Name change

[junglejao 0]

Hi Everyone,

Not sure if anyone will have anything to offer on this topic, but I'll give it a try.

My husband and I were married in a non-legal ceremony in Peru in March, but this morning we made it legal in the state of Colorado. I immediately went to the Social Security office in Boulder and changed my name to Jennifer Ann Bravo. My marriage certificate was used as reference. No problems.

I then went to the drivers license office to make it all official. I was asked if had been to Social Security and what I had changed my name to. When I told her Jennifer Ann Bravo, she informed me that under Colorado State Law, if I am going to take my husband's name after marriage, I have to take BOTH of his last names. I asked her why, if that was the case, no one at Social Security would have told me that. She said Social Security is federal, drivers license is state. She said Social Security wouldn't care if I changed my name to Jane Doe. She told me I need to go back to SS and change my name AGAIN, this time to Jennifer Ann Bravo Diaz. She issued my new driver's license accordingly.

I feel very frustrated- I have never before considered the prospect of having 2 last names and that presents challenges in itself, but now I have a name that doesn't even match my husband's as he doesn't ever use the Diaz. Maybe I can do the same- I'll just have to figure it out.

But my question really boils down to, when it comes to something as important as your legal name, how can the state law possibly override the federal government?

I don't get it.

[Susita 175]

There's something wrong there. In NY there are so many hispanic people with 2 last names but NY state DMV and social security only want the first last name. I would ask to talk to a supervisor maybe that worker doesn't know what she's talking about.

[motu 6]

I believe that person is completely wrong - did you ask to speak to her supervisor? Do that next time and it should work. Was your husband with you? Did he try and explain what you were trying to do? I think a DMV worker, who doesn't know enough, made her own rule and went screwy on you. Another idea, you can try in another office, you don't have to go back to the same office. Good Luck