Comments for How do I best change the middle name on my passport to the middle initial I use on everything else? Click here to add your own comments

Can I leave out my middle name when renewing passport by: PA Question: Can I renew my passport with form DS 82 and leave the middle name out? My drivers license doesn’t have a middle name but my current passport does. Would this be considered an "immaterial name change"? Answer: If you are changing the name on your passport without a name change document, you cannot use Form DS-82. You need to submit Form DS-11 in person instead. You may submit a photocopy of your driver's license to support the name entered in your application form.

Enhanced ID Middle Name by: Anonymous Question: My current EID (slightly different than the RealID) and my passport has my middle initial. I want to update my middle initial to my full middle name on my EID (matching my birth certificate). What process do I need to follow to update my passport so it also has my full middle name? I need to do it right away after updating my EID? Answer: You need to submit a new application since you are not submitting a name change document. There is no need to rush into this. Your passport will still be valid even if it does not match your EID.

Got married, kept last name removed middle by: RA Question: I want to update my passport and remove my middle name. I have a marriage certificate which I used to update my DL and SS to reflect NO middle name. But I did not take my partners last name, I am only removing my middle name, what form do I submit? Is the marriage certificate valid documentation even though I am not taking my partners last name? Answer: Since you did not take your spouse's name, the marriage certificate is not valid proof of legal name change. Instead of a renewal, you need to submit a new application as if it's your first time applying for a passport. Since your license no longer has the middle name, it will support the name you elect to have on your passport.

Remove Middle Name from Passport by: Anonymous Question: On my existing passport which is about to expire I have my middle name - which is a Confirmation name - so it is not on my birth certificate. My middle name does not show on my driver's license. I'd like my new passport to not have a middle name so it will match my birth certificate and driver's license. Can I just omit the middle name from the DS82? Answer: Without proof of legal name change, your new passport will be printed in the same name as your old one. If you want to omit the name, you need to submit a new application in person using Form DS-11.

Middle name to maiden name by: Anonymous Question: What is the best way to change the middle name on my passport? I currently have my middle name and I want it to be my maiden name so it will match my driver's license which only has the maiden name. Answer: If you changed your name legally, you may apply for a renewal with name change. You may submit your passport, Form DS-82, proof of legal name change, one new photo and renewal fee. If you did not change your name legally, you may submit a new application and complete the form with the name you want on your passport. The passport will be issued in that name since your primary ID (license) is in that name as well.

Adding Middle Name to Passport by: Anonymous Question: Hello, I have a middle name on a certified copy of my birth certificate and my social security card but I’ve never used it and it does NOT appear on my current passport and driver’s license. I would like to add it to my passport which is up for renewal soon. What do I need to do in terms of passport application and support documents/ID? I plan to get an enhanced driver’s License as well and want everything to align. Just don’t know what to do first. I have a trip in March 2023. Answer: You need a primary ID bearing the name you want on your passport. A driver's license is a primary ID. This means you need to change the name on your license first. Once this is done, you need to submit a new passport application in person. Please prepare the following: 1. Form DS-11 2. Certified copy of your birth certificate 3. Photocopy of your new license (present the actual ID during your appointment) 4. One new passport photo 5. Payment for fees Schedule an Appointment Routine service currently takes 6 to 9 weeks. If you apply soon and use the fastest delivery method available, you will receive your passport in February at the latest. Expedited service takes 3 to 5 weeks. For an additional $60, you will receive your new passport in early January. We recommend that you pay for 1-2 days delivery as well. Get Passport Fast

Middle initial - ID small mistake by: Anonymous Question: My ID’s middle name was misspelled (1 letter was missed) for 10+ years without catching it but DMV says I can correct it easily. My birth certificate has my full correct middle name and I’ve never legally changed my name. Most other documents I have are either my middle initial or my first and last names. My passport has a middle initial and I also want to update the passport so it will have my full middle name. Do I need anything special to do or say on the application besides providing a birth certificate and corrected ID along with the DS11 application? Answer: You should present an ID (preferably your license) that matches the name on your birth certificate to avoid confusion in your name's spelling.

