Name change questions

[minme 0]

I could use some help, since I think we made a mistake on the marriage license. My (former) fiancée, now wife, and I got married last week, but then it occurred to me that we never changed her name. I started looking at the marriage license, and it seems like where it says "Full name of the Female" is where we should have had her new name.

- How do we change her name? Was her new name supposed to be shown on the marriage license? Does it show up on the marriage certificate?

- Can she change her first and last name or only her last name? (she has a compound first name and she just wants to drop one of the names)

If we were supposed to change it on the marriage license, but did that incorrectly, I'm under the impression that it takes a few months to get it changed. Should we do everything (AOS, EAD, AP, SS#, Driver's License) in her maiden name for now, and then change everything once the new marriage certificate comes through?

If we made the mistake already, please don't scold us. Try to be helpful. It sucks enough if we did make a mistake...

[payxibka 10,044]

name changes are governed by the state of residence and the process varies greatly from fairly easy to complicated... google "name change <state>" and check to see how it can be done

[DoneWaiting 15]

In the state of NJ [where you reside?] like NY you can request an amendment on your certificate. You will need to go back to the court house and apply for the change [unless law has changed]. you will need to complete an application and pay the fee.

Not sure how long NJ takes to make changes, but I am sure they can give you a stamped copy of the application that you can use for now and submit your AOS with the new change. If you submit her Change of Status you will/may get a REF but hopefully you will have your amended Marriage License then

Edited July 6, 2010 by DoneWaiting

[Carolina+James 1]

It's not an answer to your question, but after you change the name, make sure and have an authenticated copy of the marriage license to be always handy at home, for she might need it to do bank accounts and such with the new name. Just wanting to save you an additional trip to the court house (I actually paid for 4 copies just in case, since one goes to USCIS AOS).

[minme 0]

Found out we did everything correctly. I picked up the marriage certificate today, and asked the lady assisting me. She said that we just need to change the SSN name and Driver's License name.

[Me and You Us 1]

Hello There!! You´ll be able to change her name during the AOS...just this...Fill out all forms with her married name...That is it!!

Good luck, be happy!

Adriana & Henry

[mrs. wife! 3]

That's right, its not like in BR that the new name appears on the marriage certificate.

Just fill out the forms with married name and apply for SSN and DL with new name. Just need to show a copy of MC.

Also, if she wants to change her name in Brazil (and passport) you guys have to register the marriage in BR. Just tell her to go to the nearest consulate and ask for info there.

Good luck!