Irene Ireny

I realize some messages posted about changing names. I have no idea
when I should change my name the best time. I still have bank account
in Toronto with my last name. Howvever, after we get married, we will
have joined account and I planned to move my money from toronto after I
arrive there. Also, how about my bank account in Toronto, my driving
license, my credit card account, and my candian passport.

I am quite confused.... thanks for help again

ian-mstm

Your name - as it is right now - is still your legal name, even after you get married and assume your husband's name. You are not obligated to change your name on anything if you don't want to.

Since you're moving to the US, you can close your bank account in Toronto once you've transferred the money unless there's some reason that it must stay open... and even then, you don't need to change the name on the account. You can let your Ontario driver's license expire, since you will likely be getting a new driver's license in the US. Once you move to the US and once you have paid off the balances, you will want to close the accounts on your Canadian credit cards - the US has no interest in your Canadian credit status, and your good credit in Canada is worthless in the US. For your passport, wait until it is ready to expire and then apply for a new passport with your married name - you will need to send in your old passport and a copy of your marriage certificate.

Ian

Irene Ireny

Thanks very much! Concerning the driving license, when I go to the
U.S. Can I replace the Canadian Driving License with the U.S
directly?? I will be in Atlanta. Or do I have to take the driving test
all over again?

Thanks
ian-mstm wrote:
    > > I realize some messages posted about changing names. I have no idea
    > > when I should change my name the best time. I still have bank account
    > > in Toronto with my last name. Howvever, after we get married, we
    > > will
    > > have joined account and I planned to move my money from toronto after
    > > I
    > > arrive there. Also, how about my bank account in Toronto, my driving
    > > license, my credit card account, and my candian passport.
    > >
    > > I am quite confused.... thanks for help again
    > Your name - as it is right now - is still your legal name, even after
    > you get married and assume your husband's name. You are not obligated to
    > change your name on anything if you don't want to.
    > Since you're moving to the US, you can close your bank account in
    > Toronto once you've transferred the money unless there's some reason
    > that it must stay open... and even then, you don't need to change the
    > name on the account. You can let your Ontario driver's license expire,
    > since you will likely be getting a new driver's license in the US. Once
    > you move to the US and once you have paid off the balances, you will
    > want to close the accounts on your Canadian credit cards - the US has no
    > interest in your Canadian credit status, and your good credit in Canada
    > is worthless in the US. For your passport, wait until it is ready to
    > expire and then apply for a new passport with your married name - you
    > will need to send in your old passport and a copy of your marriage
    > certificate.
    >
    > Ian
    >
    > --
    > Posted via http://britishexpats.com

Irene Ireny

Also, concerning my old accounts I know I am not gonna change names,
but if I open a new account in the U.S. is it true that I can use
either name and that will be fine, for transfer or something?
Thanks again
ian-mstm wrote:
    > > I realize some messages posted about changing names. I have no idea
    > > when I should change my name the best time. I still have bank account
    > > in Toronto with my last name. Howvever, after we get married, we
    > > will
    > > have joined account and I planned to move my money from toronto after
    > > I
    > > arrive there. Also, how about my bank account in Toronto, my driving
    > > license, my credit card account, and my candian passport.
    > >
    > > I am quite confused.... thanks for help again
    > Your name - as it is right now - is still your legal name, even after
    > you get married and assume your husband's name. You are not obligated to
    > change your name on anything if you don't want to.
    > Since you're moving to the US, you can close your bank account in
    > Toronto once you've transferred the money unless there's some reason
    > that it must stay open... and even then, you don't need to change the
    > name on the account. You can let your Ontario driver's license expire,
    > since you will likely be getting a new driver's license in the US. Once
    > you move to the US and once you have paid off the balances, you will
    > want to close the accounts on your Canadian credit cards - the US has no
    > interest in your Canadian credit status, and your good credit in Canada
    > is worthless in the US. For your passport, wait until it is ready to
    > expire and then apply for a new passport with your married name - you
    > will need to send in your old passport and a copy of your marriage
    > certificate.
    >
    > Ian
    >
    > --
    > Posted via http://britishexpats.com

ian-mstm

Most likely, you will have to take a driving test over again.


You should be able to open an account using either your unmarried or married name. This will probably depend on which bank you use and what proof of ID you have. They may or may not accept non-US proof of ID.

Ian