Changing FIRST NAME after marriage before AOS

[MajaMukanowska 38]

Hi everyone,

I really need a final confirmation of this being true before I do something really stupid.

 

I just got married and am about to fill out the AOS documents. Can I change both the spelling of my first name (from Maja to Maya) and take my husband's last name as well? Can I just fill out the I-485 in the new name and be sure it goes through and won't be denied?

 

We live in Maryland, got maried in Nevada.

[Ksenia_O 696]

40 minutes ago, MajaMukanowska said:

Hi everyone,

I really need a final confirmation of this being true before I do something really stupid.

 

I just got married and am about to fill out the AOS documents. Can I change both the spelling of my first name (from Maja to Maya) and take my husband's last name as well? Can I just fill out the I-485 in the new name and be sure it goes through and won't be denied?

 

We live in Maryland, got maried in Nevada.

 I'm positive about your last name - yes, you can definitely take your husband's last name. And your Marriage license is a basis for that change.

But I don't think you can change the spelling of your given name at this point...I think it can be done only through court. But I might be mistaken and hope someone can be more helpful.

 

 

[LionessDeon 2,060]

Yes for the last name   NO for the first name.  You cannot just change names without legal documents.  Your marriage license is the legal document for the last name change.

[glmg21 330]

It varies by state, but from a short bit of research it seems that while a lot of states will let you use a marriage certificate to change your last name, they require a court order to change your given name. Check with your city clerk or Social Security office to be sure, as you'll get a lot of conflicting information here on VisaJourney.

[LionessDeon 2,060]

Proof of your name change, such as:

• Marriage certificate.
  • Marriage license must include an embossed seal and be signed by a clerk of the court.
• Divorce decree.
• Court-ordered name change.

This is for Maryland.  https://www.dmv.org/md-maryland/changing-your-name.php

6 minutes ago, glmg21 said:

It varies by state, but from a short bit of research it seems that while a lot of states will let you use a marriage certificate to change your last name, they require a court order to change your given name. Check with your city clerk or Social Security office to be sure, as you'll get a lot of conflicting information here on VisaJourney.

Changing your name for AOS and other immigration does not vary by state.  They require that you use the name on legal documents, IDs, and passports.