Name Change on Green Card

1. How do I initiate a name change on my green card?


To initiate a name change on a green card, you must submit Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. This form can be found on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website. Along with the form, you must provide evidence of your name change (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, etc.) and pay the applicable filing fee.

2. What documents do I need to submit for a green card name change?


In order to change the name listed on your green card, you must submit Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card). Along with the form, you must also provide documents to prove your identity, such as a valid passport, government ID, or birth certificate. You may also need to provide proof of your legal name change, such as court documents.

3. How long does it take to process a name change on a green card?


It typically takes 3–6 months to process a name change on a green card.

4. Is there a fee to change my name on my green card?


No, there is no fee to change your name on your green card. You may need to submit evidence of your name change such as a court order or marriage certificate.

5. Can I use an online service to process a green card name change?


No, you cannot use an online service to process a green card name change. You must submit an Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Form I-90) to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form can be found on the USCIS website and must be completed and submitted with the correct fee.

6. What forms do I need to fill out to change my name on my green card?


You will need to complete Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.

7. Can I change the name on my green card if I am currently outside the United States?


No, you cannot change the name on your green card if you are currently outside the United States. You will need to apply for a new green card with the correct name.

8. Can I change my name on my green card if I am not a U.S. citizen?


No, you cannot change your name on your green card if you are not a U.S. citizen. To legally change your name, you must go through the court system and obtain a court order.

9. Do I need to submit any additional documents if I am changing my name due to marriage or divorce?


Yes, you will need to provide evidence of your name change. This can be in the form of your marriage certificate or divorce decree.

10. How do I update information on other government agencies after I have changed my name on my green card?


If you need to update information on other government agencies after you have changed your name on your green card, you should contact those agencies directly. Depending on the agency, the process for making name changes may vary. You may need to provide them with proof of your name change, which can usually be a copy of your green card with your updated name.

11. Can I update my passport with the new name after changing it on my green card?


Yes, you can update your passport with the new name after changing it on your green card. You will need to fill out Form DS-5504, present proof of your name change, such as a certified copy of your marriage certificate or court order, and submit the appropriate fee.

12. Do I need to submit any additional forms if my new name contains characters not found in the Latin alphabet?


Yes, you may need to submit additional forms if your new name contains characters not found in the Latin alphabet. Depending on the country, you may need to provide proof of the correct spelling and pronunciation of the new name, or submit additional documentation specifying the new name. Additionally, some countries may require you to convert your new name into a Latinized version if it is in a different alphabet.

13. What if I cannot afford the fee for changing the name on my green card?


If you cannot afford the fee for changing the name on your green card, you may apply for a fee waiver. To be eligible for a fee waiver, you must demonstrate that you are unable to pay the filing fee due to financial hardship. You will need to submit Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, along with your green card application and supporting documents.

14. Is there any way to expedite the process of changing the name on my green card?


Unfortunately, there is no way to expedite the process of changing the name on a green card. In order to change your name on a green card, you will need to submit Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, along with additional supporting documentation and the applicable fee to USCIS. Processing times can vary, so it is best to check the USCIS website for the most up-to-date information.

15. How will a name change on my green card affect other government documents (e.g., Social Security, driver’s license)?


When a name change occurs on a green card, the other government documents must also be updated. The individual will need to apply for a new Social Security card with the updated name and visit their local DMV to get a new driver’s license with the new name.

16. What if I do not have all the required documents for changing my name on my green card?


If you do not have all the required documents for changing your name on your green card, you must submit a signed statement explaining why you are unable to provide the required documents. The USCIS may still approve your request but will first need to review and verify the statement you provided.

17. How does the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) verify the accuracy of the information submitted with the application for changing the name on my green card?


In order to verify the accuracy of the information submitted with an application for changing the name on a green card, the USCIS will review the documents submitted with the application. This includes reviewing documents such as a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that is applicable to the name change. The USCIS may also contact outside sources to verify information or use its own records to determine validity of the name change request.

18. Does the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) accept a photocopy of an original document when submitting an application for changing the name on a green card?


No, USCIS does not accept photocopies of original documents. They must be originals.

19. What is an Alien Registration Number and where can I find it when applying for a name change on a green card?


An Alien Registration Number is a unique nine-digit number assigned to an immigrant by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is commonly referred to as an “A-Number” and can be found on the front of a Permanent Resident Card (also known as a green card). The A-Number is an important piece of information when filing for a name change on a green card, as it must be included in the application.

20. What happens if I lose or damage my green card after changing my name on it?


If you lose or damage your green card after changing your name on it, you will need to apply for a replacement card with your new name. You can do this by submitting Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. The form and filing fee can be found on the USCIS website.