to go back to US to change my name or can I do this through on line or mailing, and if I had to go back can apply through any state of point of entry?

Category: Name Change
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Texas

Answer:

In order for the court to have jurisdiction over a person, called in personam jurisdiction, each state has residency requirements, which vary by state. For example, to apply for a name change in Texas, a person files a petition for name change in the county where he resides. Generally, there In other states, there are specific length of residency requirements, such as a number of months. Please see the name change laws and residency requirements of the various states at the following link:

http://lawdigest.uslegal.com/name-change/general/

Some courts will accept electronic filings, but the applicant typically must be present to attend a hearing on the name change.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

How do you keep a US address while living abroad?

To maintain a U.S. address while living abroad, you can use a family member's or friend's address as your official residence. Alternatively, consider using a mail forwarding service that provides you with a U.S. address. This allows you to receive mail and maintain ties to your state of residence, which can be important for legal matters like voting and taxes.

How do I keep US residency while living abroad?

To retain U.S. residency while living abroad, you should maintain a permanent address in your state, file taxes as a resident, and avoid actions that may indicate you have abandoned your residency, such as obtaining residency in another country. Staying connected to your state through voting and maintaining a driver's license can also help.

How long can I live in another state without changing residency?

The length of time you can live in another state without changing your residency varies by state. Generally, if you establish a permanent home in a new state and intend to remain there, you may be considered a resident. However, maintaining ties to your original state, like a driver's license or voting registration, can help preserve your residency.