4 names and wanting only 3 names by: Anonymous Question: My father applied for my U.S. passport abroad when I was young. The country that my 1st passport has to have 4 names My name father's name, grandfather's name and family name. Basically, my fathers name is the only different name or we all have the same name. On my SSN, it's 3 names, on my TWIC card it's 3 names, on my merchant mariners, it's 3 names. So my passport has 4 names, my driver's license has 4 names and my consular report of birth abroad has 4 names. Would I be able to drop one of my middle names without a court name change? My merchant mariner and TWIC are from Homeland and coast guard approved. I'm afraid that the union I will apply to work for might give me problems because my TWIC and merchant documents have 3 names and my passport has 4 names. Answer: Since you do not have proof of legal name change, you need to submit a new application to drop one name from your passport. You may use your CRBA as proof of citizenship and both TWIC and Merchant Mariners cards as IDs. The application must be submitted in person at a local acceptance facility. You may contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.

Maiden name initial vs. Full Middle name by: Linda Question: Hello, With the NJ Real ID requirement coming, I am concerned that my passport (and TSA) name differs from almost all of my other IDs. I am a married woman using my husband's last name. I was born "Linda Sharon Hopkins". I married "John Smith" 35 years ago. My current and most recent previous passports have "Linda Sharon" as my Given Name(s) and "Smith" as my Last Name. However, my DL, SS card, bank accounts, credit cards, and other residential proofs read "Linda H Smith" (the NJDMV advised me to change my SS card from Linda S Smith to Linda H Smith years ago). I do have an old passport that reads "Linda Hopkins Smith" so I'm not sure how or why the middle name changed from my maiden to my given middle name and my maiden name disappeared altogether. Am I going to have a problem with getting a REAL ID? Should I change my passport to Linda H Smith to align it with everything else? If so, do I need to spell out "Hopkins" on the passport or would H suffice? Would it be a "change of name", or do I apply for a new passport? I do have my birth and marriage certificates with raised seals, but as stated previously, I have been married for 35 years so I don't know if that qualifies for a name change. Help! Answer: Hello, Linda. I shall attempt to answer your questions in parts: 1. Am I going to have a problem with getting a REAL ID? - It is unlikely that you will have issues because your IDs match. It's only your passport that is different. 2. Should I change my passport to Linda H Smith to align it with everything else? - It is not necessary but ideal. 3. If so, do I need to spell out "Hopkins" on the passport or would H suffice? - You may just use H to match your other IDs. 4. Would it be a "change of name", or do I apply for a new passport? - You need to submit a new application instead of a renewal with name change. This type of application needs to be submitted in person at a local acceptance facility.

Middle Name on Old Passport Does Not Match Birth Certificate or License by: Anonymous Question: I would like to renew my expired passport. The middle name on my expired passport is different (Marie) than my birth certificate, SS#, and license (Maria). I want the passport to match my license, etc. What form do I need to use to renew my passport? Can I do it by mail? Is this considered a name change? If so, what documents would I need? Thank you. Answer: This is not a name change. As such, you cannot submit Form DS-82 by mail. Instead, you need to apply in person and submit a new passport application. Please submit the following at a local acceptance facility: 1. Form DS-11 2. Original or certified copy of U.S. birth certificate (plus photocopy) 3. Photocopy of government-issued ID (present the actual ID, driver's license preferred) 4. One passport photo taken within the last 6 months 5. Payment for fees: -Acceptance: $35 (paid separately) -Application (passport book): $130 -1 to 2 days delivery (recommended): $18.32 -Expedite (optional): $60 Schedule an Appointment Please note that regular processing currently takes 8 to 11 weeks while expedited service takes 5 to 7 weeks. These processing times do not include shipping times which vary across the country. If you have any plans of traveling abroad, we strongly recommend waiting until the passport arrives before making any final travel arrangements.

Name change by: Anonymous Question: My son was born overseas. When I applied his first passport I didn't add his middle name. After he got back to the US, I applied for an SSN for him with his middle name. Now I need to renew his passport with the middle name. Is this considered a name change? What do I need to submit for this case? Answer: I am assuming that your son is a minor. Minors' passports cannot be renewed. You will have to apply for his new passport the same way that you did with the previous one. There will be no need to submit additional documents as long as the name on the application form matches the name on his birth certificate.

Did not have middle name before, added it after marriage, why doesn't passport print my middle name? by: Anonymous Question: I only had a first and last name when I got my naturalization. Once married, I had a legal name change. The SSA office allowed me to add a middle name without going through the legal name change since the SSA office doesn't consider the middle name a legal name. My marriage certificate only has my first and last name, no middle name. Now, my social security card and all IDs have my current name of first-middle-last. I paid for expedited service to get my name changed for my passport. I got my passport back but my middle name isn't printed on there. I submitted the DS5504 form to get the error corrected. I also provided a photocopy of my ID with my first-middle-last. Will my passport have my middle name (being that technically my marriage certificate doesn't have my middle name on it yet at the time)? Answer: As long as your provided sufficient documentation, the passport should be issued in the name you prefer. You may contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.

