Name Change

So....I'm on my journey of applying for my visa.  My question is how do I change my name legally in the US?  I was married Nov. 5 and am finding many sites to help me change it, but haven't found the government rules on it yet.

I want to put my married name on my visa form, but am not sure if it will get snarled up if I haven't gotten the legal change from the US yet.

Any advice?  Thanks!

You need to do it through the social security office. You can do it through the post, but I am pretty sure that you have to send in an original copy of your birth certificate.
check this site out, it should answer all your questions. http://www.ssa.gov/gethelp1.htm

Thanks, that helps!  Do you think I can apply for my visa here under my married name before I do this?  I need to apply for my visa asap (runs out Jan 19!) and would like to do it under my married name, if possible.

Your spousal visa will be issued in whatever name is in your passport at the time.  It doesn't matter if it's issued in your maiden name -- you can always show your marriage certificate as proof of your married name if you work/open accounts under your married name here.

I wanted my name changed on my passport before I applied for settlement visa.  So I mailed it to the passport office, the cost is $67 plus an additional $60 for expedited service.  Well... they're version of expedited service is three days AFTER they receive it.  It took 3 1/2 weeks for them to receive it.  So, I was without my passport for a month.  Without paying the extra charge, it would have been two months!  Enough complaining, next week Ill have my passport back with my sparkling new name on it!  HORAY!