- Blog
- Bios
- Boards
- Classifieds
- DIY
- Gallery
- Vendor Reviews
- Shop Weddingbee
Weddingbee boards
I would make sure to visit Social Security office first. That one you have to be in person.
@lefeymw: I won't have my marriage license until after we move... we are leaving for the UK 6 days after the wedding...
@KatNYC2011: hopefully someone can help. It may be possible that you cant legally change it till you are back in the US. Not sure.
@lefeymw: Yeah, I hope so too. I guess I should have asked this when people in the UK are actually awake...
I found something on the US Consulate site that I can renew my passport with a new name and all I need is a marriage license, but I'm not sure that that constitutes a legal name change. Plus I have a work visa in my maiden name so I'm not sure about changing that too.
Bump... (now that more people might be awake)
I'm working on changing my name in the UK, and find the whole process very overwhelming. I decided to keep all of my Canadian docs in my maiden name until my passport and work visa need renewing. I thought it would be too difficult to have my married name on my passport, and my work visa in my maiden name. The less confusion at the border, the better!!! Because almost everything has to be done in person in Canada, I'm leaving bank accounts, health card, etc. in my maiden name. All UK docs I'm in the process of changing to my married name though (bank accounts, drivers licence, etc.).
Since you'll have to replace at least your licence if you're living here, there's really no point changing your US one if it will cost you, since you have to surrender it to the DVLA if you want to drive her after 1 year (or if your insurance company won't let you drive on your US one).
One thing to note when changing your name (or registering for anything in your married name) is that pretty much everyone will take just your marriage certificate if it is a straight maiden -> married change. If you are hyphenating, you need to apply for a deedpole. Sounds scary, but it's basically just a piece of paper confirming your name change and doesn't cost too much.
Hopefully that offers a bit of insight?
I wish I could help, but I think that I am keeping mine for the time being. With the military involved and the issues with passports and visas, I don't honestly think it's worth it.
(I've been here a little over a month and I'm loving it, btw! I haven't been to London yet, but we've got a 3 day weekend coming up and we're going to go down then.)
@peacheslea: Hmm ok. So I could have my US SS number and drivers license in one name and my UK bank accounts in another? I'll have to spend some time researching once I get to London. I'd like for FI and I to have the same last name for travel, bank accounts, etc just because it would be easier.
@zippylef: Yeah, I JUST got my visa and my passport doesn't expire until 2013. Glad you are liking the UK. Enjoy your trip to London. I finally move over at the end of the month!
@KatNYC2011: Of course you can :) Just take your passport + marriage certificate to the bank and they should be able to set you up with your new name no problem.
However ... getting a bank account if your employer is not helping you set one up is pretty much a nightmare! The only bank I could find that would take me (despite having a letter of recommendation from my CDN bank) was HSBC ... you have to pay like 8.00 pounds a month though! I guess I'm used to the fees since they charge you for EVERYTHING in Canada - but in the UK, pretty much all accounts are free and there are no charges to use your bank card/withdraw money from any bank machine, etc.
My DH is English though, so after a year we set up a joint account but only I have access to it. I use it as my personal account :)
You could alos see if it is possible to file your wedding cert yourself. We did that and I went to SSA the Monday after we were married, I had to wait a few more days for the license but that was no big deal. I don't know what the laws are in each state though.
@peacheslea: We already have a joint HSBC acct set up (both us and uk) and since we have the relationship they will let me have my own savings with them (thank goodness!)
@Storm0075: Hmm I may try and look in to that. Might not work thought since we leave for Canada on Monday and then come back Thursday to fly out of NYC friday night.
You must log in to post.
| Visit our sister sites | eHarmony Online Dating |
eHarmony Advice Dating Advice |
Project Wedding Wedding Songs |
JustMommies Pregnancy Calendar |
Create the honeymoon of your dreams.
| User | Posts Today |
|---|---|
| ellisrobertson | 24 |
| fishbone | 20 |
| MsPanda | 14 |
| ladyartichoke | 14 |
| aduarte3201 | 14 |
| mypinkshoes | 12 |
| pengoala | 11 |
 sylvia.riggle |
11 |
| Brielle | 10 |
| ShellVee | 10 |
| User | Posts Today |
|---|---|
| mandypop | 2 |
| MissAsB | 1 |
| claireos | 1 |
| thursdayschild | 1 |
| likelimeade | 1 |
| Andr0meda | 1 |
| juliejaye | 1 |
| foreignbride | 1 |
| RayKay | 1 |
| Handful | 1 |
Beekeeper
I'm moving to the UK right after our wedding and we will be living there for at least 2 years. I'd like to change my name sooner rather than later.
Has anyone ever changed their name as an ex-pat?
How much of a hassle is the process?