Name Change in Florida after marriage

[Matilda Bloom 1]

We got married in Florida and thought that after marriage, I would get my husband's last name, and the change of name would be reflected in the marriage certificate. But, as it turned out, only my maiden name and my current last name were indicated in the marriage license. In fact, the marriage certificate does not imply a change of last name, and at the county office we were told that the change of name is done in the social security office. But I am not eligible for SSN, I am only going to apply for adjustment of status and green card.

Some online sources state that name changes are automatic in the state of Florida, but we could not find an official source for this information. I now have to file documents with USCIS, and I'm going to indicate my husband's last name as my own, but I'm stopped by the fact that a person with this new name, in fact, does not exist, just as there is no document stating that Person named A  has changed her name to name B.

could you suggest what to do?

[Crazy Cat 41,727]

Your marriage certificate is a legal name change document.  For USCIS (or any legal purpose), you can use any combination of the names on the marriage certificate:  Just use your NEW legal name on everything from now on. 

Example:  Mary Smith marries John Jones

Mary can use Mary Smith, Mary Jones, Mary-Smith-Jones, Mary Smith Jones. 

 

Yes, you ARE eligible for a SSN. You can ask for a card on the I-485 application.

Edited July 21, 2023 by Crazy Cat

[JeanneAdil 6,470]

last name is not automatically changed 

man can even take the wife's name OR

wife can hypenate the 2 names OR

not change at all

 

did you apply for SS card before your 90 days ran out?

Did u get a Florida DL or state ID?

if u did these , u can go to that office and make your name change

OR apply to court to change it

OR

change it with I 485 or when u naturalize

 

BTW totally normal

our birth certificates in US list mother by maiden name not married name

our marriage papers are in Maiden name of woman

[TBoneTX 45,156]

Thread is moved from the IMBRA subforum to the "Moving to the U.S." forum.

[Matilda Bloom 1]

thank you very much, I did not apply for SS card and the only legal document I can use now is my passport which obviously has my old name. 

I am filling in the I-485 form and they offer to apply for SSN in it, for sure.

I have already paid for the medical examination (Form I-693) under the new name, but still - the marriage certificate doesn't say it has been changed, and I feel uncomfortable when in the form they ask about my legal name as  no legal proof in hand...

 

 

Edited July 24, 2023 by Matilda Bloom

[powerpuff 6,643]

The marriage certificate IS the proof of name change…. Even if it doesn’t specifically say “new name” 

[Matilda Bloom 1]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH @ALL😃

[Crazy Cat 41,727]

11 hours ago, Matilda Bloom said:

the marriage certificate doesn't say it has been changed, and I feel uncomfortable when in the form they ask about my legal name as  no legal proof in hand...

Read my first post above again....your marriage certificate is an official name change document, giving you the right to use any combination you want.

Edited July 24, 2023 by Crazy Cat