Figuring out my legal name

HH84

New Member
Jurisdiction
Ohio
Hi, I'm preparing to take the OAEs for obtaining my alternate teacher's license. In order to gain admittance for the test I must show my license and my name must match exactly with my registered name with Pearson's. My registered name is Hillary Hobbs, but my license is Hillary Elaine Sheaffer-Hobbs. When I got married I changed my name at least with Social Security to Hillary Hobbs and it is that name in which I file taxes. However, my marriage certificate makes no indication of name change- it merely has my maiden name and my husband's name.
I have 2 options to resolving my discrepancy: Either furnish proof of my legal name along with my license to Pearson's to change my name in their system OR get a license with Hillary Hobbs as my name so I may be admitted. How do I determine what my legal name is and furnish proof so that I may make one of those two changes so I can take the test?
 
Do what's easiest and quickest. Which might be Pearson. See if Pearson will update records and provide written confirmation the same day.

It might be more difficult with your driver license, especially if your state requires the inclusion of your middle names.
 
How do I determine what my legal name is and furnish proof so that I may make one of those two changes so I can take the test?

A person can use any name he or she wishes, as long as said person doesn't use the name to break any law.

The simplest solution would be to contact "Pearson's", tell the person on the line what you've revealed here, and see if "Pearson's" will offer you an accommodation to take the exam.
 
you should have registered with Pearson's with the name on your drivers license since that is what they are going to compare to on your test day. That's also easiest because it contains all of your names, so when you go to be certified/get your license (under any combination of names) it will most likely be in that name unless you can show a court-ordered/legal change such as your social security card. But I agree Pearson will be easiest, just do it way before your actual test day.
 
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