There are various reasons you may want to do a green card name change. Everyday people get married and divorced, often resulting in a legal name change. Others may just decide to adopt a more Western style name after immigrating to the United States. Whatever your reason, a green card name change is a relatively simple matter.
Table of ContentsIt’s important to understand that the legal name change must take place before you update the green card. In other words, you’ll need a registered copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption decree, or other court-issued document showing your name was legally changed. Once you have this, you can get started on your green card name change.
In the United States, you can generally change your name for any reason. State laws ultimately regulate names changes so the rules do vary by state. But adopting a new name is not limited by marriage, divorce, etc. You can wake up tomorrow and decide to re-name yourself.
In most cases, you’ll need to file some paperwork at a local government office. There will likely be a small fee, and it may be necessary to publish a legal notice in a local newspaper to announce the name change.
If you do not already have a registered copy of your name change document, you’ll need to request one. A simple photocopy is not sufficient. Legal name change documents submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as evidence of a name change must have been registered with the proper civil authority.
With evidence of your legal name change in hand, you’re ready to file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. Use this application to renew or replace a green card for just about any reason, including a name change. You can download the form on USCIS.gov or go to CitizenPath.com to prepare Form I-90. CitizenPath offers an affordable service to help people like you prepare the application correctly. Immigration attorneys designed the service to make it easier to prepare and help eliminate the common errors that can cause delays and denials. CitizenPath even guarantees that USCIS will approve your application for a green card name change.
When asked if your name has “legally changed since the issuance of your Permanent Resident Card,” you’ll answer “Yes.” You’ll have the opportunity to enter your new name.
Then, select, “My name or other biographic information has been legally changed since issuance of my existing card” in response to the question about the reason for filing your application. USCIS will print your new legal name on the new green card.
Several other questions on Form I-90 can be challenging for some permanent residents. CitizenPath's service can help you navigate these questions.
