Married or Maiden Surname on I-485?

[lileepad 3]

Hey guys,

My husband and got married within the 90 days (3 weeks ago) and now we are about to start filing for AOS, EAD and the early parole forms etc.

We are unsure on what name to put on the forms?
I have read several threads here that I should use the name that is on my marriage certificate (but it has my maiden name)? Others say use the name I would like on my green card.

Facts:

- I am in Dallas and the marriage license here has my maiden name. It also has my husbands full name and our minister.
Q: Is it automatic that my surname changes (I would like to change it to my husbands), even though our marriage certificate has my maiden name.

- Do I need to go and apply for a change of name here in Dallas? I saw that it is about $200 to change your name.... or because I am married is it automatic and no fee applies?

Also, I already have my Social Security - however it still has my maiden name - could I take our marriage cert there and change my name (considering that our marriage cert has my maiden name) ?

I am currently out of status as we only just got back from our honeymoon, as I am out of status - will it be a waste to go to the SS office to change my name and also the DMV to change my surname too? Should I just wait until my AOS comes through?

Many thanks and I apologise in advance if this post is proving to be a tad confusing - Im happy to clarify.

[Jo Së 200]

In most states your marriage license will have your maiden name. Whether you want to use your maiden name or married name is up to you, your marriage certificate will be proof your name change as it contains your husband's last name.

No need to apply for a name change, you already did when you married your husband.

[Amhara 460]

In most states your marriage license will have your maiden name. Whether you want to use your maiden name or married name is up to you, your marriage certificate will be proof your name change as it contains your husband's last name.

No need to apply for a name change, you already did when you married your husband.

Agreed.

As for your SSN card, I have heard that some people were not able to get a new SSN card issued until after their AOS.

I was rather confused about the Dallas marriage certificate too. I was expecting our names to be printed on there as we wanted them - nope!

[lileepad 3]

In most states your marriage license will have your maiden name. Whether you want to use your maiden name or married name is up to you, your marriage certificate will be proof your name change as it contains your husband's last name.

No need to apply for a name change, you already did when you married your husband.

Agreed.

As for your SSN card, I have heard that some people were not able to get a new SSN card issued until after their AOS.

I was rather confused about the Dallas marriage certificate too. I was expecting our names to be printed on there as we wanted them - nope!

Perfect! Thanks so much for answering my queries guys!