SSN, DL and Immigration Name Issues

[Hugglebuggles 60]

I applied for my SSN card way back when I first entered the US. I wasn't married yet and therefore its in my maiden name. I never went and changed it after the wedding because a. my I-94 was close to expiration and b. I didn't see a big reason to bother changing it. Well I got my EAD in the mail yesterday and am now able to go down to the Jefferson County DMV and apply for a Colorado state drivers license. The problem is that they require the name on your SSN to match the name on your ID and the name you want your drivers license to be under. I know this because I was given a booklet on name changes in Colorado when we applied for our marriage license. So I tried to go down to the SSN office today and do the name change. I figured that it would be simple since I already have a number, I have the marriage certificate, and I have my EAD in my married name showing I'm not here illegally. Unfortunately not. The lady behind the desk says immigrations does not have my new married name in the system. I showed her my NOA1 for AOS in my married name and my EAD in my married name but she refused to process me. She said that since I'm still in the system in my maiden name (for whatever reason) she would have to manually verify my identity with USCIS. She photocopied all my ID and said she had to mail it off and wait for a response which can take 4 weeks. 4 weeks?! I already have a card and number, I have prof USCIS knows I changed my name, what is the problem here? Has this happened to anyone else? I don't understand why this is such an ordeal while some people go and get their first card in their married name shortly after or even before filling AOS. Their names obviously aren't in the system in their married names are they?

I can't even get the license in my maiden name and switch it over since half my ID is in my maiden name and half is in my married name and they are big on having the documents "match." My prof of status or "variafiable secured documentation" being my EAD, has me in my married name while my SSN has my maiden name.

To make matters worse, by grace period for driving with my Ontario license has recently passed. So I've been driving around, technically illegally, for the past couple weeks. I was looking forward to getting my EAD so I could get the CO DL and now I'm looking at an extra month. How am I superposed to go out and look for a job when I legally cannot drive? I'm trying to decide If I should just play dumb and drive around anyway, hoping I don't get pulled over, or be a good girl and stay home until everything goes through. The last option might make me a little crazy. Anyone have some advice or guidance on this one? If I was pulled over... what would happen?

I thought I was out of limbo there for a day or so... now I'm right back in the hole! yay.

On a side note, Bill wants to contact his congressman and complain. Anyone think this will help me get the SSN faster or is it just going to be a complete waste of time?

[IR5FORMUMSIE 850]

I applied for my SSN card way back when I first entered the US. I wasn't married yet and therefore its in my maiden name. I never went and changed it after the wedding because a. my I-94 was close to expiration and b. I didn't see a big reason to bother changing it. Well I got my EAD in the mail yesterday and am now able to go down to the Jefferson County DMV and apply for a Colorado state drivers license. The problem is that they require the name on your SSN to match the name on your ID and the name you want your drivers license to be under. I know this because I was given a booklet on name changes in Colorado when we applied for our marriage license. So I tried to go down to the SSN office today and do the name change. I figured that it would be simple since I already have a number, I have the marriage certificate, and I have my EAD in my married name showing I'm not here illegally. Unfortunately not. The lady behind the desk says immigrations does not have my new married name in the system. I showed her my NOA1 for AOS in my married name and my EAD in my married name but she refused to process me. She said that since I'm still in the system in my maiden name (for whatever reason) she would have to manually verify my identity with USCIS. She photocopied all my ID and said she had to mail it off and wait for a response which can take 4 weeks. 4 weeks?! I already have a card and number, I have prof USCIS knows I changed my name, what is the problem here? Has this happened to anyone else? I don't understand why this is such an ordeal while some people go and get their first card in their married name shortly after or even before filling AOS. Their names obviously aren't in the system in their married names are they?

I can't even get the license in my maiden name and switch it over since half my ID is in my maiden name and half is in my married name and they are big on having the documents "match." My prof of status or "variafiable secured documentation" being my EAD, has me in my married name while my SSN has my maiden name.

To make matters worse, by grace period for driving with my Ontario license has recently passed. So I've been driving around, technically illegally, for the past couple weeks. I was looking forward to getting my EAD so I could get the CO DL and now I'm looking at an extra month. How am I superposed to go out and look for a job when I legally cannot drive? I'm trying to decide If I should just play dumb and drive around anyway, hoping I don't get pulled over, or be a good girl and stay home until everything goes through. The last option might make me a little crazy. Anyone have some advice or guidance on this one? If I was pulled over... what would happen?

