How to Change Your Name on a Green Card

Having a consistent name across all legal documents is essential for avoiding complications in daily life, especially for green card holders. If your name on your green card doesn’t match other official documents, you could face issues when traveling, verifying employment, or accessing benefits. For instance, you might be delayed at airport security, encounter complications during background checks, or experience trouble receiving public assistance. By promptly updating your green card to reflect a legal name change, you can ensure consistency and avoid potential obstacles in these areas.

Key Reasons to Change Your Name on a Green Card

Marriage
After marriage, many people choose to adopt their spouse’s last name or combine it with their own, and updating this change on your green card helps ensure all your legal documents match. Consistent identification across official records can make booking travel and applying for loans much smoother. By updating your green card with a new married name, you align your legal identity with any new documents, such as your driver’s license, passport, and social security card. 

Divorce
For some, divorce means reverting to a maiden name or previous surname, which also requires a green card update. Changing your name on your green card post-divorce helps clarify your identity and prevent confusion when dealing with banks, healthcare providers, and government agencies. Ensuring that your green card reflects this change supports a fresh start and makes it easier to use updated identification without mismatched names across your documents.

Court-Ordered Name Change
Outside of marriage and divorce, some people change their names for personal or legal reasons. A court-ordered name change might be prompted by a desire for a fresh start, religious beliefs, gender transition, or even safety concerns. Updating your green card in these cases is essential for maintaining a consistent legal identity, which is particularly important for immigration records. It also helps eliminate complications when proving your identity and verifying your immigration status in everyday situations.

When and Why It’s Critical to Update Your Name

Legal Consistency Across Documents
Keeping your name consistent across all official documents is essential to avoid legal and logistical complications. For example, aligning the name on your green card with IDs such as your driver’s license, social security card, and passport can prevent delays in background checks for jobs, credit applications, and various other processes that require identity verification. This consistency ensures smoother transactions and minimizes the risk of legal confusion or identity verification issues.

Green Card Renewal vs. Name Change
If your green card is approaching its renewal period, you can save time and fees by combining the renewal process with your name change request. Filing for both changes at once simplifies the application and processing timeline and helps you avoid paying separate fees for a renewal and a name change. This approach is especially practical for those whose green cards are expiring soon, allowing them to address both needs in one application.

Updating Your Name for International Flights
If you plan to travel internationally, it’s critical to ensure that the name on your passport matches your airline tickets, as discrepancies could cause issues at check-in and security checkpoints. Green card holders with a new legal name should update both their passports and green cards to avoid any delays when flying. Having all travel documents in alignment helps to ensure a smooth travel experience, especially when dealing with international borders.

Considerations for Re-Entry to the U.S.
For green card holders, any discrepancies in names between a green card and other identification can create complications when re-entering the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers rely on consistent documentation to confirm your identity and status, and mismatches can lead to delays or additional questioning. By updating your green card to reflect your current name, you can avoid unnecessary hold-ups at customs and ensure a more straightforward re-entry process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Name on a Green Card

1. Determine Eligibility & Requirements

To change your name on a green card, you must be a lawful permanent resident who has undergone a legal name change. This applies to individuals whose names have changed due to marriage, divorce, or a court order. If you fall under any of these categories, you are eligible to update your green card with your new name.

2. Gather Necessary Documents

To start, collect the legal documents that prove your name change. Acceptable forms of documentation include:

• Marriage Certificate: Issued by a government office, this document serves as proof of name change due to marriage.
• Divorce Decree: A court-issued document that shows your legal right to revert to a previous name.
• Court Order: If your name change was legally approved by a court, the order serves as the primary evidence for updating your name.

You can typically obtain these documents from the courthouse where the name change was granted or through vital records offices for marriage or divorce documents. Make sure each document is official, as copies of unverified documents will not be accepted.

3. Complete Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card)

Once your documents are ready, you’ll need to complete Form I-90 to apply for a replacement green card with your updated name. When filling out the form, be sure to:

• Select “name change” as the reason for replacing your green card.
• Include your new name in the designated sections and double-check for any typographical errors to avoid delays.
• Attach copies of your legal name change documentation with your application.

4. Submit Your Application with Filing Fees

The current filing fee for Form I-90 is $455, with an additional $85 biometrics fee, totaling $540. However, certain applicants may qualify for a fee waiver based on their financial situation or income level. To request a waiver, you must submit Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, along with your I-90 application. Ensure all fees are paid and that your application packet is complete before submitting it to USCIS.