Passport office removed my middle name by: Anonymous Question: On my first two passports my name matched my birth certificate and included my first name, my middle name, and my last name. On my 3rd passport renewal, my middle name was omitted. I didn’t realize it until I recently looked at my fourth renewal which is also missing my middle name. My most recent driver’s license was issued based on the passport so it is also missing my middle name. How do I get them to put my middle name back on my passport? Answer: You need to change your license to the correct full name. After that, you may apply for a new passport and use the new license as primary ID.

Can my husband use form DS-82 to add middle name? by: Anonymous Question: Hello, my husband has a passport but we keep getting mixed up with someone else and pulled into customs. They said to fix the issue by adding his middle name. He never uses it, so it is not on his ID. Can he use his current expired passport and his out-of-country birth certificate to add it, or does he have to change his ID as well and apply in person? Thank you. Answer: In order for a name to be placed on a passport, it has to be supported by either the applicant's citizenship document OR identification documents. Your husband cannot use Form DS-82 for this since he did not go through a legal name change. He also cannot submit his foreign birth certificate. He needs to change his name on his driver's license before he can apply for a new passport with his middle name.

Second middle name addition by: Anonymous Question: My husband got his adoptive mother’s maiden name added to his birth certificate as a second middle name when she adopted him. He had a passport before this happened, does he have to get a whole new passport or should it be fine to travel internationally since his passport has his middle name given at birth and we would make the flights match? Answer: There is no need to get a new passport. As long as his passport and tickets match, he should be able to travel without a problem.

Maiden name used as middle name by: Anonymous Question: I applied for my first passport today and included my marriage certificate for the change in my last name, then realized the maiden/middle name difference. I’ve read in numerous comments that if I have evidence of use of my current name for more than 5 years, that documentation can be used. What kind of documentation can I bring? W2 s/IRS documents? Do college transcripts work? Please advise!! Answer: You will only need to submit other proofs of identity if passport services deem your documents insufficient. But yes, your W2 and IRS documents will suffice if you're asked to submit them.

Middle Name Wrong since Birth by: Anonymous Question: Hello, My middle name at the time of birth was incorrectly typed on my birth certificate. My CORRECT middle name should have an "i" but on my birth certificate, it was recorded as "'r" - an apostrophe and r instead of i. I'm thinking the person who was processing my application thought the i was an "'r" instead. This resulted in my passport having this wrong middle name as well. Now that I am an adult, this mistake is quite bothersome as my middle name is basically unpronounceable. I have to renew my passport now and am wondering what is the easiest way to renew my passport with the correct spelling of my middle name. My US passport and birth certificate are the only documents I have that have this (wrong) middle name. Answer: Instead of a renewal, you may submit a new application. The passport will likely be issued in the correct spelling as long as the ID you submit (present) displays the same.

removing child's middle name from passport by: Anonymous Question: My child's middle name is very long (4 words. Yes, in retrospect, I should not have given him so many names but it was out of respect for our parents' different cultures. Is it possible to drop all except for one middle name when I reapply for a new passport or do I have to legally change his name in order to drop the middle names? Thank you. Answer: Since minors do not have IDs to present with a passport application, the only basis/reference for their name will be the birth certificate. The passport will likely be issued in the name that appears on the birth certificate. If you'd like to omit a name/names, it is best that you legally change the name and have the birth certificate amended and then apply for a new passport.

Remove the middle name by: Anonymous Question: The first passport and my social security when I was born held no middle name though my birth certificate and the recent passport have it. Can I omit the middle name on the renewal application since now I am not a minor anymore and I don’t want a middle name? Answer: You may enter your name without your middle name in Form DS-11. Just make sure to present sufficient identification documents to match that name.

Parents surname misspelled by: Anonymous Question: I recently applied for my passport and there is a minor typo in my father's middle name. His middle name is Guillermo and on the passport application paper, it’s spelled Guilliermo. How big of a problem is this as my passport processes and when I fly out of the country (USA)? Answer: Your father's middle name will not be an issue since it will not be printed on your passport. It will not be an issue when you travel as well.

