[NJ] My driver’s license shows my married last name, but my permanent residency card has my single last name. How do I change this?
I would like to know how and what I need to do to change my last name from my current name in New Jersey.
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If you are sure the marriage certificate legally changed your name, then you would use that legal name on paperwork. If it did not, then you can change your name using a state legal name change process, or you can wait and change it during the Naturalization process.
Here is the official New Jersey court link for adult name changes.
If your marriage certificate did not legally change your name, and you don’t want to wait until you naturalize as a U.S. citizen, then you should complete the New Jersey state legal name change process.
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I would like to know how and what I need to do to change my last name from my current name in New Jersey.
Lexi, Chatbot
I understand that changing your last name is an important decision. Can you please share the reason for your name change?
Back then, when I had my driver’s license, I used my married name. Then when my daughter filed petitions, my immigration lawyer advised me—or USCIS did not validate my married name—since I didn’t have my status yet. So when my green card/permanent residency was approved, it was approved under my single name.
Lexi, Chatbot
Are you currently married, divorced, or in a different situation that might affect the name change process?
I got married back in 1998, but I didn’t have my status yet before. As I mentioned, my daughter filed petitions and USCIS approved my single name. That means they didn’t honor my marriage certificate.
Lexi, Chatbot
Is there anything else the Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with your name change.
Yes. I would like to apply for a REAL ID, and my driver’s license is under my married name, which is not the same as my permanent resident card. When I tried to apply and change my driver’s license to my single name, the DMV said they want me to change my last name first before I can apply for REAL ID.
Guillermo Senmartin
Hello! I’m Guillermo Senmartin, a licensed attorney with over 23 years of experience. I’m here to help. Please note that if I pause, I may be assisting another client or reviewing your issue. Thank you for your patience.
What is your current status in the U.S.?
Permanent resident. I just received my status in 2022.
Guillermo Senmartin
Do you know if your marriage certificate legally changed your name? Don’t assume that it did. You may need to confirm this with the Clerk of the Court.
I believe so.
Guillermo Senmartin
If you are sure the marriage certificate legally changed your name, then you would use that legal name on paperwork. If it did not, then you can change your name using a state legal name change process, or you can wait and change it during the Naturalization process.
Here is the official New Jersey court link for adult name changes.
If your marriage certificate did not legally change your name, and you don’t want to wait until you naturalize as a U.S. citizen, then you should complete the New Jersey state legal name change process.
Thank you very much. I really appreciate your time.
Guillermo Senmartin
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