New passport - Germany

[JimT 0]

While we're waiting for lifting of conditional status, my wife also has to renew her German passport.

The only complication is she needs to decide if she wants to keep her maiden name in Germany or not.

Since there's pro's and con's either way...we're trying to weigh them out.

If you're German, you probably know what I'm talking about.

Has anyone also been in this situation?

[tweety 1]

I don't really see the big difference of a German changing the name after marriage compared to people of other nationalities.... Am I missing out on something? Just wondering. If so, please let me know, since I'm German as well.

I have changed my name, and the passport is one of the last documents that will have to be changed. Unfortunately I haven't quite figured out how to go about it yet.

Edited February 7, 2006 by tweety

[JimT 0]

As we understand it, German law is different than U.S.'s law.

Once you change your name in German law, it's irrevocable.

[tweety 1]

But she will change it only once anyway, or is she planning on changing it back and forth?

What would be the big advantage of her keeping her maiden name?

In general you should keep your maiden name if it is professionally established, e.g. actors, book authors, and other people that are in the spotlight of the public, doctors, scientists, politicans, etc.

Edited February 7, 2006 by tweety

[Steffi 0]

In general you should keep your maiden name if it is professionally established, e.g. actors, book authors, and other people that are in the spotlight of the public, doctors, scientists, politicans, etc.

....or if you just feel like keeping it.

I changed my name, or rather went with the double name and I'm not sure what's wrong with that? I'm with tweety...I'm not sure why she would want to change her name back and forth??

And I just went to the consulate and it wasn't a problem. Only due to the name change it took a little bit longer than if you were just to renew your passport, so make sure to give sufficient time. At least it did for me...it may have had to do with hypenating?? I'm not entirely sure.

[JimT 0]

Let me rephrase the question....

Has anyone had problems re-entering the U.S., when your new foreign passport (with biometrics) had a different last name than your permanent resident card?

[tweety 1]

JimT Posted Today, 06:20 PM

Let me rephrase the question....

Has anyone had problems re-entering the U.S., when your new foreign passport (with biometrics) had a different last name than your permanent resident card?

you mean if she travels using her permanent residency card (in her new married name) along with her passport (in her maiden name)?

As far as I understand it she is advised to take a copy of her marriage certificate along (so in case questions should arise she can prove the "connection" of maiden to married name).

Edited February 8, 2006 by tweety

[mawilson 2,133]

As we understand it, German law is different than U.S.'s law.

Once you change your name in German law, it's irrevocable.

Are you serious?!

You can't change your name more than once?

Why?? Is there a restriction on how often you can change your name?

Can a divorced woman change her name back to her maiden name?

[JimT 0]

That's right...we recieved paperwork which specifically mentioned the difference between the laws.

(sent from the German Consulate in San Fran)

I'm not a lawyer, so I recommend doing your own due diligence!

I assume similar information is available apon request from your regional consulate or elsewhere on the internet.

Edited February 8, 2006 by JimT

[JimT 0]

Correction....

My wife called the German consulate again today.

In the case of death or divorce, its possible to change your name back to your maiden name.

However, you'd be required to provide documentation.

[mawilson 2,133]

I'd keep the passport with the old name then. Might come in handy one day, you never know.

[kuschelmonster 0]

While we're waiting for lifting of conditional status, my wife also has to renew her German passport.

The only complication is she needs to decide if she wants to keep her maiden name in Germany or not.

Since there's pro's and con's either way...we're trying to weigh them out.

If you're German, you probably know what I'm talking about.

Has anyone also been in this situation?

I am in the same situation...

Does your marriage certificate say her new name?

If not you have to go to the German Embassy and change her name with them. You don't have to, only if she wants to have her married name, her legal name in Germany as well.

When you do the name change with the Embassy, she can apply for a new passport with them as soon as the name change is through with Berlin.

The name change is a couple of bugs and the new passport like 80 Dollars.

Just call the nearest German Embassy and find out, what they can do for you.

I also gave up my German Residency so they can put my american address in the passport.

Getting the passport changed will probably be easier for travelling since the Green Card is probably in her married name.

Hope you guys don/t have to wait to long on your interview....

Good luck

While we're waiting for lifting of conditional status, my wife also has to renew her German passport.

The only complication is she needs to decide if she wants to keep her maiden name in Germany or not.

Since there's pro's and con's either way...we're trying to weigh them out.

If you're German, you probably know what I'm talking about.

Has anyone also been in this situation?

ohhh....

SOmething else I just remembered. When she gets her name changed you guys can choose between german name right and american name right. We chose the american because it's mor flexible.....

The people at the embassy can explain all that better than I can......