Changing last name in Texas after with marriage certificate from abroad

[IcezMan_IcezLady 582]

I spoke to my county clerk folks this morning about changing my last name to my husband's last name. I was told that we (both) have to apply for Informal Marriage License and we both have to be present.

Even though I explained to the lady that my husband is abroad and can't be here.She said that's the only way to do it in Texas.

I doubt this is the first time someone is having to deal with name change using a foreign marriage certificate.

Please help!

[LSumaila 2]

I was able to change it with social security office and my job so all federal levels but not local and I'm in Colorado. So my ID won't change as the only real option is to file with court which is costly not really an option.

[Pitaya 2,577]

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[MrsBonsu 138]

I changed it first with social security, then drivers license office, then at work, they only need to see your marriage license

I changed it first with social security, then drivers license office, then at work, they only need to see your marriage license

Why did you go to the clerk office? Your already married

[darnea 2]

I spoke to my county clerk folks this morning about changing my last name to my husband's last name. I was told that we (both) have to apply for Informal Marriage License and we both have to be present.

Even though I explained to the lady that my husband is abroad and can't be here.She said that's the only way to do it in Texas.

I doubt this is the first time someone is having to deal with name change using a foreign marriage certificate.

Please help!

You change your name through the Social Security Office... Take your Marriage Certificate with you. Why are you the county clerk's office?

[IcezMan_IcezLady 582]

I changed it first with social security, then drivers license office, then at work, they only need to see your marriage license

Why did you go to the clerk office? Your already married

I really didn't know. I thought I had to register it with them in order to change my name.

I read online that you will a county judge to sign off on your petition to change name , all with fingerprint certificate, before i can change the name.

What I read is probably to change one's legal name completely..whew!

Thank you guys for the input

You change your name through the Social Security Office... Take your Marriage Certificate with you. Why are you the county clerk's office?

Do I change with DPS first before SSA or the reverse?

[darnea 2]

SS, then everything else follows...

[LSumaila 2]

Well in Colorado I can't get my name change on my drivers license or ID thru DMV as they don't recognize other states let alone foreign marriage license. So I can't even change my bank accounts its frustrating to say the least.

[darnea 2]

Well in Colorado I can't get my name change on my drivers license or ID thru DMV as they don't recognize other states let alone foreign marriage license. So I can't even change my bank accounts its frustrating to say the least.

Did you go to the social security office with your marriage license? If so what were you told?

[LSumaila 2]

It was changed there with no problems but the DMV won't accept the marriage license as its not issued in the states and a new name change on my SS card doesn't matter to the DMV.

[darnea 2]

It was changed there with no problems but the DMV won't accept the marriage license as its not issued in the states and a new name change on my SS card doesn't matter to the DMV.

Speak to management because according to their website as it relates to name changes the department will accept a foreign marriage or divorce certificate as proof of a name change if it is written in English or is accompanied by a certified translation in English. If you were actually told that, it's incorrect. (www.dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-16P.pdf) <<<< it's there...

[darnea 2]

Sorry ur in Colorado not Texas @lketter, Idk why I thought you were in TX.

Edited October 27, 2015 by darnea

[LSumaila 2]

I think Texas and one other state only ones who accept foreign marriage licenses

[darnea 2]

I think Texas and one other state only ones who accept foreign marriage licenses

I'm in KY and they took it with no problems. I would still say speak to a manager there. It makes no sense to me... but what do I know. I know CA, IN, GA and NYC all accept them too for sure.

[arise 3]

so happy to see this topic, am in north carolina , and when i tried to have my name change at the ss office,

and they told me that my marriage certificate was not legit even though that was the same certificate we submitted with the I-130 and we've since been approve,

Has anyone has any experience with the north carolina as per name change??