Legal Name vs Other Names Used

[junkmart 320]

In Mexico, I have two last names. For example, say my full legal name is John Doe Smith, where Doe is my father's last name, and Smith is my mother's maiden name. Informally, most people know me as John Doe.

 

On I-485, where it asks for my full legal name, I know to put John Doe Smith, as this is what is shown on my birth certificate, passport, visa, etc. My question is, on the same form where it asks for "Other Names You Have Used Since Birth", should I put John Doe?

[USS_Voyager 1,971]

You can do it or not do it. Doesn't matter.

[Ben&Zian 4,397]

11 minutes ago, junkmart said:

In Mexico, I have two last names. For example, say my full legal name is John Doe Smith, where Doe is my father's last name, and Smith is my mother's maiden name. Informally, most people know me as John Doe.

 

On I-485, where it asks for my full legal name, I know to put John Doe Smith, as this is what is shown on my birth certificate, passport, visa, etc. My question is, on the same form where it asks for "Other Names You Have Used Since Birth", should I put John Doe?

 

Put your full legal name as listed on your birth certificate, passport, ect. So, John Doe Smith.

 

As to "other names used".... this is if you legally have changed your name before, not just go by a shortened version.

 

Like myself, my legal first name is Benjamin, but have always gone by Ben and signed as such except on legal forms.

 

My husband goes by Zian, and has for years, but isn't his real name. He just put in his legal name and all and that was that.

 

Edited January 16, 2019 by Ben&Zian