I thought I was out of limbo there for a day or so... now I'm right back in the hole! yay.

On a side note, Bill wants to contact his congressman and complain. Anyone think this will help me get the SSN faster or is it just going to be a complete waste of time?

I would phone ahead and try to get a supervisor. I don't recall if Colorado has a main number but many states have an 800 number that you can phone and try to get some info. Here's the number for your office in Golden (?) (720) 497-1182 or (303) 271-8100. Here's the feedback form, maybe it will work, http://www.co.jefferson.co.us/mv/mv_T120_R15.htm. Say that you're having trouble with Colorado document DR2300 - Identification Requirements and explain the situation to them. If you can get the name of a supervisor or someone who knows what they're doing it shouldn't be a problem. It's like that in many states. As for driving with an expired license, let's just say some folks are lucky and some aren't. If you are pulled over, the officers might understand, then again they might not. They could impound the vehicle until a licensed driver can claim the vehicle and charge you with driving without a license.

As for complaining to your Congressional Representative, I see no harm in giving it a try. It might actually work.

Edited October 7, 2009 by IR5FORMUMSIE

[Carlawarla 1]

They said it could take four weeks, but it might not. In Missouri, I had to wait until my GC to get my license. My SK license hadn't expired, so I just drove around on that. I think they'll change your name on your SSN with your EAD, and I think that 4 week timeline was just an estimation, and you should hear something sooner.

[SapphireDreams 71]

They told me the same thing when I applied for my SSN and it came in like 5 business days. They told me it would take 4-6 weeks to verify my married name in the system.

I think they overly inflate that number, it doesn't actually take that long.

[Hugglebuggles 60]

I hope not. It just makes me mad because I think the whole process of verifying my name is just really unnecessary. Unfortunately I can't really do anything about it today or tomorrow since I'll be gone, but Friday I'll see if I can get some answers. I thought about going back down to the office but they really under staff themselves and just that one lady was working when I went in... she might be the only one working if I go back. Think it matters if I was go to to an office in a different locality? Maybe I should try that.

The driving things makes me nervous. If my husbands car was to get impounded he would probably kill someone

[SapphireDreams 71]

I hope not. It just makes me mad because I think the whole process of verifying my name is just really unnecessary. Unfortunately I can't really do anything about it today or tomorrow since I'll be gone, but Friday I'll see if I can get some answers. I thought about going back down to the office but they really under staff themselves and just that one lady was working when I went in... she might be the only one working if I go back. Think it matters if I was go to to an office in a different locality? Maybe I should try that.

The driving things makes me nervous. If my husbands car was to get impounded he would probably kill someone

Honestly, I wouldn't waste your time going back. They did what they had to do. They send something through their immigration system and then it verifies it. It only really takes a couple of days. I'm pretty sure it happens to almost everyone going through immigration, it's not unnecessary to them because there is such high fraud in the U.S. I noticed that they just don't take any chances here. And, employees, even supervisors are really just following their rules.

Did they give you a piece of paper explaining about the verification stuff? They just told me to call in 2 weeks to see what the status was. I had it in my hands way before that.

[IR5FORMUMSIE 850]

I hope not. It just makes me mad because I think the whole process of verifying my name is just really unnecessary. Unfortunately I can't really do anything about it today or tomorrow since I'll be gone, but Friday I'll see if I can get some answers. I thought about going back down to the office but they really under staff themselves and just that one lady was working when I went in... she might be the only one working if I go back. Think it matters if I was go to to an office in a different locality? Maybe I should try that.

The driving things makes me nervous. If my husbands car was to get impounded he would probably kill someone

Honestly, I wouldn't waste your time going back. They did what they had to do. They send something through their immigration system and then it verifies it. It only really takes a couple of days. I'm pretty sure it happens to almost everyone going through immigration, it's not unnecessary to them because there is such high fraud in the U.S. I noticed that they just don't take any chances here. And, employees, even supervisors are really just following their rules.

Did they give you a piece of paper explaining about the verification stuff? They just told me to call in 2 weeks to see what the status was. I had it in my hands way before that.

