License Renewal and name change in California

[clamchopz, ASN]

Hello my fellow nurses!

I am seeking some advice.  I got married a few years ago, before passing NCLEX, but never changed my name due to the fact that I wanted to establish a job first and/or wait for my California Driver's License to renew at the same time.  Now, 2022, it is time to renewal everything.  I have legally changed my name with Social Security Office and the DMV.  Now, everything is legal, and I have all of my cards/documents ready.  As I was beginning to renew my RN Licensure, there was a STOP since I had to legally change my name with the BRN.  I have already submitted everything online. But, my RN License is due on 8/31.  Processing times might take a while (2-4 weeks)...  I am trying to see what the best route is so that I don't have a delinquent RN License.  I have tried to call the BRN, but was unable to get through the phonelines and I have a sent them an email.  I'm not sure if I will get an answer back.  

What should I do?  Renew under my maiden name?  But, I'm afraid of getting in trouble for doing that as well, since I am signing that all of the documentation is current and up-to-date.  I do have more than enough CEs to submit, both under my married name and maiden name to correlate.   Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[mnbbrn]

Hi,

Were you able to figure out what to do? I’m in the same situation. Waiting to get my ID in the mail to apply for the name change with the board, but RN license is due for renewal end of September. Thanks in advance!

[clamchopz, ASN]

1 minute ago, mnbbrn said:

Hi,

Were you able to figure out what to do? I’m in the same situation. Waiting to get my ID in the mail to apply for the name change with the board, but RN license is due for renewal end of September. Thanks in advance!

They actually changed my name on time. I submitted my paperwork online & it took them about 2 weeks to process. Once that went through,  I renewed my license & it was effective immediately.  I did call them a few times & was able to speak to someone. I was on the callback queue & they actually do call back. Best time to call is right when they open their phonetics, get on their callback queue, & they will call back, depending on where you are on their queue. Do you have tourbsicial security card? I believe that is a valid ID, need a copy of marriage license  scanned & sumbit it online.  You can always submit your new DL later as well.

[mnbbrn]

8 minutes ago, clamchopz said:

They actually changed my name on time. I submitted my paperwork online & it took them about 2 weeks to process. Once that went through,  I renewed my license & it was effective immediately.  I did call them a few times & was able to speak to someone. I was on the callback queue & they actually do call back. Best time to call is right when they open their phonetics, get on their callback queue, & they will call back, depending on where you are on their queue. Do you have tourbsicial security card? I believe that is a valid ID, need a copy of marriage license  scanned & sumbit it online.  You can always submit your new DL later as well.

Yes I do have my new social security card. I was hesitant to upload that as proof along with my marriage license because the BRN website states it wants a current govt issued PHOTO ID. 
 

Good to know they call back! Will try to give them a call. Am I able to return to the same name change application to upload my new DL?  Might just try to start the name change application with the SS and marriage certificate first since their current process times for name change is 2-4 weeks!

[clamchopz, ASN]

7 hours ago, mnbbrn said:

Yes I do have my new social security card. I was hesitant to upload that as proof along with my marriage license because the BRN website states it wants a current govt issued PHOTO ID. 
 

Good to know they call back! Will try to give them a call. Am I able to return to the same name change application to upload my new DL?  Might just try to start the name change application with the SS and marriage certificate first since their current process times for name change is 2-4 weeks!

To be on the safe side, you can renew now and then change your last name afterwards. They said I could do that too. But talk to them first.   Good luck!