How can my wife change her last name after marraige?

[JoshMarjorie 0]

My wife and I got married in Las Vegas where last name change is not automatic. We are living in California. My wife doesnt yet have a social security card or a drivers licence so im not sure where to go.

[M.O 6]

My wife and I got married in Las Vegas where last name change is not automatic. We are living in California. My wife doesnt yet have a social security card or a drivers licence so im not sure where to go.

I just start using my husband's last name, when i got my SSN i took with me the marriage certificate to show them we are married and i wanna change my last name to my husband's last name,and when i went to get my driving permit, i took my SSN(with my new name) and other required documents and thats it ... and when you file for AOS ,there is a line where is "Write your name how you want it to appear on your Green card" or smthg like this. And you just write the name you wanna use...i mean new last name

ok Good luck guys!

[rheanick 42]

My wife and I got married in Las Vegas where last name change is not automatic. We are living in California. My wife doesnt yet have a social security card or a drivers licence so im not sure where to go.

When you apply for AOS, and your wife use her new name in the application, it officially change her name.

[Otto 83]

In Texas - you take your marriage certificate to the DMV and get a new driver's license, then do the same at the SSA office (getting a new social security number) in the new/married name and that officially/legally changes her name.

I don't believe simply filing AOS with the new name legally changes her name (although if you do plan to use a married name, you will want to use this married name on all your AOS/EAD/AP forms) - I believe you'd need to do the above steps as well - at least in Texas.

This of course assumes she has a SS-card and/or Driver's License already.

Edited March 23, 2009 by Karin und Otto

[AngelSaint 0]

im here in vegas. Previous name used needs to be in the marriage license to indicate one's identity before marriage. Once you submitted your marriage certificate to your county recorder and have it certified, your marriage is now legal.

Basically, right after you have a certified marriage certificate, your wife can now change her name in any application she will be applying.

When u apply for SSN, bring your certified marriage license and other documents to prove your wife's identity and her entry to US (passport, Visa and I-94). She can place the new name (married name) in the application... Same process done when u apply for Adjustment of Status.

I used my new name and new signature in all applications i made after marriage...(Note: Always bring and show ur certified marriage certificate and passport when you apply. i do bring my Birth Certificate too...)

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Double post

Edited March 24, 2009 by Mister_Bill

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

In California, and for my wife's case, everything depended on her EAD. The name I put on her I-765 became her legal name. The local SSA office would only go by what the DHS had on file, and the DMV needed a legal presence document. Even the bank went by what was on her SSN card. When we adjusted status, the AO could have changed her legal name again, since I put the wrong middle name (her mother's) on the I-485, but luckily he put the same name I put on her I-765, and we did not have to go through all that again when we got her GC.

[Nelly228 0]

My wife and I got married in Las Vegas where last name change is not automatic. We are living in California. My wife doesnt yet have a social security card or a drivers licence so im not sure where to go.

I changed my family name and signature on my AOS application. I will apply SSN using my married name once I have my AED.

[-B&T- 1]

Congratulations!Just to add:If your wife wants to amend her passport i.e changing her maiden name to her married surname she needs to submit a 'REPORT OF MARRIAGE' @ the Philippine Consulate in California and then she can apply for Amendment of passport it will require personal appearance though for fingerprinting.Goodluck!Enjoy your life together!

[frangipani 0]

Correct me if i'm wrong: SSN can be applied before AOS, right?

So can i use my new last name for SSN? Oh but we technically haven't got married yet! Or should i wait for AOS?

Edited April 7, 2009 by frangipani

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Correct me if i'm wrong: SSN can be applied before AOS, right?

So can i use my new last name for SSN? Oh but we technically haven't got married yet! Or should i wait for AOS?

It depends on the SSA office. In our case, they needed to check with the DHS to see what name they had on file, and used that name for the SSN. We had to wait for the wife's EAD before we could change to her married name.

Edited April 7, 2009 by Mister_Bill