Middle Name Change by: Anonymous Question: My current passport expires in October and I am planning to renew my passport. On my current passport, my middle name appears as a middle initial and on my new passport, I would like it to appear as my full middle name so it will match my other forms of identification and travel accounts. Do I need to fill out the renewal form and mark that I have a name change or data change OR do I need to fill out a new passport application and meet at a passport office? Answer: You need to submit a new application at a local application acceptance facility. New Passport Application

Full middle name change to Initial by: Anonymous Question: My driver’s license and social card have my middle initial but my passport has my FULL middle name. Can I change the passport to middle Initial? I got the passport like 3 years now. Which form should I use to replace the name? Any fee? Or need any documents as proof? Answer: You need to submit a new passport application in person in order to switch to your middle initial. Please use Form DS-11. You need to pay the following fees: Application: $110 Execution: $35 Expedited service (optional): $60 1-2 delivery (optional): $18.32 Please prepare the following requirements: 1. Form DS-11 2. Original or certified copy of citizenship evidence 3. Photocopy of driver's license 4. One new passport photo 5. Cheque for fees (write a separate one for the execution fee) Schedule an Appointment

Changed Maiden Name to Middle Name by: Anonymous Question: I recently changed my name after marriage and made my maiden name my middle name (via the SS office). I went to the DMV and they would only update my last name, no middle name. They said I need the SSC updated with my new name (have this) and then 2 of the following: voter registration, passport, tax records. Is this going to cause problems flying if the two docs (passport and DL) do not match? After I get the passport with the updated middle and last name, do I have to go back to the DMV to get another new DL? Answer: Your passport and driver's license do not have to match exactly. It will not be an issue when you travel. What needs to match are your passport and airline tickets as this is a TSA requirement.

Proof of legal name change for middle name to maiden name by: Anonymous Question: I have changed my middle name to my maiden name on my driver's license, social security card, and bank accounts. First Maiden Last. I understand that I need to submit 1. Form DS-82 2. Current passport 3. Proof of legal name change 4. One new passport photo and 5. Payment for fees. What constitutes proof of legal name change in this case? Answer: The answer depends on how you changed your name. If it was through marriage, you need to submit the original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate. If you changed it through the courts, the original court order must be submitted.

Misspelled Middle Name by: Anonymous Question: Am I able to still travel if they misspelled my middle name on my passport or do I have to send my passport back for corrections? Answer: If it's just a minor error, you may travel with that passport. Just present your birth certificate and/or ID as an additional identification document. If you haven't booked tickets yet, it is best that you book tickets to match your passport. You may submit the passport for correction when you get back.

Child’s Birth Cert by: Anonymous Question: We recently had our first child and their SSN arrived today which includes their middle name and I assume the birth cert will be the same. Will we have to have their middle name on their passport as a result? This was never the intention. Is there anything we can do to prevent this from being the case? We need a passport ASAP so are we best proceeding as is currently and can we change at a later date? Answer: The passport has to match the birth certificate and you can only change it at a later date if you go through a legal name change.

Omit my middle name by: Alex Gouk Question: My current passport has my first, last & middle names. My naturalization certificate and DL have a middle name. I want to renew my passport to just have my first and last name. Could I just omit my middle name on the renewal paperwork? Answer: Your passport will be renewed in the name that was in the previous one unless you provide proof of legal name change. If you want only your first and last name on your passport, you need to submit a new application. Said name must be supported by either your citizenship evidence or the ID you present. Since your citizenship evidence and primary ID (driver's license) both have your middle name, you will need to present at least two secondary IDs bearing just your first and last names.

Can I change my middle name on my passport to my maiden name? by: Anonymous Question: Can I change my middle name on my passport to my maiden name. I have changed my name on my driver's license, social security card, and bank accounts to reflect this way. First Maiden Last. Answer: Yes, you can. Please mail the following to the address on the form: 1. Form DS-82 2. Current passport 3. Proof of legal name change 4. One new passport photo 5. Payment for fees

Adding Middle Name to Passport by: Anonymous Question: What documentation do I need if I want to add my middle name? This might be a bit complicated for me because before I was adopted, my middle name used to be my last name. After I was adopted, my last name became my middle name. Somewhere along the line, my middle name stopped appearing on ID cards and passport. I do have proof that I've used my middle name before and it was on my old Philippine passport before I got my US passport. Answer: You need to submit a new application in order to have your middle name printed on your passport. You need to present a valid documents with your middle name on it like your adoption decree or a government-issued ID bearing your middle name.

