How to Legally Disappear

If you find yourself falsely accused, want to avoid arrest, or simply don’t want to be found, there may be times when disappearing makes sense.

Adults are free to leave the door unobserved, provided that they do not create a fraudulent identity in the process.

1. Change Your Name

One of the most essential steps you can take to legally disappear is changing your name. This can be done either on your own initiative or with a court order.

Though the process may take a while, it’s worth the time and energy invested. Just make sure all necessary documents are on hand before beginning.

2. Change Your Address

Change your address as soon as possible to ensure you receive all necessary tax information, bills, and other important documents in a timely manner. Furthermore, inform your employer of the change.

Make sure to update your addresses for all subscription boxes and magazines. Many publications accept address changes online or over the phone.

3. Change Your Phone Number

Switching your phone number can be advantageous in several ways. It helps you reduce unwanted calls, create a new lifestyle with only a few important people in your life, or separate your personal and professional activities.

Altering your phone number can also help protect your identity. Retaining the same number for years puts you at greater risk of identity theft, since it’s linked to financial records, medical history and more.

4. Change Your Email Address

In today’s digital world, everyone leaves a digital trail–from emails sent to websites visited–and for some people this poses an enormous concern.

It’s essential to switch your email address efficiently, in order not to miss any important messages while transitioning. Furthermore, select an email service that doesn’t link directly to other accounts.

5. Change Your Social Media Accounts

Social media can be an excellent tool to stay in touch with friends and family, but it also poses potential privacy and security risks. To prevent hackers, burglars, stalkers from finding you online, adjust your accounts’ settings on each platform so that only certain individuals have access to what data.

No matter if you’re the boss or an employee, don’t let any detail go unnoticed.

6. Change Your Credit Cards

If your credit cards no longer meet your needs, switching them with the card issuers is a simple and often successful process. This switch of cards, known as a product change, ensures that your old card is replaced with one tailored specifically to your spending patterns.

The process may differ by company, but typically involves providing your new Social Security card or driver’s license along with other documents to prove your name change.

7. Change Your Bank Accounts

One of the simplest methods to legally disappear is by changing your bank accounts. To do this, you’ll need some paperwork including a government-issued ID such as a driver’s license or passport.

Depending on your bank, you may have to fill out a special form in person or online. Be sure to alter any automatic payments or checks accordingly.

8. Change Your Vehicle Registration

New York residents must ensure they possess valid car registration in order to drive around the state safely. Furthermore, knowing how to replace your registration should it become lost, stolen, or destroyed is imperative.

Replacing your passport can be done online or over the phone, but there are some limitations. You may need to visit a government office if your name has changed.

9. Change Your Passport

If your name has changed due to marriage or divorce, a new passport in your new name must be obtained. You can apply for one using form DS-82.

If your current passport has expired and hasn’t been lost or stolen, obtaining a replacement passport is free and easy. Please be aware that processing may take several weeks; thus, if planning on traveling internationally, it’s wise to start early with planning ahead.

10. Change Your Insurance

Runing from the law may be necessary at times, but it’s always wise to do your due diligence and weigh your options before embarking on this journey. Consulting with legal and financial experts before leaving town will help ensure you don’t end up in court or jail. A great way to do this is by having an attorney review all paperwork and inform you of any special legal requirements along the way.