SSN and AOS - name change problem?

[Juulna 0]

Hello all,

I'm hoping someone can help myself and my new husband with an issue we experienced with attempting to change our name. (Yes, this will have to do with AoS)

When I arrived, before getting married, I applied for and received my SSN from the SSA office while still on my K1 visa. I was told to do this, as if I didn't there wouldn't be anything to adjust my status from.

Anyway, we just got married on March 30th, and this past monday I went into the SSA office again so that I could change my name and receive my new SSN card. However, the lady there was extremely rude and not helpful at all. I brought my marriage certificate in, my passport, and my Arkansas driver's license. She told me that she could not issue me a new SSN card until I received my green card, thus I would not be able to change my name legally yet. She said two things:

1 - That I could only be issued one SSN card per visa type. Since I still am technically on my K1 and don't have a green card, she said I had to wait for my green card. Or is there another thing I can use to change it before?

2 - That she couldn't change my name until my green card because all of my documents needed to match in the government system.

I have a feeling that the last one means she is full of ####### because I hear of so many people applying for their adjustment of status (I-485, which we are currently filling out) with their new last name, not their maiden name. How would I do that if I don't have a SSN card to prove my new identity? Or can I apply for a driver's license with just my marriage certificate, and then use a copy of the new card with my new name when I apply for the green card with my new name?

---- Speaking of my driver's license, they gave it an expiry date the same as my I-94. Can I use my AOS Notice of Action 1 (when I receive it) so that they give me a longer license, or will just showing my marriage certificate grant me a normal driver's license? ----

So my simple question is: When and where the heck do I legally change my last name to my husband's, so that it doesn't mess up my AoS and green card application?

Thanks everyone.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

So my simple question is: When and where the heck do I legally change my last name to my husband's, so that it doesn't mess up my AoS and green card application?

Thanks everyone.

Your name is you husband's the day you got married. File your AOS with his name as your last name. Don't worry about what name is on the SS card. Having a SSN isn't even required for filing AOS. It's having the number that counts (and not the name) that is useful now for opening a bank account or co-signing a lease. Fix the name with Social Security later. Use his name now. It's fine.

Edited April 11, 2013 by Nich-Nick

[didopage 337]

When I applied for my SSN before my wedding, the nice SSA lady told me I would need my EAD card or green card (=a new immigration document) + my marriage certificate to update my name on my SS card.

I agree with Nich-Nick. What matters is that you have a SSN (the number stays the same for your whole life). Updating you name on your card is not urgent. Wait for your EAD or green card, whichever comes first (if you applied for EAD for sure), and go back there.

And as Nich-Nick said, fill in AOS-EAD-AP applications with your husband's name, this way you will receive an EAD/AP card and green card with your new name.

[didopage 337]

For the driver's license, each state has their own rules. But usually you would need to wait for your EAD card/green card to get a new driver's license. The NOA1 is not a valid proof in most of the states.

[Juulna 0]

Thanks for all your replies, everyone. They are most helpful! I will be sure to fill out our form with my husband's last name.

For my driver's license (what amount of time I have left anyway), bank account, insurance papers, doctor's office, etc, am I safe to change my name there as of now, if they will let me with just my passport, SSN and marriage certificate?

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Thanks for all your replies, everyone. They are most helpful! I will be sure to fill out our form with my husband's last name.

For my driver's license (what amount of time I have left anyway), bank account, insurance papers, doctor's office, etc, am I safe to change my name there as of now, if they will let me with just my passport, SSN and marriage certificate?

I wouldn't worry about the driver license yet. It's like the SS office and probably needs a new proof that you have longer than 90 days in the US. Right now the I-94 is all you have and it runs out after 90 days. When you get EAD, it gives you a year. Greencard gives you 2 years. Might as well wait to change your name on the license when you get to update it for at least two years. Some states charge a fee each time you update your license.

Yes, tell the bank, doctor, insurance, landlord, neighbors, etc that your last name is whatever your husband's is. Memorize your SSN. Most places don't need to see the card. Carry a photocopy of you marriage license along with your passport to anyplace that requires photo ID. It will prove the name change. It takes a while to get settled in with a K1 because at first your only paper proof of time allowed in this country is for 90 days. The main thing is file for AOS/EAD/AP as soon as possible to you get your new proofs sooner.

[Juulna 0]

Thanks

[drtuti 1]

I live in stamford ct...i had no problem getting my name changed on my SSN...i am here on k1 too and waiting for my aos...

[Lainie B 465]

I live in stamford ct...i had no problem getting my name changed on my SSN...i am here on k1 too and waiting for my aos...

Because you made the change before your I-94 expired.

Once the I-94 has expired, you can't get your name changed until you get your EAD or GC. But it's not a big deal.

[Juulna 0]

Well I was trying to change my name on my SSN (already have a SSN with my K1 under my maiden name) and they told me I wouldn't be allowed to until I get my green card. My I-94 hasn't expired yet either, so I don't know what you two are talking about. o.o

[pinayanne27 8]

I went to ss office after we got our marriage certificate. So basically i didn't apply for ssn when i got here but instead we got married first.

When we went there we brought our marriage certificate, I-94 and my passport. The lady didn't say anything about what last name to use etc etc. i passed my form using my hubby's last name. She just told us to wait for it in the mail.