Getting married in Mexico- Requirements & Advice?

Question

I'm getting married in Jalisco, Mexico. I went to get my marriage license and was turned down because the last name on my birth cert and passport don't match. They're different because I've been using my stepfather's last name ever since I can remember although there was never any legal adoption.

The lady at the civil registry told me I had two choices-

1. go back to the states and legally change my name through the court system- then return with a new birth cert. Down side of this: legal fees and court, min 6 months to wait for new birth cert.

Or 2. Have my passport changed to match my name on my birth cert. It's not my name- I have never used that last name, and all of my ID and legal documentation would not match which I believe would cause hassle in the future- particularly for visa issues since I live out of the country.

I need help! First of all- has anyone else gotten married in Mexico despite varying last names on their birth cert and passport? Advice on what to do?

Answer 1

Hey if you go to www.immigrate2us.net yes its mostly an immigration site but we help eachother out with this kinda stuff.. they helped me today to figure out how to order mexican birth certificate..

Answer 2

This isn't the only problem you will have because of the differnence in names,    Sounds like you are going to need to change it legally...something your parents should have done years ago.  Perhaps you could use both names...or you might need to consult a lawyer...and maybe it would not take 6 months.  Anyway...you are certinly NOT going to change the mind of the lady at the civil registry.  Also, if you are going to get married in Mexico, you need to read this info  from the U.S. State Dep't consular sheet on Mexico.

MARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS IN MEXICO:  In general, to marry a Mexican national in Mexico, a U.S. citizen must be physically present in Mexico and present documents required by the jurisdiction where the marriage will take place.  U.S. citizens who marry U.S. citizens or other non-Mexicans are not subject to a residence requirement, but are required to present their tourist cards.  For additional information on marriages in Mexico, contact the U.S. Embassy or the nearest U.S. consulate.

See list below for all the American consulates and consular embassies in Mexico..you should probably talk to them BEFORE doing ANYTHING.  Maybe the best thing to do is get the name on your passport changed to the one on your birth certificate.  Then ,after you are married, you will need to have that changed to your married name...and at the same time...get it changed to your married name on everything else too.  As far as your visa is concerned...once you are married, it should be in your married name...so when you renew it, put it in that name.

Answer 3

Are you hoping to get social security some day?  I thought I would bring that up also.  It will be a mess any way you look at it.  Love is patient you know.

Maybe you can show them your mom's marriage license with your stepfather's last name and that could clarify as to why you have a different name.  Just make sure all is notarized.  Mexicans love to see seals on documents.  Good luck.