just got married

[lilj562 1]

hi guys. we just got married last week and we're on the process of applying my wife's AOS, we have a question regarding her change of last name. we just noticed on our marriage license that my wifes surname is still same as her maiden name, the clerk just ask us if we want her name changed, we said no, but she didn't explained to us that it includes her surname, we thought once we got married she can automatically use my last name especially when we apply for an SSN, ID and stuff. my question is, when we apply for an AOS can she use my last name in all the application/paperworks she needs to sign up, or does she need to use her maiden name?

[Romancita 3]

Hi!

Congratulations on your marriage!!!

She can definitely use your last name on all AOS papers. That's what we did and it was fine. On certain forms she will be asked to put down other names and that is where she can write her maiden name. Also, she needs to sign the forms with her new name. When you go to biometrics appointment, MAKE SURE you bring your marriage certificate with you since the appointment letter will be in her new name and any form of ID she has is in her maiden name.

Hope it helps! Good luck!

[HappyRs 8]

I did the same way as Romancita here. My marriage certificate had my maiden name, but I applied for AOS and SSN with my married name (for SSN I brought the passport, I-94 and marriage certificate...all in maiden name, but also the application form with the new name I wanted). As long as she's consistent and files and signs everything with the married name, everything should be just fine. Just like the poster above mentioned, there are forms that have "other names used" sections...That's where she needs to type her maiden name.

Congrats upon your wedding!

Edited March 22, 2011 by HappyRs

[lilj562 1]

thank you for the reply guys

[VanessaTony 3,567]

thank you for the reply guys

Don't get excited. It depends on your state requirements. My marriage certificate has name BEFORE and name AFTER marriage. I cannot change my name to my husbands UNLESS my name is written there in the "after" box. So check with your state.

[lilj562 1]

hello. we missed to fill out that part at the bottom (name before and after marriage). We already went to have my SSN here in Ca. and the guy there told us that in order for me to have my husband's surname that part should be filled (bottom part of the marriage license), the only thing he was able to do for us is putting my husband's surname after my maiden surname (as he mentioned to us it's his first time dealing with a K1 visa). So now I have a very long name and 2 surnames i guess in my SS. The problem now is were confused whether to use my husbands surname as my surname too and my maiden surname as my middle name through applying for AOS? or do really need to hassle ourselves in applying for name change in court? Need some advice here please. thanks.