Can I start using my new name now?

March 4, 2008 4:57 AM

I want to start using a new last name, but it's likely going to be several months before I can officially change it. What problems could come up if I start using my new name now?

I'm planning on changing my name when I become a U.S. citizen, but due to the DHS application backlog it could be several months before I'm able to change my name officially through that process. I don't want to change my name through other legal means while I'm waiting for my application to process for fear of anything getting screwed up.

But I want to start using my new last name now, professionally and personally.

As long as I use my old last name to book any plane tickets and make any purchases requiring ID, would I run into any problems if I begin using my new last name now -- before it's officially my new name?

I can't really think of any huge problems that would come up if I did this, but I'm worried I'm not thinking of something.

Basically, I'm asking the reverse of this question.

Thanks!

posted by hazelshade to law & government (8 comments total)

You'll need to use your old last name on anything related to employment for social security purposes.
posted by otherwordlyglow at 5:18 AM on March 4

Put your old last name on any and all official documents. Put it on resumes, too. Explain to coworkers, your employer, friends, etc. that you are changing your name, and you'd like to use the new name now, and start using it.

Continue to use the old name on anything where you could be IDed or otherwise hassled. Once you're a US Citizen, I think that's the time to fully switch over, but not before.
posted by explosion at 6:04 AM on March 4

In some circumstances you need to report the fact that you are using an alias.

For example (and I know this probably doesn't apply to you, but there may be other things that do) writers who are members of the WGA have to register any nom-de-plumes they use (a maximum of one, actually) so that there is no confusion over credits.
posted by unSane at 6:51 AM on March 4

I'd tread carefully with anything official. Sadly, there still seems to be some inherent assumption in our country that "non-citizen" is the same as "most likely a terrorist."

On a professional level, I think you can communicate that you'd prefer to go by your new name, even though it's not official yet. That way HR won't get confused and issue paychecks to a name that doesn't match your ID / your bank account, etc., but your coworkers will address you by it.
posted by fogster at 8:38 AM on March 4

Now, not to be too OMGPATRIOTACTLOL here, but if you are traveling in and out of the US during this time I would be very careful about having what is essentially an alias on anything. If security officials were to search your bags and find business cards in a different name, for example, I suspect they might become a little difficult to deal with. Perhaps there is someone at the DHS involved in your application process who would have some insight into this problem?
posted by Rock Steady at 8:56 AM on March 4

I can't really think of any huge problems that would come up if I did this, but I'm worried I'm not thinking of something.

Oh, hazelshade. I'm sure your adopted country will love you, but what you're not thinking of is just how much a paranoid police state the federal government has become in the past 7 years. I wouldn't risk it. Honestly, if getting your citizenship matters to you (and I suspect it does), don't fuck with the Feds' heads by adopting a different identity. Later on, when you're a citizen, they'll be somewhat less inclined to abrogate your rights. Right now would not be the time to stick your head up and wave, however. One thing at a time.
posted by mumkin at 9:23 AM on March 4

Well, crap.
posted by hazelshade at 4:28 PM on March 4

what about keeping your old last name AND adding the new one (so your old name is your middle name)? then, just using your new last name for the not-so-legal stuff.
posted by hazel at 10:10 PM on March 4