Changing name on passport and social security card

What is the best way to do this? Mail it to the US Embassy or go to London to do it?  Also, what forms & documents do I need for both of these?

Thank you!

I went in person and only took my marriage certificate and passport. BUT - I only changed my name on my passport. The SS card is another story - its still in my maiden name - and I won't tell you how many times I have been married  

Thanks missy.  Does it get really busy there?  Should I try to be there first thing when it opens or does that not matter?

I went just after lunch time. Waited for about 5 minutes, handed my stuff in and waited another 20 minutes or so and it was done!

don't they ask you for your parents ss numbers???

This may be a silly question, but in the address area do I put my American address or the UK one?  I'm thinking the UK one as that is where I am living, but it got me wondering if I am supposed to have a UK address in my US passport.  Very confusing!

Blondshania, You ONLY need your parent's SS numbers if youre applying for a NEW and ORIGINAL social security number. Like when you have a baby.

Lauren, You should provide your UK address if thats where youre living. You can have a US passport and any address anywhere in the world - its not illegal Also they wont put your UK address IN your US passport. It only says "On this day the name of the holder of this passport has changed their name to blah blah blah." So put that UK address on those forms.

You might all find this thread interesting as it's exactly on this topic: http://www.uk-yankee.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=visas;action=display;num=1077107171

Also, when you fill out the SS card paperwork you put your UK address and they'll mail the new card to your UK address.

It is easier to get it all done in one visit to the Embassy in London if you're able.  Because otherwise you have to send your passport in to SS to get that changed - they want a photo I.D.

I was told that I could go to Croydon to get my name-change for my passport. That Croydon also takes care of it as well as London's Home Office.

Uh...ignore my post. It was a lonnnnnggggg flight and no sleep. Of course I go to the American Embassy for my name change for passport...I was thinking the bit that is done after my two years is up with entry visa...duh...

You can change your passport by mail as well, I just did it and it's easy as can be, mailed it off and received it in one week.

So, we put the address here in the U.K. (on the D-19 application) if  we live here, right? Bear with me...I have gotten to the point that I want everything spelled out completely...i's dotted and t's crossed.

Yep, exactly. See this thread for more info:
http://www.uk-yankee.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=visas;action=display;num=1077107171

Looks like you're getting your answers, Georgia - but wanted to say that we're a stone's throw from each other!  PM me if you're interested in getting together at some point.