SSA told me to go to DHS first to change name??

[orange_n_pink 0]

i went to the SSA office today to change my name to my husband's family name. the clerk told me that i have to go to the DHS office in our city to change my name with them before i go change my info with the SSA.

did this happen to anyone else? if so, what happend when you went to the DHS office.. how long did it take???

i need to file my AOS and want to use my married name on all documents (AOS, EAD, and AP) but i want to make sure that my name will be changed before i send in my paperwork. im confused.

[reeses16 8]

My hubby immigrated to the US so I didn't have to deal with name changes. I'm sure others will post, but my thoughts are you should wait until you get your green card before changing your name on you SSA card. My reasoning is that if you do as the SSA recommended you will still have to go back again once you have your green card to have your status with the SSA changed to permanent resident.

A social security number is not a requirement to fill out the AOS form. And I'm sure USCIS has a record of your maiden name so I don't think that would be a problem if the name on your SSCard doesn't match your married name.

[journeyman 0]

Whatever SSA told you is CORRECT.

You need to start your name change with the DHS first.

Use the existing SSN and the new married name whatever you want it to be on the following application forms:

1. AOS application form

2. EAD application form

3. Advanced Parole form

Once the DHS receives all the 3 mentioned above, they'll will send you 3 NOAs. Each NOA will be in the new married name. (whatever you requested for in each of the forms). Make sure you use the same new name on all 3 applications else you'll receive NOAs with different names and the mess begins.

Biometrics Appointment:

=======================

After a few weeks or days, you'll receive the Biometrics appointment letter also in the new name. When you goto the Bio Appointment, make sure you carry the MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE and Passport and any other identity that would prove your address.

If you're just changing the last name it should not be such a big deal. However if you are changing your middle name as well then your appointment will be a bit delayed at the local Biometrics office, since you'll not have any identification with the new married name. Don't panic, they take the time to make sure that you are who you are. After all they are the name changing authority (in a sense).

SSA Office:

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Once your Biometrics is done, you'll receive the EAD and AP in your new name. Now goto the SSA office and apply for change in the name. They cannot deny this time since EAD is what is used to work and you'll pay SSA taxes in the new name. They will accept your application for name change and then after verification with the DHS they will issue you a new card with the same number. This may take upto 4 weeks.

State License:

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Now that you have established your new name, go ahead and apply for DL or state Id in the new name if you don't have one already. If you have it in the old name, apply for a change here as well.

Just make sure you carry your marriage certificate and a certified marriage certificate from the county recorder's office to any of the government offices you go.

Edited July 22, 2008 by journeyman

[T.O_2_FL 0]

I did not need to go to the DHS office first to change my SSN to my married name....just needed my marriage certificate and passport.

[FaustInAK 1]

And if you do apply with your new name on AOS/AP/EAD, can they bother you because the passport name won't be the same as the new name?? I wonder for AP, I'd like to get an AP asap and I hope it won't be taking forever..

Biometrics are necessary for AP aswell?? Where do you usually go to have the Biometrics done?

Thanks

[soulprovider915 4]

And if you do apply with your new name on AOS/AP/EAD, can they bother you because the passport name won't be the same as the new name?? I wonder for AP, I'd like to get an AP asap and I hope it won't be taking forever..

Biometrics are necessary for AP aswell?? Where do you usually go to have the Biometrics done?

Thanks

No, because your marriage certificate is used to show the change from the passport to the USCIS papers

[T.O_2_FL 0]

Biometrics are done locally.....they will find the closest one to you and put it in the appointment letter...

[sashagrin 0]

I had exactly the same experience in NYC - right after marriage I went to the SSA office to change my name and the lady there told me that I need to inform the Immigration about my name change first.

I did apply thought and you know what? I got my new SS card a week later! Actually, there is a special document (forgot its name) that says that a marriage certificate IS a valid proof even for an alien for a name change on SS card...