Name changing

[nickm 1]

Hi folks,

I am after some advice on name changing from anyone who has been through this.

My wife needs to change her name now that we are married, but we are holding off a little becasue we are not sure if she can change her SS card, drivers liscence, bank account etc... but leave her passport as her maiden name until it expires and then change it. its pretty costly to do. She is the USC by the way.

Would leaving her passport as her maiden name cause any problems at POE if we go away?

Also is there an "official" name change process in the states? Like filing a form with an agency?

Cheers

Nick

Edited August 29, 2010 by nickm

[TracyTN 237]

My US passport is still in my maiden name (and I am the USC). If she flies, just be sure that her name on the ticket matches her passport, and have her bring a copy of your marriage certificate just in case there's any confusion.

No, there is no official 'process', namely as it varies from state to state as to what is required for the DL. The social security card is standard for all though - she just needs proof of the name change (marriage certificate). Its all laid out on the SSA's website (google it).

[Nik+Heather 121]

Agree with Tracy, the starting point for me was with the SSA. I changed my name with them, and also on my driver's license and on all of my bank accounts.

I'm still traveling on my maiden name because I don't feel like going through the hassle of changing my passport (expires in 2011) AND it's more difficult to change my name with the airline frequent flier programs than it was with the SSA!!!

I did some reading about it. The law is basically that you can use any name you want, so long as you don't use the changes to intentionally defraud people. Both your married and unmarried names are legal.

Edited August 30, 2010 by Nik+Heather

[nickm 1]

Thanks chuck..

[Nik+Heather 121]

Thanks chuck..

Gasp! How did you know my 7th grade math teacher called me that! Intarwebz stalker! ;-P

[nickm 1]

Gasp! How did you know my 7th grade math teacher called me that! Intarwebz stalker! ;-P

Not just the internet... :devil: :devil: Just kidding, dont go getting a restraing order or anything..

Im from yorkshire, i call everyone chuck, I learnt it from vera duckworth.