maiden name on marriage license

[bloom 0]

when we got married i signed with my maiden name on the marriage license, i got confused whether to put my husband's last name or my last name. We filed for I-130, I-485, I-765 and all in my maiden name last july 18 and I already have my biometric appointment. I believe I made a big mistake by not changing it to my supposed-to-be married name. Would that be a big problem? Can i still change what is written on our license? How can i use my husband's last name??

[TracyTN 237]

when we got married i signed with my maiden name on the marriage license, i got confused whether to put my husband's last name or my last name. We filed for I-130, I-485, I-765 and all in my maiden name last july 18 and I already have my biometric appointment. I believe I made a big mistake by not changing it to my supposed-to-be married name. Would that be a big problem? Can i still change what is written on our license? How can i use my husband's last name??

You signed the marriage license correctly, as at that time, you were not yet married, were you? Thus, you should have signed your maiden name. Nothing needs to be changed on the marriage license (or certificate).

Its not a 'mistake', per se, to not have put your married name on the AOS forms - as women don't always take their husband's name. But in your case, it probably would have been wise to do so.

You'll need to somehow now correct it. I would tell them at your AOS interview so that the green card will come in the correct name.

However, some people are approved for their green card without interview - so I'm unclear how to fix it in that situation. I'm sure someone more AOS wise than me will come across this thread and give you an answer.

[bloom 0]

did you put your maiden name or married name on your marriage license? so does this means that i cant use my husband's last name because all of my filed application was on my maiden name? thanks TracyTN!

[TracyTN 237]

did you put your maiden name or married name on your marriage license? so does this means that i cant use my husband's last name because all of my filed application was on my maiden name? thanks TracyTN!

Yes, of course I used my maiden name on the marriage license, as I was not yet married when I applied for the marriage license.

That does NOT mean you 'can't use' your husband's last name - what I was saying was I don't know how you'll get it changed for immigration purposes now that you've already sent in the adjustment of status forms in your maiden name.

I'm quite sure you can change it with them at the time of your adjustment interview, but in the event you're not interviewed (not everyone is!), I'm not sure how to fix it.

Edited August 20, 2007 by TracyTN

[Caladan 19]

On the marriage LICENSE, you're supposed to put your maiden name because you aren't married yet.

Our marriage CERTIFICATE, my maiden name is listed and if the county were to do a search for our records, they'd search under his last name or my maiden name for the certificate.

So no worries about either of those, because they'll use your maiden name to identify you. As far as life goes, you can use your married name if you want though it's easier if all your legal documents match the name you want to use. Since you filed AOS with your maiden name, that's how the card will come.

I can't seem to find anything on how to change your name, but you'll have to go for your biometrics appointment and perhaps you can ask them then (or maybe even change it then.)

Edited August 20, 2007 by Caladan

[Jetson 0]

I have the same problem. Once you submit the AOS, you are stuck with whatever name you put there, but all is not lost. Once you have been approved you can resubmit the form (cannot recall form number now- the same form you would use to replace the card in case you lost it) with the new name change request. I am not sure if you can request the name change at the interview.....not everyone gets an interview.

By the way, you would have to pay for a new card at the new updated prices!!!!

You should also know that if you are applying for drivers's liscence or state ID, until USCIS changes your name on your green card or work authorization card, you will have to use whatever name is on the green card.

As far as the name change for SSN; I am not sure. You will have to be in the system first (USCIS approval of AOS) before SS can change any mames because most likely your K1 visa stay (90days) will have expired on your I-94. Even thought she is here legally, they denied my wife's. She has a SS number under her maiden name. Her SS is still good, but the name cannot be changed 'till she is in the system and approved. You might be able to do it once you receive your work authorization card, if you applied for one.

[spidergirl 0]

when we got married i signed with my maiden name on the marriage license, i got confused whether to put my husband's last name or my last name. We filed for I-130, I-485, I-765 and all in my maiden name last july 18 and I already have my biometric appointment. I believe I made a big mistake by not changing it to my supposed-to-be married name. Would that be a big problem? Can i still change what is written on our license? How can i use my husband's last name??

All marriage license are in brides maiden name because you are single before you got married. After you got married you can automatically use your husband's name but your marriage license still in your Maiden name thats the way it is. if you use your maiden name in your application, you can wait untill your greencard arrive and file I-90 to change the name. You can apply for SSN or Driver's License using your husband's family name