Name changes in Canada and US

[coldwatersurf 5]

I have a dilemma. not sure how to go about it.

My name reads: first name, middle name, my last name then husband's last name (not hyphenated)

I want it to read: first name, last name as middle name, husband's last name as my only last name

the consulate rep said its easier if i change my name when I renew my passport or when I i go through naturalization.

But, I'm not sure if its better if I change it now since I'm currently using my first name and husband's last name for bank records, electricity bill, employment, and everything else. But, my US drivers license and Social Security Card already has my super long legal name on it. I dont know if this is going to create problems when I file my taxes or whatever else comes up.

As for canadian ID's, my passport and Canada Revenue has my super long name. I know I have to update my passport before I change anything else.

What is the best route to take? has anyone every been through this?

[trailmix 77]

I haven't, but it seems to me that for most non-legal things you should just not give them your super long name - give them the name you want to use.

For things like passports etc you would probably have to actually change your legal name in court - with legal documents it's acceptable to take a married name, or add it to your existing name, because you have a legal document to prove that with (your marriage license) however what you are talking about, basically is getting rid of your middle name, I don't think you can just drop it (for passport/DL etc).

Edited September 16, 2009 by trailmix

[Carlawarla 1]

When you apply for your 10 year GC, before naturalization, you can state how you want your names worded then. Before then, if you want, change your passport. You're not really using anything different about your name now, other than the middle names. Skip using your middle names on any documents except those that require the middle names.

[redBlue 1]

I have a dilemma. not sure how to go about it.

My name reads: first name, middle name, my last name then husband's last name (not hyphenated)

I want it to read: first name, last name as middle name, husband's last name as my only last name

the consulate rep said its easier if i change my name when I renew my passport or when I i go through naturalization.

But, I'm not sure if its better if I change it now since I'm currently using my first name and husband's last name for bank records, electricity bill, employment, and everything else. But, my US drivers license and Social Security Card already has my super long legal name on it. I dont know if this is going to create problems when I file my taxes or whatever else comes up.

As for canadian ID's, my passport and Canada Revenue has my super long name. I know I have to update my passport before I change anything else.

What is the best route to take? has anyone every been through this?

I had exactly the same concern,read many posts here and made my decision.. the best route is really a personal chcoice..

if u'd like to change it in Canada,before the interview,it will be more costly,need to go tru the court,lots of paper work to change each ID

If you'd like to change it before naturalization,less expensive,,less hassle,less paper work to be done...(I've decided to follow this route)

good luck

[coldwatersurf 5]

Thanks for the answers.

Yeah I think changing it at naturalization would be inexpensive and best way for me.

I was just concerned about filing my taxes and other legal documents required wont match. For example, my bank and electricity bill has First and married last name only. but any state and government identifications have to have what's on my K3 visa. So right now, my Drivers license, Social security card, and I just registered my canadian car in Washington and that has my long name too. My husband thinks its kind of weird I have such a long name and it didnt really bother me before until I started applying for my State ID's and stuff.

So lets say i change my name for my 10 yr GC - will it be easy to change my name on my Social Security record then? or do I have to go through legal court? It only confuses me b/c I am already married and using my married name. Like trailmix says, I am dropping a name and I might have to get the court involved. if that's the case, i guess I'll just keep all the names. Would it be a problem if (lets say) I apply for a credit card, and I only choose to put my preferred name and not my legal name? what do you guys think?

Edited September 17, 2009 by borderdriver