That's true but it never hurts to ask and sometimes rules are on the books that are used so infrequently that very few people know about them. It depends on the state, some are very fast and some, not so much.

[IR5FORMUMSIE 850]

I hope not. It just makes me mad because I think the whole process of verifying my name is just really unnecessary. Unfortunately I can't really do anything about it today or tomorrow since I'll be gone, but Friday I'll see if I can get some answers. I thought about going back down to the office but they really under staff themselves and just that one lady was working when I went in... she might be the only one working if I go back. Think it matters if I was go to to an office in a different locality? Maybe I should try that.

The driving things makes me nervous. If my husbands car was to get impounded he would probably kill someone

That's an excellent idea. I would phone around and see if you have any better luck.

Don't worry about the impound, we'll come to your funeral.

[beans 7]

SSN did almost the same thing to me but because my info wasn't in the system at all. They told me 4 weeks it took 7 days. Four days to get the notice that they have to confirm with DHS and three days after that my card came in the mail. As far as the DL and everything I can't help you. But hopefully the four week thing doesn't freak you out too much anymore.

[SapphireDreams 71]

I hope not. It just makes me mad because I think the whole process of verifying my name is just really unnecessary. Unfortunately I can't really do anything about it today or tomorrow since I'll be gone, but Friday I'll see if I can get some answers. I thought about going back down to the office but they really under staff themselves and just that one lady was working when I went in... she might be the only one working if I go back. Think it matters if I was go to to an office in a different locality? Maybe I should try that.

The driving things makes me nervous. If my husbands car was to get impounded he would probably kill someone

Honestly, I wouldn't waste your time going back. They did what they had to do. They send something through their immigration system and then it verifies it. It only really takes a couple of days. I'm pretty sure it happens to almost everyone going through immigration, it's not unnecessary to them because there is such high fraud in the U.S. I noticed that they just don't take any chances here. And, employees, even supervisors are really just following their rules.

Did they give you a piece of paper explaining about the verification stuff? They just told me to call in 2 weeks to see what the status was. I had it in my hands way before that.

That's true but it never hurts to ask and sometimes rules are on the books that are used so infrequently that very few people know about them. It depends on the state, some are very fast and some, not so much.

That's true, it doesn't hurt to ask. It's just that they aren't saying she can't get it, they are saying that they have to verify her new name in their immigration system, which is a common happening for a lot of us. It doesn't actually take the time they say it does.

I'd probably wait a week and a half and then inquire again.

[Miranda&John 0]

I tried the same thing this past Monday. I came into the country on a J-1, got married this weekend and wanted to change the name on my SSN so I could get a California Drivers License in my new name. I brought my card and the marriage certificate with me. Waited around for 45 minutes (it could have actually been a whole lot worse) but when I got up there, she said I needed to change my name with USCIS. She gave me a piece of paper with the address (which was down the street). I went there, and they are only open on Tuesday, Wednesdays and Saturdays! ARGGHH!

[Hugglebuggles 60]

My frustration lies in the fact I already have a card, so I'm obviously eligible to have one, I have changed my name with USCIS and they are fully aware of it, which is proven by the fact I have documents from them addressed to me in my married name. I went for my bio appointment a couple weeks ago and again confirmed the name change. I just don't understand why there is any question, that's all. To me its right here in front of them. But you're right, employees only do what they are told. She said she didn't understand why it wasn't changed in the system but that she couldn't do anything about it. Perhaps it is a flaw with the system more than a flaw with the person or office processing it. I think I'll give it a week or two then start to inquire. I was given a piece of paper explaining it but it just confuses me more... It says that I have applied for a SSN and they must verify my immigration status. I already have an SSN and I brought them my EAD, is that not prof enough? Maybe its just a generic letter given to cover themselves for a number of reasons.

[SapphireDreams 71]

My frustration lies in the fact I already have a card, so I'm obviously eligible to have one, I have changed my name with USCIS and they are fully aware of it, which is proven by the fact I have documents from them addressed to me in my married name. I went for my bio appointment a couple weeks ago and again confirmed the name change. I just don't understand why there is any question, that's all. To me its right here in front of them. But you're right, employees only do what they are told. She said she didn't understand why it wasn't changed in the system but that she couldn't do anything about it. Perhaps it is a flaw with the system more than a flaw with the person or office processing it. I think I'll give it a week or two then start to inquire. I was given a piece of paper explaining it but it just confuses me more... It says that I have applied for a SSN and they must verify my immigration status. I already have an SSN and I brought them my EAD, is that not prof enough? Maybe its just a generic letter given to cover themselves for a number of reasons.