Middle name and last name by: Anonymous In order to have a name entered on a passport, it has to be supported by either your citizenship evidence or proof of identity. Since your birth certificate and license have your middle name, you will likely be asked to provide additional identification documents without it.

Middle Name on Recently Renewed Passport by: Anonymous Question: I recently renewed my passport and followed the guidelines to expand my middle initial to full middle name with my renewal - certified copy displaying my full name, written middle name on the renewal application, etc. My newly issued passport came back without the change and still displays my middle initial. How can I submit changes to ensure my full middle name is displayed on my passport (to match all my other government IDs)? Answer: Passports are renewed in the name printed on the previous one unless proof of legal name change is submitted. This is the reason why your newly issued passport still does not have your middle name spelled out. While it is ideal, it is not necessary for your passport to exactly match your other government IDs. Middle name vs middle initial will not really cause you any issues. However, if you absolutely need to have a passport with your middle name fully spelled out, you need to submit a new application in person and pay the application and execution fees. You may contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 for further clarification on the matter at hand.

Adding middle name when renewing passport by: Anonymous Question: My current passport does not have my middle or initial. When renewing, can I add my full middle name? MY name has not changed, I just want to add my middle name. If so, what documentation do I need to include with my renewal application? Answer: Since you cannot provide proof of legal name change, you need to submit a new application instead of a renewal. The passport will be issued in the name you enter in the application as long as it is supported by your birth certificate or ID.

middle name by: Anonymous Question: Can I omit my middle name on my passport? I have my middle name on my birth certificate and driver's license. I am also getting a passport replacement soon. How do I do this? Answer: In order to have a name entered on a passport, it has to be supported by either your citizenship evidence or proof of identity. Since your birth certificate and license have your middle name, you will likely be asked to provide additional identification documents without it. You may contact passport services at 1-877-487-2778 for more information on the matter.

Can I remove my middle name on my renewal by: Anonymous Question: I am RENEWING my passport this year. My current passport has a middle name listed. If I want it removed from my new passport, can I just omit it on my renewal application? Answer: Since it is not an actual name change and you cannot present proof of such, you need to submit a new application instead of a renewal. The ID you present with the application must also have your middle name omitted.

Recently changed my name due to marriage and dropped my middle name. by: Anonymous Question: I updated my passport after my marriage trying to reflect my new last name and drop my middle name. I was sent back a passport with my new last name and my middle name still on the new passport. My driver's license and social security card all reflect my current name without a middle name but the passport office is telling me that my marriage license is not sufficient to drop my middle name and that I have to wait five years in order to drop it OR get a court order. Why is my marriage license not enough to reflect my name change? Answer: The sole purpose of a marriage license is to permit individuals to enter into marriage. A passport name change requires that you submit the original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate.

Can I omit my middle name on my passport renewal? by: Anonymous Question: My current passport that I want to renew has Frank John Smith. I want to renew it to just have Frank Smith. Do I need to complete a name change or provide proof of what the process is in general? Could I just omit my middle name on the renewal paperwork? My birth certificate does not have a middle name. Answer: You need to submit a new passport application instead of a renewal. The passport will be issued in the name you enter on the form since it will be supported by your birth certificate that also does not have a middle name.

Omit my middle name by: Anonymous Question: Got married and need to change my last name. I live in Japan where having a middle name on all my information is annoying because it doesn't fit. Can I omit my middle name and just write my First and Last (new marriage) name? Answer: Yes, you can omit your middle name.

Matching passport name to driver license name by: Anonymous Question: My passport doesn't have my middle name, I'd like to add a middle name to match the full name on my driver license. What documents and forms do I need to apply? Answer: Please submit the following in person at a local acceptance facility: 1. Form DS-11 (must be signed in front of a passport agent) 2. Evidence of U.S. citizenship plus photocopy 3. Proof of identity plus photocopy 4. One passport photo 5. Payment for fees

Adding my middle name upon renewal of old passport by: Anonymous Question: My naturalization certificate doesn’t have a middle name so does my US passport. Can I add my full middle name next time upon renewal to match with my SSS, Drivers license and IRS income tax form? Answer: Instead of a renewal, you need to submit a new application to get your middle name printed on your new passport. You need to present and submit a copy of your ID (driver's license) bearing your middle name to support the name you enter on the application form.

