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Can I have two non-hyphenated last names in my passport?

by Karen
(Los Angeles)

Question: I'm getting married in a few months, and we each plan on adding the other's last name to our current names. So my name will be MyFirst, MyMiddle, MyLast HisLast - two last names, not hyphenated, not run together. Is this going to be difficult to deal with when I apply for the updated passport? Or is it not-unheard-of and won't be a problem?


Answer: As long as you can submit an original or certified copy of the marriage certificate documenting the use of two last names without the hyphen, then you can have them both on your passport.

Note, you are encouraged to include a letter with the application form explaining the use of two non-hyphenated last names in order to prevent any possible error.

Best regards,

William

Comments for Can I have two non-hyphenated last names in my passport?

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Name
by: Kristi S

Question: Hi,

I have a current passport and I hyphenated my last name with my former married name and my maiden name. My Georgia driver's license was changed to my maiden name; will I be able to still use my current passport? I'm looking to travel out of the country in about three weeks.

Answer: You may travel with your current passport as long as you book your tickets in the same name as what is printed in it.
different names on name change document and social security card bc of character limits
by: Anonymous

Question: Hello, I changed my name after marriage to a double (non-hypenated) last name. However, my initial plan was to move my last name to a extra middle name (which is reflected on my marriage license), but because of character limits at the social security administration, my legal name change on my social security office made it so that I have two last names (which is also what I use on my license). Do I need to go in person to change the name on my passport since it is not what is reflected on my name change document? What would I need to bring? Thank you.

Answer: If you cannot submit proof of the name change, you must apply in person. According to the Department of State, you will not need to provide proof of the name change if your name has changed due to a marriage and you have already been issued an ID in your new name. You must include the details of the marriage in the applicable section on Form DS-11. You will also need evidence of U.S. citizenship, proof of identity, a recent passport photo and payment for fees. For a complete list of requirements, click here.
Passport name change - question about the FORM
by: Ioulia

Question: Dumb question - when it says "Passport was issued less than a year ago" or "More than one year ago", does that count renewals?

Meaning....I've had a passport since I was a kid. My most recent passport was renewed in Mar 2014. So, is that less than a year? Or are we talking about my very first passport (in which case it's over a year).

Answer: The requirement refers to your most recent passport. If it was issued in Mar 2014, then you can submit Form DS-5504 by mail with your current passport, your name change document (original or certified copy), and a color passport photo.You will not have to pay any passport or processing fees, unless you request Expedited Service.
Name on passport
by: ioulia

Question: I have a question along the same lines. I am going to be legally changing my first name and making my current first name as a middle name. I am also THINKING about adding my mother's maiden name as a "secondary" middle name. (like a lot of Latinas have). So again, it won't be hyphenated. My name will be:
MyFirstName My1stMiddleName My2ndMiddleName MyLastName.

Is this going to create a problem? I need to know before I actually put in the name change. I've already checked with the PA DOT In regards to how it will appear on my drivers license. But I need to know how it's going to appear on my passport.

Answer: It is possible to include first name, two middle names and last name on a passport as long as the number of characters in your full name does not exceed the number of spaces available in the passport. If that happens, the Acceptance Agent at the location where you apply will work with you to determine the best way to include your name in the passport.

For more information, visit How to Change the Name in a Passport.

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