I can totally see your frustration. But the thing is that they know you are eligible, and they know you are a legal immigrant, but they still have to verify that. It's a process that they have to follow. One thing that I've noticed here are that each government bureau, follows their own set of rules and to them, they don't really care about differing circumstances.

The DMV doesn't care what the SS office does and the SS office doesn't care what the USCIS does.

It's really a vicious circle.

[Krikit 1,164]

I tried the same thing this past Monday. I came into the country on a J-1, got married this weekend and wanted to change the name on my SSN so I could get a California Drivers License in my new name. I brought my card and the marriage certificate with me. Waited around for 45 minutes (it could have actually been a whole lot worse) but when I got up there, she said I needed to change my name with USCIS. She gave me a piece of paper with the address (which was down the street). I went there, and they are only open on Tuesday, Wednesdays and Saturdays! ARGGHH!

The marriage certificate is your proof of name change. It has nothing to do with USCIS. Two totally separate issues. Unfortunately, you and Huggles are caught up in the mindset of someone who doesn't know their job. Here is their policy and documentation. Make sure you escalate the problem and insist on speaking with a supervisor.

SSA Name Change Policy Document

Also read this post...... Here is an excerpt from it which pertains to the name change.... quoted directly from SSA HQ:

Note: Marriage does not affect an individual with K-1 status's eligibility to be assigned an SSN, or issued a card.

The marriage document establishes the name change if it meets the following criteria:

-- The new name can be derived from the marriage document, i.e. bride

takes the groom's last name, groom takes bride's last name,

compound name (with or without hyphen) of each spouse's original

name for either or both parties.

Note: The type of name change requested must also be allowable under state law, for example, groom taking bride's last name.

-- The marriage occurred within the past two years

-- The marriage document shows sufficient identifying information, for

example, biographical data such as age, date of birth or parent's

names), and

-- The identifying information matches the information on his/her

Social Security number (Numident) record.

The applicant may need to submit an identity document in the old name along with the marriage document if:

-- The marriage occurred within the last two years and has

biographical information, for example, age, date of birth or

parent's names which does not match our records, for example, the

SSN record.

-- The marriage occurred within the last two years, but does not show

biographical information, or

-- The marriage occurred over two years ago (with or without

biographical information.

The identity document used to establish the old name must match the name on the current SSN record. The identity document is acceptable even if over two years old or expired.

Note: Refer the Social Security office personnel to EM-06064, which was issued 10/02/2006 and EM-07045, which was issued 07/03/2007 for the current procedures regarding name changes based on marriage.

Edited October 8, 2009 by Krikit

[Miranda&John 0]

The identity document used to establish the old name must match the name on the current SSN record. The identity document is acceptable even if over two years old or expired.

Note: Refer the Social Security office personnel to EM-06064, which was issued 10/02/2006 and EM-07045, which was issued 07/03/2007 for the current procedures regarding name changes based on marriage.

Thanks for the link!

The policy states:

C. Procedure - Immigration Document as Evidence of Legal Name

When issuing immigration documents, the Department of State and DHS issue them in the person’s legal name. The legal name is also generally the name in which the foreign passport was issued.

When an alien applies for an SSN card, presume the name on the immigration document is the legal name unless the applicant presents evidence of a legal name change (e.g., marriage) that occurred after the immigration document was issued.

In cases where an alien applies for a replacement SSN card and submits an immigration document showing a name that is different from the name on the prior Numident record, accept the immigration document as evidence of the legal name. In these cases, the prior SSN card may have been issued in a name that was not the NH’s legal name.

EXCEPTION: For foreign students (F-1 and M-1) consider the name on Form I-20 the legal name. For exchange visitors (J-1), consider the name on the DS-2019 the legal name.

My DS-2019 is in my maiden name, and that's the form they want me to have updated. Am I reading this right that I do not have to have that form updated? I'm going to try at the USCIS office on Saturday but I'm not convinced they will want to issue me a new one in my new name?