Use your passport for updating info at SSA, DMVs

[Taki 8]

It's been two weeks since my oath ceremony.  I just received my passport last week and got my naturalization certificate back in mail this week.  So I decided to go to SSA to update my account today.  The lady at the window asked for my certificate, and she checked it on her computer.  Apparently the information was not updated yet after two weeks, and she couldn't make the change online.  So she said my application has to be sent in and it will take about a week.  She was very nice and congratulated me for becoming the citizen 

 

After that I went to update my driver's license.  I didn't change my name and my license is still good for another few years, but my state allows U.S. citizens to renew license online.  Plus I knew I could register to vote at the driver license office.  I went to the office and submitted my certificate, but the info was not updated in their database, either.  Then I remembered that I brought my passport, too and showed it to them.  They were able to update my status with it, and they registered me to vote.  The lady who helped me had a very stern facial expression the whole time, but at the end she smiled and congratulated me 

 

I've read arguments for both but I would recommend getting your passport first then go to SSA and DMV etc., so that you can use your passport as a proof of citizenship.  I wish I showed my passport at SSA but didn't think about it because she specifically asked for the certificate.  Oh, well.  But I'm glad I'm pretty much done with the process.  It was long, but it was worth it!

[Hopeful2004 70]

That's awesome!!

 

 I had a different experience, so maybe things are different depending on your state. I took the oath last Thursday July 27 with  a name change. I went to the DMV and social security yesterday, August 1 and was able to get a new drivers license with my new name and social security was able to update my info with my naturalization certificate and name change certificate right away. I was given a printout showing my new name. The number stayed the same.  The lady at the DMV mentioned that my citizenship was already in the system when I asked.

 

After social security, I went to USPS and  applied for my passport. I miss my NC 😩😂. 

Edited August 2, 2017 by Hopeful2004

[Taki 8]

@Hopeful2004 Thanks for sharing your experience!  You're right, it probably depends on the state/location.  I didn't even change my name  

 

 

48 minutes ago, Hopeful2004 said:

After social security, I went to USPS and  applied for my passport. I miss my NC 😩😂. 

I know, right?  I was worried about it until I actually got it back.  Looks like current passport turnaround time is about two weeks or less (expedite or not) according to the tracker so hang in there 

Edited August 2, 2017 by Taki

[Hopeful2004 70]

4 minutes ago, Taki said:

 

 

 

I know, right?  I was worried about it until I actually got it back.  Looks like current passport turnaround time is about two weeks or less (expedite or not) according to the tracker so hang in there 

Ooh I'm happy to hear that. I made a few copies but they don't look legit. Lol

[nativeson 47]

Congratulations! Just curious whether you declared your status change to the Japanese embassy and renounced JP citizenship? They don't allow dual citizenship but I heard a lot of people just don't tell them and they aren't strict about it for natural born Japanese, so it's kind of a grey area.

[Taki 8]

34 minutes ago, nativeson said:

Congratulations! Just curious whether you declared your status change to the Japanese embassy and renounced JP citizenship? They don't allow dual citizenship but I heard a lot of people just don't tell them and they aren't strict about it for natural born Japanese, so it's kind of a grey area.

Thanks!  No I haven’t filled out the form yet.  Technically speaking Japanese citizenship is automatically lost when I obtained US citizenship according to Japanese law.  I too hear many Japanese people just don’t tell.  While I understand the sentiment I don’t really see the advantage of “keeping” it, either.  That said, it sounds like a hassle as I have to submit notarized affidavit with the form, so I’m in no big hurry to file it 😅

[Taki 8]

On 8/2/2017 at 7:30 PM, nativeson said:

Congratulations! Just curious whether you declared your status change to the Japanese embassy and renounced JP citizenship? They don't allow dual citizenship but I heard a lot of people just don't tell them and they aren't strict about it for natural born Japanese, so it's kind of a grey area.

Sorry for this belated update, but just wanted to let you know that I did renounce Japanese citizenship.  I had to do a lot of legal paperwork because my father in Japan passed away last year, and it was simpler to file those papers if I renounced the citizenship due to having to have them notarized.

 

I read some former citizens of Japan are suing the government that it is unconstitutional To revoke Japanese citizenship if a Japanese citizen obtains another citizenship.  I doubt it would go anywhere, but will be interesting what the court would decide. https://www.asahi.com/amp/articles/ASL2S52VLL2SUHBI01N.html

 

Edited February 27, 2018 by Taki