The joys of name changing..

[PearlyLemons 13]

Hi Everyone,

Just looking for some advice/words of wisdom.

Came to the U.S Sept 2013, applied for SSN in my married name. This was fine. We got married in Oct 2013, and then applied for AOS in November. Received my EAD/AP card around 2 weeks ago. Last Friday, my husband and I went to change my name on my Social Security card. The lady at the SS office said she needed to make sure USCIS would give her permission (wth?) to be able to change my name (even though my EAD is in my married name...) and she said I would have to wait for up to a month because she sent them a letter (I watched her put a photocopy of my EAD and marriage certificate in an envelope). She did, however, give me back from original SSN card with my maiden name. Is this normal? One post I read on VJ had something similar to my dilemma and even USCIS wouldn't verify the name change and they had to wait for the GC to change their name.

This leads on to my next point - I was told by two women at the DMV that I could drive in Illinois on my U.K license until I got my residency( my GC, I assume?). I now want to apply for a Illinois driver's license( because I think it's very iffy and I don't want to be doing anything illegal) but when I called the DMV today, they said my SS card had to be in my MARRIED name, because they wouldn't be able to verify who I was and my EAD is in my married name. Furthermore, I was told my my driving instructor here in the U.S that the driving examiner would need to verify my auto insurance ( I am under my husband's with my U.K license and maiden name) but of course that won't be my insurance and my name won't match up to the SS card once it's changed. The bummer is, the insurance company won't let me take out insurance in my own name because I do not have a valid U.S/IL license. This all feels like a catch-22. Right now, what with being coupled with homesickness and the uncertainty whether or not I can drive is just making me want to pack it all in. I can't work if I can't drive, unless I take a cab, which is expensive in these parts.

Should I have just waited for my GC to start all these name changes and driver's license stuff?

I'm having a bad day

[agnesb 47]

Hi Everyone,

Just looking for some advice/words of wisdom.

Came to the U.S Sept 2013, applied for SSN in my married name. This was fine. We got married in Oct 2013, and then applied for AOS in November. Received my EAD/AP card around 2 weeks ago. Last Friday, my husband and I went to change my name on my Social Security card. The lady at the SS office said she needed to make sure USCIS would give her permission (wth?) to be able to change my name (even though my EAD is in my married name...) and she said I would have to wait for up to a month because she sent them a letter (I watched her put a photocopy of my EAD and marriage certificate in an envelope). She did, however, give me back from original SSN card with my maiden name. Is this normal? One post I read on VJ had something similar to my dilemma and even USCIS wouldn't verify the name change and they had to wait for the GC to change their name.

This leads on to my next point - I was told by two women at the DMV that I could drive in Illinois on my U.K license until I got my residency( my GC, I assume?). I now want to apply for a Illinois driver's license( because I think it's very iffy and I don't want to be doing anything illegal) but when I called the DMV today, they said my SS card had to be in my MARRIED name, because they wouldn't be able to verify who I was and my EAD is in my married name. Furthermore, I was told my my driving instructor here in the U.S that the driving examiner would need to verify my auto insurance ( I am under my husband's with my U.K license and maiden name) but of course that won't be my insurance and my name won't match up to the SS card once it's changed. The bummer is, the insurance company won't let me take out insurance in my own name because I do not have a valid U.S/IL license. This all feels like a catch-22. Right now, what with being coupled with homesickness and the uncertainty whether or not I can drive is just making me want to pack it all in. I can't work if I can't drive, unless I take a cab, which is expensive in these parts.

Should I have just waited for my GC to start all these name changes and driver's license stuff?

I'm having a bad day

1st part: its normal, it won't take that long and you'll have your new ssn soon.

2nd part, just wait for your ssn in your married name and you'll be fine. Get your husband to change insurance to married name.

[PearlyLemons 13]

1st part: its normal, it won't take that long and you'll have your new ssn soon.

2nd part, just wait for your ssn in your married name and you'll be fine. Get your husband to change insurance to married name.

Thank-you Agnes. I realize my post sounded whiny (wanting to pack it all in)- I didn't mean that truly. I'm just having a low day. Do you think I can drive on my U.K license for now?

