Married or Maiden name on I-864 for USC?

[MoonStar9913 0]

I am starting to fill out the forms for AOS and I am trying to decide whether I (as the USC) use my married or maiden name on the forms? I wanted to use my married name, which I already have changed on my driver's license and SS card but when I got to the I-864 I realized that all of my information (W-2s, letter from employer, etc) will still be in my maiden name. What have other VJers done in this case, esp where the USC changed her last name? Thanks!

[VanessaTony 3,567]

If you changed your name at marriage (it will be on your marriage licence) then complete the forms in your married name.

There have been some cases where people assume they've changed their name simply because they married someone and yet signed their maiden name on the licence and nowhere on the licence does it SAY their married name. In those cases a legal name change is required.

In your particular case, you are about to file AOS for your husband, and MUST include the marriage licence and proof of marriage. Your name change should be shown on it and therefore the fact that the docs are in your old name is irrelevant. Remember that this form is going on file. If you're changing your name later (say you didn't at marriage and wanted to later on) you would need to RESUBMIT the forms in your new name. Better to do it now. They realise that at marriage you can't just "click your fingers" and change everything. It takes time. Plus, you CHANGED your name, of course the docs are in your "old name".

[team ali+jc 1]

I'm in the same boat trying to apply for AOS for my husband (yay!!!)

We just got married a few days ago but want to get processing asap. I have questions about what order things should be done. Here is what I'm assuming is the best route:

1. Obtain certified marriage certificates

2. File name change (mine to my husband's name) with SSN

3. Send in AOS packet signed with my married name where necessary.

I assume I can change my name on all my other documents (DL, Passport, etc.) at my leisure after my SSN is changed.

Thanks for any help you can give! We are in a slightly different senario then a lot of others since the Amerikana wife peititioned her Filipino husband!

[Lainie B 465]

You don't need to get your name changed on your social security card before you send in your AOS. Social security doesn't do legal name changes, so no need to "file name change with SSN". It's done simply with the marriage certificate. The marriage certificate is the only name change document you will need. You can do everything else (SSN, passport, DL, bank accounts etc) with the marriage certificates, whenever is convenient, in any order you wish.

Even if only your maiden name appears on the marriage certificate (as is the case in most US states) you can still use the marriage certificate as the legal proof of name change, and you can use your husband's name as your legal name from the day you get married.