Applying for SSN

[saraswati007 0]

I really should stop googling this, because it gets more confusing. This is from the City of Boston website:

"Federal Statutes requires the collection of Social Security numbers (SSNs) at the time of application."

http://www.cityofboston.gov/registry/marriage.asp

Which apparently isn't true, because people here have received their licenses w/o a SSN.... sigh. It's a little confusing, because we've got people flying in from across the country, and I'd like to give them a hard and fast date on when to be here.

[Beantownbabe 1]

I got my information initially from that same website but had to find out the "real deal" so to speak, in person. The paperwork DOES mention the SSN when your fill out the license form, but it gives a place where you can write an explanation as to WHY you don't have one. Failing that, just explain to the clerk and he/she'll deal with it. It's funny because when we went there to actually be married, they charged us a different price (lower) than quoted on the phone so it seems to me that one hand doesn't necessarily know what the other is doing and I guess that's why it's sometimes confusing. Why don't you go in asap to get the license once you see it can be done, make arrangements right away and you can then have a solid date for everyone?! Good luck!

[saraswati007 0]

Awesome! This is such great news. We're so close to the visa; his interview is Oct 14th. If all goes well, he'll be here Nov 20th. We wanted to get married before Christmas (so that people could actually come to our reception), and now it looks like we might be able to do it. THANKS!!

PS - Come to think of it, I don't know how an SSN could actually be required, since, as far as I understand, it's not required that even US Citizens have an SSN. When you file taxes, you can have a tax ID number instead. Whatever!

Really? Wow - then maybe the Brookline townhall website is out of date, because here's what it says:

"Except for a few exceptional circumstances, the couple must appear in person at the Office of the Town Clerk in order to obtain a marriage license. The couple must complete and sign under oath an Intention of Marriage. Information necessary to completing this form is your social security number, your place of birth and your mother's maiden name. The fee for filing the Intention of Marriage is $35.00."

(Highlights are my own.)

I should probably call them and find out what the latest is.... maybe we could do it sooner than I thought???

That website is badly worded. What it should say is that an SSN is necessary if you have one.

You definitely don't need one.

[saraswati007 0]

Thanks, Beantownbabe... that makes a lot of sense. Plus, I definitely love your idea of hopping the Green line to Government Center if it doesn't work out in Brookline.

Now that I read that there's a space on the actual form where you can specify WHY you don't have an SSN, I feel a lot better -- because obviously that means the SSN isn't required (if it were, why give you a chance to explain not having one??). They seem pretty laid back at the Brookline Town Hall, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed... otherwise, Government Center, here we come!

By the way, I wonder how many VJ'ers are here in the Boston area. Maybe we should have a meet-up?

Thanks all!

I got my information initially from that same website but had to find out the "real deal" so to speak, in person. The paperwork DOES mention the SSN when your fill out the license form, but it gives a place where you can write an explanation as to WHY you don't have one. Failing that, just explain to the clerk and he/she'll deal with it. It's funny because when we went there to actually be married, they charged us a different price (lower) than quoted on the phone so it seems to me that one hand doesn't necessarily know what the other is doing and I guess that's why it's sometimes confusing. Why don't you go in asap to get the license once you see it can be done, make arrangements right away and you can then have a solid date for everyone?! Good luck!

[saraswati007 0]

Sorry, one last question here -- so what reason should we give for not having an SSN? Should we state "immigrant on K-1 visa" or is there a better way to word it? Should we tell them that we'll be getting one in a few weeks, or will that just muddy the waters?

Thanks!

You don't need an SSN to marry in MA. If you don't have one you just need to given them your reason for not having one in writing when you go for your license.

[Beantownbabe 1]

If I were you, I wouldn't even bother going into too much detail since to be honest I don't think the clerk really cares! If in doubt ask and they will tell you what to write there - or they will just fill it in. That's what I saw them do. When we went, the clerk had a query about something I had written which to her, didn't add up (name stuff, boring...) and she just told me "help me understand! I need to be able to explain it!" All that to say that they really just need to be able to have AN explanation, if they ask. "Immigrant on K-1 visa" can't hurt at all! Good luck!

[spookyturtle 9,465]

Oh yes and the medical part -specifically blood tests for Syphillis was done away with about three(?) years ago I believe...

Your're right, they did do away with the blood test. I asked about it when I inquired about getting a marriage license at my town hall and they said that the state dropped the requirement.

[spookyturtle 9,465]

Food for thought: My wife took my last name when we married so we waited to get the ss# so the card would be in her married name, that way she wouldn't have to change her name on her ss card. Not a big deal but I just thought I'd toss it out there.

[Gemmie 142]

By the way, I wonder how many VJ'ers are here in the Boston area. Maybe we should have a meet-up?

I'll be moving to somewhere in the area, perhaps Middleboro or Bridgewater. I would love to go to Boston but it's too expensive for us right now.

Won't be moving until next July though.