Can I change my name abroad?

I got married last July, but I teach in China so to travel, have visas, etc. I didn't change my name immediately. I'm moving to teach at a new school in Mexico this summer, and I'll only be back in the states for a few weeks. Is there any way I can get everything changed abroad? Most sources say you change your SS card first, then your driver's license (I don't use it here), then you'd normally change your passport too. I wanted to get everything changed over before I start my new job, and I can send my passport to the embassy in Beijing to be renewed, but what about the other stuff?

Worst of all, I have plane tickets home in July that are in my maiden name - so I'll still need that original passport.

Should I even bother or just wait a few more years? Can you still change it later?

Contact your embassy for the complete answer; services vary by location. You're right that all travel documents need to be in the same name (and you'll have to check with the airline to see about reissuing tickets for a name change; there's probably a fee is they even allow it).

You can definitely retain the old passport to continue to travel on it (I've done so), but with the new passports w/electronic security, I don't know that you'd survive immigration on the old one once a new passport is issued... you're not meant to have 2 valid passports,only to be able to cover the gap between application and receipt of the passport.

I have no expertise in your area of concern, but I want to commend your clear thinking over a potentially disastrous adventure. With all the restrictions on travel now, you'd hate to be held up over an incomplete change (tickets vs passport) Some poor ticket agent may not have the compassion over your dilemma and you'd be stuck. I'd go with your instincts and wait till you're in a stable place for a long enough time to get all the changes made and then book your next flight with your new name, holding your new passport. You can always change your name--no time limit on that.