What should I do about my surname? 9 Answers as of February 01, 2012
I am a US resident and I got my residency through my father who is a citizen. I am 27years old and just got married. I am planning to change to my husband last name, I have not changed it yet, my question is that, can I use my husband's last name as my current legal name on the citizenship application form (without making changes with the social security administration) and then put the name on the green card on the second line of the form (for names on the residency card) Can this be possible? And will there be any difference in the length of time my US citizenship will come through due to these changes? Thanks.Free Case Evaluation by a Local Lawyer!
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Feldman Feldman & Associates, PC | Lynne Feldman
If you are close to the time you can apply for citizenship it should be fine to take care of the name change at that time (A name change with the citizenship application means you will need to be sworn in by a Judge but in many districts this is required anyway). I would notify social security and DMV immediately as that will not need to be re-done after citizenship. If you are not filing for citizenship quickly then I recommend you file an I-90 to get a new green card in your new name and/or travel with an original of your marriage certificate until it is finalized.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 2/1/2012
Law Offices of Grinberg and Segal | Alexander Segal
You can take your husband's last name without a problem. You do need to indicate all prior names used. You will also need to submit documentation showing your identity. It is in your interest to have all government issued documents changed over to the name you intend to use, but not a requirement.
Answer Applies to: New York
Replied: 2/1/2012
Ayodele M. Ojo & Associates | Ayodele Mayowa Ojo
You are allowed to change your name when your N400, Citizenship application is approved. Changing to your husband`s name will not affect or delay your citizenship but you need to notify Social Security and others States Agencies, such driver licenses bureau, so you don't cause yourself identity confusion.
Answer Applies to: Minnesota
Replied: 2/1/2012
Law Offices of Svetlana Boukhny | Svetlana Boukhny
Yes, you can change your name through marriage and then start using it on all legal documents, including the application for citizenship.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 1/31/2012
Fong & Associates | William D. Fong
Yes, you can use your married name on the citizenship application. Be sure to include a copy of your marriage license to show your husbands surname. It will not affect the time for approval.
Answer Applies to: Texas
Replied: 1/31/2012
Law Offices of Brian D. Lerner, A PC | Brian David Lerner
You can easily change your name when you apply for citizenship.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 1/31/2012
Bell, Nunnally & Martin, LLP | Karen-Lee Pollak
You can use your husband's name and list on the line where it states other names your name as it appears on your permanent residency card.
Answer Applies to: Texas
Replied: 1/31/2012
Wildes & Weinberg, P.C. | Leon Wildes
You cannot use the married name till you marry. It will not affect the processing time.
Answer Applies to: New York
Replied: 1/31/2012
Law Office of Lyaman F. Khashmati, P.C. | Inara F. Khashmati
Yes you may use you husbands last name. However it might delay you application just a little longer.
Answer Applies to: New York
Replied: 1/31/2012
