Can I use more than one middle name on my passport?

(Somerset, NJ, USA)

Question: I recently got married and plan to make my maiden name a second middle name and take my husband's last name. Can I keep my original middle name and place my maiden name as a second middle name, or do I have to choose between the two?

For example, I would like my name to read: "Married name, First name, Middle name, Maiden name"

Do I have to choose between my "birth middle name" and my "maiden name" as my "middle" and only have "Married, First, Maiden," on my passport?

Thank-you!

Answer: The name in your passport must be your legal name. The bride and groom choose their married names when applying for the marriage license. Therefore, the name that you gave as your married name on your marriage license is your legal name and is the legal name that you should use on your documents (passport, driver's license, social security card, etc.).

If you did not include both middle names on the marriage license application form, then you need to apply for a court order to change your name legally.