Official Name Change
Kristien applied for a new social security card today. It was an important step because she also legally changed her name. She is now officially Kristien Crumley. We discussed the name change issue earlier and both agreed about what to do.
The standard procedure for a name change (post-wedding) is to complete a form SS-5. You then bring the form and a certified copy of the marriage license to a local Social Security Administration office.
We waited roughly 40 minutes until our number was called. The clerk typed the information and said it would only be a week or two before the card is delivered. That’s pretty good for the government.
Social Security Application
On Friday, 30 December Kristien applied for her Social Security number. This is a big step but it wasn’t complicated. The local SSA office is only a 10-minute drive. We made no appointment and waited only 10 or 15 minutes. Those people with appointments seemed to wait as long as those without.
Before driving to the office, Kristien first completed an SS-5 application form. She brought her passport as identification, which also has the required I-94 (given at the port of entry) and her K-1 visa, which is also attached to her passport. After verifying the information the clerk typed, Kristien signed a form and we were finished.
The clerk stated that we waited the recommended 10 days before applying but the process still might take 30-60 days.