changing your name after poe...where does one start?

[mrs thb 331]

which comes first...the chicken or the egg?

this is crazy...and so complicated.. hopefully someone can shed more light and help me understand that this is really easy.

how does one go about changing their name to their married name after poe especially when keeping ties with Canada?

i've read i need to attend the local court for application but I haven't received my green card/ssn yet. then i must attend the dmv to change dl (which i have not done yet as i'm waiting for my green card/ssn). but then i read that i don't really need to officially change my name, i can just assume it since i'm married and have the marriage certificate as proof. does my green card/ssn have to be in my married name if all else is not?

then there are the canadian ties....do i need to change my name with all of my banks, credit cards, rsp's, pension, insurances, etc? (omg...does this ever end?)

lastly, must i change my passport too if i go about changing my name to my married name? if so, how do they go about fixing in the visa and poe stamp into the new one...or does this not matter?

after all i've been through i'm wondering if its just best to let the dust settle then change it in a few years.

experts chime in please.

[Ambitious_adee 8]

WOAH.... I didnt even think about all of that. I would love to know the answer

[neoblast 138]

Each of these steps requires your marriage certificate.

1. Get your marriage license
Before you can change your name, you'll need the original (or certified) marriage license with the raised seal and your new last name on it. Call the clerk's office where your license was filed to get copies if one wasn't automatically sent to you.

2. Change your Social Security card
Visit the Social Security Administration's website and fill out the application (Form SS-5)for a new Social Security card. You'll keep the same number -- just your name will be different. Mail in your application to the local Social Security Administration office. You should get your new card within 10 business days.

3. Change your license at the DMV
Take a trip to the local Department of Motor Vehicles office to get a new license with your new last name. Bring every form of identification you can lay your hands on -- your old license, your certified marriage license and -- most important -- your new Social Security card.

4. Change your bank accounts
This one's a biggie, especially if you're setting up a joint bank account, or if you have one already set up. The fastest way to change your name at your bank is to go into a branch location -- bring your new driver's license and your marriage license. You should request new checks and debit and credit cards on top of changing the name attached to your accounts. Something to note: You might get hit with fees for requesting a new debit card.

5. Fill in the blanks
Once you have a social security card and driver's license in your married name, other changes should be fairly easy. Some places only require a phone call; others may ask for a copy of your marriage certificate or social security card. Be sure to notify:

• Employers/payroll
• Post office
• Electric and other utility companies
• Credit card companies
• Schools and alumni associations
• Landlord or mortgage company
• Insurance companies (auto, home, life)
• Doctors' offices
• Voter registration office
• Investment account providers
• Your attorney (to update legal documents, including your will)
• Passport office

Or have someone else do it for you name change services

[Anh map 2,098]

If you plan to naturalize then you could just do it then. You tick a box and it's done as the oath ceremony is administered by a judge. Then you have the citizenship documents and US passport with the new name of your choosing. After that it's just doing the name change notification with the appropriate places.

[fellaamazing 72]

As Neoblast said, get your name changed in social security and drivers license. You probably would not need to go to court if it is a marriage based name change and you are simply getting your husband's last name.

Once you have social security card with new name, and US drivers license issued in new name, you can apply for Canadian passport with those two pieces of new IDs (I did it at passport office, since I live in Detroit, and passport office in Windsor was across the border. If you are far, I think you would have to mail in originals.)

I got the temporary license in paper form attached with my older one right away, and that was good enough for Passport Canada since that still had my picture. But since I assume you are getting the license first time, and that too in your new name, you might need to wait for the license to come in mail.

[cyclone27 710]

Bigger question - how does one change to a married name when their foreign passport name can't be changed? (Vietnam does not issue passports w/married names - females always keep maiden name)

I am guessing you just need to wait til naturalization?

[fellaamazing 72]

Bigger question - how does one change to a married name when their foreign passport name can't be changed? (Vietnam does not issue passports w/married names - females always keep maiden name)

I am guessing you just need to wait til naturalization?

Let's not bring other countries in here. Canada accepts it