Name Change on N-400 w/Supporting Documentation

M

Mecklen

New Member
Hi,

Apologies if this has been asked before but I cannot find a post where my exact circumstances have occured.

I am a green card holder and have lived in the US since Jan 1999. I got married last year in Ireland (my country of birth) to a US Citizen. I wanted to go ahead and change my last name on my drivers licence, social security card etc. When I rang the DMV they informed me that I would need to change the name on my green card first or pursue US Citizenship. I have decided on the latter. My question is on Part 1 (D) of the N-400 form it gives me the option of changing my name but doesn't tell me if I need to attach any documentation (Marriage Certificate). Do I need to attach a copy or original at this stage or do I need to have my name changed thru the courts? If anyone can answer this question for me I would be truly grateful. Thanks in advance for all your help!

Mecklen
 
I think you need to send a copy of your marry cert. however, i do not think it is used for the name change purpose. it isbecause you are married and they need you to send the marry cert along with the application (just like someone would need to send the divorce paper with the application if it applies to an individual).

I requested to change my name and I did not need to show any support documents. However, I only changed my first name thou.

also, just make sure you bring your marry cert w/ you to the interview in the future, just in case they want to ask you why you would want to change your last name, etc.
 
Mecklen said:
Hi,

Apologies if this has been asked before but I cannot find a post where my exact circumstances have occured.

I am a green card holder and have lived in the US since Jan 1999. I got married last year in Ireland (my country of birth) to a US Citizen. I wanted to go ahead and change my last name on my drivers licence, social security card etc. When I rang the DMV they informed me that I would need to change the name on my green card first or pursue US Citizenship. I have decided on the latter. My question is on Part 1 (D) of the N-400 form it gives me the option of changing my name but doesn't tell me if I need to attach any documentation (Marriage Certificate). Do I need to attach a copy or original at this stage or do I need to have my name changed thru the courts? If anyone can answer this question for me I would be truly grateful. Thanks in advance for all your help!

Mecklen
Click to expand...

Just go to the DMV and SSA with your current DL, GC and marriage certificate and ask for replacement cards with your new name. If they give you any problem, insist or try at another office. The marriage certificate should be enough if you are taking your husband's name. This way you change your name in the way most American women do it, by common law (usage) after marriage. Then change your name in all other records, including your Irish passport if Ireland allows it. As for the GC/Naturalization, you can either apply for a replacement GC, or, if you qualify, directly apply for naturalization. Your naturalization will not involve a name change if it is already changed by common law.
 
When applying for US citizenship you don't need to justify why you want to change your name. You can change it to pretty much any first and last name combination-no "proof" required.

The citizenship process makes it much easier to change your first or last name though since INS will get a name change for you through a court order.

Thanks
 
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