Change last name after wedding

[Freyja 1]

Hi all!

I have a question regarding changing your last name... We had our wedding last weekend and I want to change my last name to my husband's. What do I need to do? We will be going through AOS now and I want to apply with my new last name but do I need to do something before sending in the papers to legally change my name here? I have applied for a SSN in my maiden name (before the marriage) but have not received it yet.

Any help is appreciated!

Thanks!!

[Otto 83]

All you need to do is file your AOS forms (I-485, I-765 etc) in your new married name. Your marriage certificate should indicate you are choosing to change your name/take your husband's name.

Later - after you get either the EAD or PR/Green Card, you can go the the SSA and also the DMV (Driver's License authority) to either update your name or get one/both issued in your married name.

That is it.

Congratulations on the marriage...

[Freyja 1]

Thank you!

Our marriage certificate just shows my name as my maiden name and doesn't indicate in any way whether I am changing my name or not. But maybe that differs between states??

So I will have to wait until I have EAD/GC to change my last name on SSN, I can't do it earlier? I asked the people at the SS office when I applied for SSN in my maiden name and they said I first have to register my new name with immigration so that they can see the new name in the computer. Whatever that means?? I guess sending in AOS but is that not enough, I have to also get EAD before I can get new SSN?

Thanks again!!!!!!!

[thepizzadude 26]

Thank you!

Our marriage certificate just shows my name as my maiden name and doesn't indicate in any way whether I am changing my name or not. But maybe that differs between states??

So I will have to wait until I have EAD/GC to change my last name on SSN, I can't do it earlier? I asked the people at the SS office when I applied for SSN in my maiden name and they said I first have to register my new name with immigration so that they can see the new name in the computer. Whatever that means?? I guess sending in AOS but is that not enough, I have to also get EAD before I can get new SSN?

Thanks again!!!!!!!

All you have to do is put your new name on the AOS forms and go from there. There is nothing on you marriage paperwork that shows the name change at all, they always show the maiden name and are filed like that with the state. It may be different in some states but I highly doubt it. When you get your EAD go to Social Security office and change name, same with DMV.

Good Luck

[KMack 0]

Thank you!

Our marriage certificate just shows my name as my maiden name and doesn't indicate in any way whether I am changing my name or not. But maybe that differs between states??

So I will have to wait until I have EAD/GC to change my last name on SSN, I can't do it earlier? I asked the people at the SS office when I applied for SSN in my maiden name and they said I first have to register my new name with immigration so that they can see the new name in the computer. Whatever that means?? I guess sending in AOS but is that not enough, I have to also get EAD before I can get new SSN?

Thanks again!!!!!!!

All you have to do is put your new name on the AOS forms and go from there. There is nothing on you marriage paperwork that shows the name change at all, they always show the maiden name and are filed like that with the state. It may be different in some states but I highly doubt it. When you get your EAD go to Social Security office and change name, same with DMV.

Good Luck

Congratulations!

Yes, I agree, just fill out the forms with your new name and after receiving EAD, go to SSN and change your name with them.

I wanted to change my name before filling for AOS and SSN would not let me because I was "out of status". I was not K1 anymore and plus my K1 would expire in 14 days... so, dont worry, just file AOS in new name and you will be just fine:)

[Matt & Bing 56]

Thank you!

Our marriage certificate just shows my name as my maiden name and doesn't indicate in any way whether I am changing my name or not. But maybe that differs between states??

So I will have to wait until I have EAD/GC to change my last name on SSN, I can't do it earlier? I asked the people at the SS office when I applied for SSN in my maiden name and they said I first have to register my new name with immigration so that they can see the new name in the computer. Whatever that means?? I guess sending in AOS but is that not enough, I have to also get EAD before I can get new SSN?

Thanks again!!!!!!!

All you have to do is put your new name on the AOS forms and go from there. There is nothing on you marriage paperwork that shows the name change at all, they always show the maiden name and are filed like that with the state. It may be different in some states but I highly doubt it. When you get your EAD go to Social Security office and change name, same with DMV.

Good Luck

Then, how does your name get legally changed at marriage?? Some people do not take their spouses name, some hyphenate using their old & new last names and most take their spouses last name. How does the State or whoever know what last name you have chosen?

Edited August 19, 2009 by Matt & Bing

[Thai Rath 1]

Then, how does your name get legally changed at marriage?? Some people do not take their spouses name, some hyphenate using their old & new last names and most take their spouses last name. How does the State or whoever know what last name you have chosen?

One way is to go to Social Security and tell them what you want it to be, should you wish to change it; then, start changing all your other IDs.

[Freyja 1]

FYI I was able to go to the SS office with my SSN (in my maiden name), show them the marriage certificate and they change my name. New SSN will be received within 2 weeks! Did not need anything else except for marriage certificate and my passport. Was able to change last name and keep my maiden name as a middle name.

[Nicoxcx 1]

Your marriage certificate gives you the legal ability to change your last name to your husbands, or hyphen it. It is up to you to contact the required people and change it. All of my british stuff, bank accounts etc; are in my maiden name, all of my US stuff married name, both are legal. When I get around to changing my name on my british accounts all I need is marriage certificate.