Changing SSN to married name

[Betti 1]

Hi y'all,

I have yet another question.

I will get married on Saturday (yay!) and am planning on sending out my AOS package on Wednesday. I plan on going to the SS office on Monday, to get my card updated with my married name. I thought I could just bring my marriage certificate and passport, with the J-1 visa showing the expiration date 09/19.

Now I heard that this might not be possible, as my visa is about to expire and the SS office will not produce a new card in this case. Does anybody know something for sure here and might be able to tell me, if I will be able to get the new SS card?

Also, I know that Texas only gives out drivers licenses, if you have a visa that is still valid for at least 180 days from the day of applying. Does that mean I will have to wait for my greencard to get the license switched over into the married name?

Thank you so much for your help!

Betti

[Misha and Masha 0]

Hi y'all,

I have yet another question.

I will get married on Saturday (yay!) and am planning on sending out my AOS package on Wednesday. I plan on going to the SS office on Monday, to get my card updated with my married name. I thought I could just bring my marriage certificate and passport, with the J-1 visa showing the expiration date 09/19.

Now I heard that this might not be possible, as my visa is about to expire and the SS office will not produce a new card in this case. Does anybody know something for sure here and might be able to tell me, if I will be able to get the new SS card?

Also, I know that Texas only gives out drivers licenses, if you have a visa that is still valid for at least 180 days from the day of applying. Does that mean I will have to wait for my greencard to get the license switched over into the married name?

Thank you so much for your help!

Betti

I don't think you'll get a new SS card until you're done with your AOS process.

I wanted to do the same thing about 3 weeks ago, showed them passport, my work authorization card (with F-1 OPT status), and marriage certificate with the new name. Lady in SS Office said that they cannot change my SS card until US government issues a document with a new name on it (i.e. EAD card,GC). So I have to wait for a GC first, then apply for a SS Card.

Edited August 5, 2009 by Misha and Masha

[Septembergold 0]

If you came here on J-1, then you already have a SS number. To change your name on the card you should just go to your SS office and have your ID ( a passport I guess) and your marriage certificate showing the name change. At least that`s what they do here in Michigan. Just remember that once you get your GC you`ll have go back to the SS office and have the restrictions (DHS authorization only) removed from it.

[Betti 1]

Yes, I do have a SSN already with my J-1 visa. So I can just go to the SS office on Monday, show them my passport and marriage certificate and get the card changed into my married name, even though the j-1 expires on 9/19?

Thanks for your answers!

[Septembergold 0]

Yes, I do have a SSN already with my J-1 visa. So I can just go to the SS office on Monday, show them my passport and marriage certificate and get the card changed into my married name, even though the j-1 expires on 9/19?

Thanks for your answers!

According to the SS site, yes, this is what you can do. If for any reason (who knows those people...) they refuse to change your name at that time, you might have to wait til you get your EAD card, which is what I did. Changing your name on the SS card is just a minor fix, in most cases you don`t need to show your actual SS card and your number stays the same. OR since you`re not married yet, I would recommend waiting at least until you get your NOA1s (because they`ll want to see your immigration status) and then head for the SS office.