5. Wait Times and What to Expect Next

After filing, USCIS will review your application and may schedule you for a biometrics appointment, where they will collect your fingerprints, photo, and signature. Average processing times for Form I-90 can range from 8 to 12 months, depending on the USCIS workload. If there are delays or if your application status remains unchanged for an extended period, you can check your case status online at the USCIS website or contact USCIS for assistance.

Additional Tips for a Smooth Green Card Name Change Process

Avoiding Common Mistakes
A few common errors can delay your green card name change, so double-check everything before submitting. Make sure that Form I-90 is complete, with all relevant sections filled out accurately, especially your current and new names. Insufficient or incorrect documentation, like missing a certified marriage certificate or submitting a poor-quality copy, can also result in delays. Carefully follow USCIS requirements to avoid unnecessary complications and make the process as smooth as possible.

Tracking Your Application Status
To stay updated on your application, you can track its progress using the USCIS case status tracker. Enter your receipt number (found on your application notice) to see updates on processing stages, biometrics appointments, and estimated timelines. This tool is handy for staying informed, especially if you need to travel or make other arrangements while your application is pending.

Documenting Your Name Change Across Other Legal Documents
Once your green card name change is approved, it’s wise to update your new name on other key documents to maintain legal consistency. Start with your Social Security record by visiting a local SSA office, which will allow for a consistent identity across government records. After that, update your passport, driver’s license, bank accounts, and other important records. Taking care of these updates helps avoid issues with identification, benefits, and other services in the future.

Name Change on Green Card vs. Name Change During Citizenship

Changing your name on a green card and waiting to change it during the naturalization process each comes with unique advantages and disadvantages, depending on your circumstances and timeline.

One of the primary benefits of waiting to change your name during citizenship is cost savings. The naturalization process already includes Form N-400 fees, so you won’t need to pay the additional Form I-90 fees required for a name change on a green card. This can save you hundreds of dollars in application costs. Additionally, the naturalization process includes a legal name change option as part of the oath ceremony in many states, which can simplify the process by combining it with your path to citizenship.

On the other hand, changing your name sooner through a green card update might be necessary if you anticipate needing consistent legal documents in the short term. Mismatched identification across documents can cause issues with travel, employment verification, or public benefits. However, if you’re close to meeting eligibility for naturalization, waiting to change your name during the citizenship process might save you both time and money, making it a more efficient option overall.

Final Checklist and Resources

Checklist for Green Card Name Change

Use this checklist to stay organized throughout the green card name change process:

• Determine Eligibility
  Confirm that you meet the requirements for a name change (e.g., name change due to marriage, divorce, or court order).
• Gather Required Documents
  Collect all necessary documents, such as:
  • Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order (for proof of name change)
  • Current green card and any other supporting IDs
• Complete Form I-90
  Fill out Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card), specifically indicating “name change” as the reason.
• Pay Filing Fees
  Submit the required fees ($455 for Form I-90 plus an $85 biometrics fee), unless eligible for a fee waiver.
• Submit Your Application
  Send your completed application and all supporting documents to USCIS.
• Attend Biometrics Appointment
  If scheduled, complete the biometrics appointment for photos, fingerprints, and signatures.
• Track Your Application
  Use the USCIS case status tracker to monitor your application’s progress.
• Update Other Documents
  Once your green card name change is approved, update your Social Security, passport, driver’s license, and other essential records.

Resources

• Form I-90
  Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (I-90)
• USCIS Policy Manual
  USCIS Name Change Policies and Guidelines
• Case Status Tracker
  USCIS Case Status Online Tool
• Support Services
  For questions, contact USCIS Customer Service or seek guidance from legal professionals who specialize in immigration law.

FAQ

Is a green card name change mandatory?
No, a name change on a green card is not mandatory, but it is recommended if you’ve legally changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order. Having a consistent name across all documents can help avoid issues with travel, employment, and legal matters.

Can I change my name on my green card without form I-90?
No, Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) is required to update your name on a green card. USCIS uses this form to issue a new card with your updated information.

Can I update my name during naturalization instead?
Yes, you can update your name during the naturalization process. In many cases, this can save time and fees, as the name change can be processed alongside your naturalization without requiring a separate application for a new green card.

What if my green card is about to expire?
If your green card is close to expiration, you can combine the renewal with your name change on Form I-90. This approach saves time and avoids paying separate fees for a renewal and a name change.

How long does it take to process a name change?
Processing times for a green card name change can vary, generally ranging from 8 to 12 months. You can monitor your case through the USCIS case status tracker to stay updated on any progress or delays.

Should I update my name on my green card before social security?
Yes, you must update your name on your green card as the first step.

Should I use a name change kit?You can definitely use a name change kit to help ease the process. Courtly’s name change kits include all the documents you need to change your name on your passport, driver’s license, and more! Learn more about our kits here.