Name changers: how did you proceed?

[sevimli 12]

Hi all,

 

I became a US Citizen, also changed my first name. I've been reading all over, but it is not very straightforward...

 

What needs to be done in the first place? 

-Social Security Administration?

-Driver License Name Change application?

-Passport Application?

 

They are all requiring original documents for proof of name change. But they do not tell you whether they keep the document with them or not. I know from my personal experience that Passport application will require you to surrender your naturalization/name change documents for about 3-4 weeks.  Is it same for other agencies? 

 

Also, there are some missing links in some applications, like passport, they take your Naturalization document, but also require a identification card (state id or driver license) that matches the name on your certificate, and it does not match because of the name change...

 

How did you manage to complete updating your name with these agencies in a short amount of time? 

 

Thanks in advance!!!

 

 

[TBoneTX 45,291]

Thread is shifted from the main US Citizenship forum to the "Passports, etc." subforum.

[Laniakean 13]

Hi @sevimli

 

In my case I chose:

 

- DMV

- Passport

- SSA

 

SSA I left for last since you have to wait about 10 days to update your records anyway. DMV was first because they do not keep either the certificate of naturalization or the name change disposition, they just have to see them. Passport (my current stage) seems to be still taking about 2 weeks in average, so I should get it back roughly the same time as I am supposed to go to the SSA. Assuming USPS will not lose my certificate, even if the SSA needs to keep it (I don't think so, but I can't say with 100% certainty), I will at least have the passport as proof of citizenship.

 

My DL (with the old name) was only required at the DMV. At the passport processing center, they didn't even take a copy of it since the certificate was also used as ID.

 

At least here in NY, both applications where extremely straightforward. At the DMV I spent less than 30 min to change my name, request the EDL and change the vehicle registration. At the passport center, if it took 10 min it was a lot.

 

Good luck

 

 

[sevimli 12]

19 hours ago, Laniakean said:

Hi @sevimli

 

In my case I chose:

 

- DMV

- Passport

- SSA

 

SSA I left for last since you have to wait about 10 days to update your records anyway. DMV was first because they do not keep either the certificate of naturalization or the name change disposition, they just have to see them. Passport (my current stage) seems to be still taking about 2 weeks in average, so I should get it back roughly the same time as I am supposed to go to the SSA. Assuming USPS will not lose my certificate, even if the SSA needs to keep it (I don't think so, but I can't say with 100% certainty), I will at least have the passport as proof of citizenship.

 

My DL (with the old name) was only required at the DMV. At the passport processing center, they didn't even take a copy of it since the certificate was also used as ID.

 

At least here in NY, both applications where extremely straightforward. At the DMV I spent less than 30 min to change my name, request the EDL and change the vehicle registration. At the passport center, if it took 10 min it was a lot.

 

Good luck

 

 

 

Great post!

 

Thanks for sharing this!

 

I also started with DMV but they wanted my SSN card with the updated name on it... I didn't have it, so tried SS admin office, couple of times, couldn't wait for work related reasons, they were extremely crowded...

Tried again on this past Monday, the government shutdown prevented them to process any services other than benefit related stuff.

 

So I went to a near by post office for the passport application without any appointment, and they sent me to a public library for the passport application. They did everything in 5 minutes (my forms were ready).  I hope they will not deny my application because of my previous name on the Driver License that they used for the identification. 

 

I will go back to update my SS once get everything back from USPS.