Edited February 4, 2014 by PearlyLemons

[agnesb 47]

Thank-you Agnes. I realize my post sounded whiny (wanting to pack it all in)- I didn't mean that truly. I'm just having a low day. Do you think I can drive on my U.K license for now?

It didn't sound like that at all. Sorry you have a low day! Not sure about if you can or cannot drive, i didn't have dl before and only got learners permit after getting ead and changing my name on ssn :-)

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Insurance-- isn't it verifying the car you take the test in is insured? Over here, they insure cars, not people. You could borrow Grandma's car and drive without having your name on her policy. Her car would still be insured if you wrecked it. Or Grandma could borrow your husband's car without being named as a regular driver on the policy. Maybe the instructor was just warning you to take the proof of insurance on the car you take the test in, so you don't get there and say "oh darn, that's in my husband's wallet,"

[ChicagoSarah 127]

I agree with Nich-Nick. They just want to make sure they car you are using for your driving road test is registered and insured properly before you take it out on the road. But your husband should be able to change your name on this insurance now. You are legally married and have the paperwork to prove you are legally allowed to change your name.

As for driving, my husband drove with his UK license until just last week when we went to the IL DMV and got him an Illinois driver's license. He moved here October 6th, and we submitted AOS Nov 18. Technically, I believe IL says you can drive on your license for 90 days after you make IL your home. But you can't get a license until you have permanent residence proof (EAD or green card), so I would venture to say that you could argue that the 90 day rule begins when you submitted AOS and declared intent to reside here permanently.

Good luck!

[Lu1u 0]

Just going through same experience- my new social security card took a couple of weeks to arrive in the end. I also had a delay at the drivers Centre for a week until the SS card and immigration status were checked- I would wait until you have your new SS card before going to apply for licence, to avoid having to make an extra trip. Finally...yes as I understand it the insurance document is just for the car.

Good luck with it all, I know how you feel- it can all be very frustrating and confusing at times.

[PearlyLemons 13]

Insurance-- isn't it verifying the car you take the test in is insured? Over here, they insure cars, not people. You could borrow Grandma's car and drive without having your name on her policy. Her car would still be insured if you wrecked it. Or Grandma could borrow your husband's car without being named as a regular driver on the policy. Maybe the instructor was just warning you to take the proof of insurance on the car you take the test in, so you don't get there and say "oh darn, that's in my husband's wallet,"

Nich, this has just clicked with me. The car I have is insured. I always find it strange that people insure the cars and not people, but hey ho! Thanks!

I agree with Nich-Nick. They just want to make sure they car you are using for your driving road test is registered and insured properly before you take it out on the road. But your husband should be able to change your name on this insurance now. You are legally married and have the paperwork to prove you are legally allowed to change your name.

As for driving, my husband drove with his UK license until just last week when we went to the IL DMV and got him an Illinois driver's license. He moved here October 6th, and we submitted AOS Nov 18. Technically, I believe IL says you can drive on your license for 90 days after you make IL your home. But you can't get a license until you have permanent residence proof (EAD or green card), so I would venture to say that you could argue that the 90 day rule begins when you submitted AOS and declared intent to reside here permanently.

Good luck!

ChicagoSarah, thank-you! would even go as far as to say you're not a resident until USCIS are like 'Hey, welcome, here's your GC. You can live here!'. Haha!

Just going through same experience- my new social security card took a couple of weeks to arrive in the end. I also had a delay at the drivers Centre for a week until the SS card and immigration status were checked- I would wait until you have your new SS card before going to apply for licence, to avoid having to make an extra trip. Finally...yes as I understand it the insurance document is just for the car.

Good luck with it all, I know how you feel- it can all be very frustrating and confusing at times.

Lufu, it's nice to know you're not only one going through this very frustrating process. I think I will wait for my new SS card and then take my test.

Thank-you all so much - definitely feeling better now . Wish I could all invite you over for tea and cake!

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

would even go as far as to say you're not a resident until USCIS are like 'Hey, welcome, here's your GC. You can live here!'. Haha!!

That was exactly my opinion and my husband drove on his UK license. He even got stopped for speeding. Got a ticket issued on his UK license. Proof if car insurance in my name was not an issue.