Name Change?

[kattaway 1]

This might be a basic question but once married and before submitting the I-130, I assume I will change my last name..... so will I need to update all of my identifiers (social security card, passport, drivers license, etc) BEFORE submitting the I-130 so there is no confusion once they receive it?

[Tayla 0]

This is a great question and not something I've thought about! I'm waiting with you for the answer!!

[kattaway 1]

This is a great question and not something I've thought about! I'm waiting with you for the answer!!

So am I! lol I tried looking in the forums last night, spent 2 hours trying to find an answer with no luck. Hopefully someone can provide some insight.

[max+patricia 24]

Are you the petitioner or the beneficiary?

[kattaway 1]

Are you the petitioner or the beneficiary?

I am the petitioner, female.... so I will be changing my name and just curious as to how the name change process works.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

I am the petitioner, female.... so I will be changing my name and just curious as to how the name change process works.

You get married. You take your marriage certificate to the SSA to change your SSN. You go to the DMV and change it there. Go to the banks and anywhere else and change them there. You apply for a new passport (or wait). You can do it all at once, or do it as you encounter stuff (SSA needs to come first for most though).

For the forms you simply get married and write your married name on the forms (and sign with your married name of course). You don't have to change all your ID's before you apply.

Edited December 26, 2011 by Vanessa&Tony

[max+patricia 24]

You can change it on your Social Security card by going to a SS office. You'll need either the original or a CERTIFIED copy of the marriage certificate from your state/county clerk to do it. Use your legal name on the I-130 - an area is provided on the form for "other names used".

Edited December 26, 2011 by m+p

[kattaway 1]

Thank you m+p, I guess I am thinking about every possible scenario as to avoid anything coming back. I guess I could do the SSA first and apply, changing everything else as time goes on .... and it sucks because my passport is a new one, lol and I will have to apply for a completely new? Dang lol oh well, if it has to be done, it shall be done. Thank you again!

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Thank you m+p, I guess I am thinking about every possible scenario as to avoid anything coming back. I guess I could do the SSA first and apply, changing everything else as time goes on .... and it sucks because my passport is a new one, lol and I will have to apply for a completely new? Dang lol oh well, if it has to be done, it shall be done. Thank you again!

As I already stated, no you do not HAVE to change your passport yet. There is no legal requirement to do so.

[OgaMum 4]

I didn't change my name when I did the paperwork. I don't think it is wise to do so because of all the documents that you have to changed so that your married name are recognized.

I would say wait until you are finished with your paperwork then once he is in USA then change your last name. My husband was a bit upset with me because I haven't changed my last name but I always refer myself as Mrs. Ogamum, but it is the cultural thing and he is fine with it now because we pinky-sworn that I will change my name when everything is done.

We even did the spit handshake! Okay, TMI!

[VanessaTony 3,567]

I didn't change my name when I did the paperwork. I don't think it is wise to do so because of all the documents that you have to changed so that your married name are recognized.

Totally your choice of course but there are 2 things to change. SSN (simple as) and drivers licence (also simple). Changing name for a USC is super super simple. Home country is different. My home country doesn't accept the US marriage certificate for name change so I had to do a legal name change. We are able to change our passports for free if done within a year of marriage so that awesome.

[OgaMum 4]

Totally your choice of course but there are 2 things to change. SSN (simple as) and drivers licence (also simple). Changing name for a USC is super super simple. Home country is different. My home country doesn't accept the US marriage certificate for name change so I had to do a legal name change. We are able to change our passports for free if done within a year of marriage so that awesome.

Great! Good to hear, but I have plethora of personal and professional businesses that has my maiden name on it and the process to change or add my married name is lengthy and costly.

I even thought of hyphenating my name but even that isn't simple. You are right SSN and ID cards are easy to change other documents another story!

It is easy in Nigeria but America, uh no! Sighs. I didn't get so lucky like you!

[TimeTravel 78]

I didn't change my name when I did the paperwork. I don't think it is wise to do so because of all the documents that you have to changed so that your married name are recognized.

I would say wait until you are finished with your paperwork then once he is in USA then change your last name. My husband was a bit upset with me because I haven't changed my last name but I always refer myself as Mrs. Ogamum, but it is the cultural thing and he is fine with it now because we pinky-sworn that I will change my name when everything is done.

We even did the spit handshake! Okay, TMI!

My USC wife has not yet changed the last name as she has been in India since we are married, and havent yet returned back. It was most complex, risky process to change the last name process while she is in India. So we have plan, when we get USA, then will do all that.