Maiden name on marriage certificate

[Honeythunder 14]

We just filed for AOS and I have this major concern about name change. We got married in AL and the probate clerk did not let me use my husband's surname in the certificate because she said it has to be whatever name is on my passport and I-94. 

 

In the AOS forms (I-485, etc.) I used my married name as the current legal name. Will there be a problem?

[Joyoussinger 1,427]

I believe marriage certificates always use the maiden name. Your maiden name was your legal name at the time you married.

Edited August 31, 2020 by Joyoussinger

[Ayrton 965]

1 hour ago, Honeythunder said:

We just filed for AOS and I have this major concern about name change. We got married in AL and the probate clerk did not let me use my husband's surname in the certificate because she said it has to be whatever name is on my passport and I-94. 

 

In the AOS forms (I-485, etc.) I used my married name as the current legal name. Will there be a problem?

The name on the marriage license/certificate is the name before you get married because you are only married after the judge says so. But, the marriage certificate is a legal name change document, so for most states, you don't need to have the married name in the certificate. But you can start using it as soon as marriage takes place.

[DaveAndAnastasia 2,096]

Unless your marriage certificate specifically has a section about the name you want to use after marriage (which some states -- including California -- do, but most do not) only your maiden name will be on it.

[Honeythunder 14]

Thank you guys! My anxiety level has gone down 😀