Added a Middle Name by: Anonymous Question: I added a new middle name (with a standard court-approved name change) but did not change my first, last, or existing middle name. So I went from "Jane Doe Johnson" to "Jane Doe Smith Johnson" as an example. My state-issued driver's license lists my new name, but my passport lists my old name without the new middle name. Can I continue to use my passport, so long as I book tickets with "Jane Doe Johnson" or do I have to update my passport to reflect the added middle name? With the addition of the new middle name, I actually exceed the number of characters allowed on the passport renewal form. Answer: Although it is ideal and strongly recommended that all your documents match, you may continue to use your passport as long as you make sure to book tickets in the name that appears in it.

How to add middle name to my current passport by: Anonymous Question: My current passport does not have my middle name nor initial. I would like to add my full middle name (which is in my current driver's license as well as on my naturalization paper.) Even though my current passport does not expire till 2027, I would like to get a new passport with my middle name. What is the best way to do this? Answer: Submitting a new passport application is the best way to go about this.

Full middle to Initial by: Anonymous Question: My Driver’s license and Social card are middle Initial but my passport is FULL middle name. Can I change the passport to middle initial? If I don't change it, will have any problem? I got the passport less than one year, which form i should to replace the name? Any fee? Answer: You may switch to middle initial but it is not necessary. You may actually keep your passport as is and not have issues when you travel. Since this is not a legal name change and you cannot present proof of it, you cannot use Form DS-5504. You need to submit a new application and pay the $110 application fee and $35 execution fee.

Passport by: Anonymous Question: I added a middle name when I applied for naturalization back in 2011. My passport reflects my first middle and last name. My Moroccan birth certificate has first and last name. Now, my spouse is going for her CR1 visa interview in Casablanca. I am the petitioner. Would this middle name be an issue for her? Answer: Please contact the USCIS regarding your concern.

Adding middle initial by: Margie Question: My driver's license has my middle initial but I would like to add the middle initial to my passport when I renew it very soon. Do I have to go in person for this change or can I do it by mail. My only proof is my driver's license and ss card. Answer: You need to go in person and submit a new passport application. Present your driver's license to support the name you enter on the application form.

Full Middle Name to Initial Only by: Anonymous Question: My recently expired passport lists my FULL middle name, but my driver's license and (everything else I do) are in just my middle initial. While renewing, I'd like to change my passport to just list my middle initial. I'm planning to renew my passport via mail and hoping that I do not need to apply in person or provide any extra documentation? Answer: Since this is not an actual name change, you need to submit a new passport application in person. You must present an ID/s bearing only your middle initial to support the name you enter on the form.

Visa validity after middle name changed from initial to full name by: Anonymous Question: I renewed my passport and out my full middle name on it. In my previous passport, my middle name was truncated to only the initial. I have an unexpired Chinese visa on my old passport. Is this visa still valid after my middle name went from an initial to the full name? Answer: It should still be. Please contact the Embassy of the People's Republic of China to confirm this before you travel.

add middle name by: Anonymous Question: I never added my middle name to my passport. I have always used my middle name since I was a 3 years old. My birth certificate is in another language and does not have my middle name. What can I do? Answer: The easiest way to go about this is to submit a new application and with it at least 5 forms ID that show use of the name you enter in Form DS-11 (with middle name).

Removal of middle name by: Anonymous Question: I need to apply for a passport as soon as possible but also need to remove my middle name, is it possible? Or Do I have to re-apply for a new ID 1st to remove the middle name? Answer: You may not need to apply for a new ID. Just include a signed request for the middle name to be removed from your passport. Please call the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 to confirm if the request will be acceptable.

Not enough space to use spouse full name by: Anonymous Question: Neither my spouse or I have enough spaces to fill in complete full names of spouse in the question designated for that on the passport application. What to do? Answer: You may write the full name on a separate piece of paper and label it accordingly.

Middle name by: Anonymous Question: I wish to add my full middle name to my passport instead of my middle initial to match my birth certificate. Can this be done? Answer: You need to submit a new passport application in order to get your middle name spelled out to match your birt certificate.

Middle Name Change by: Anonymous Question: I just had my middle name changed and my old middle name is still on my passport. I have not had time to change it earlier but am I still able to fly if my old middle name is on my passport? Answer: Yes, you should still be able to. Just make sure to have your tickets booked in the name that appears in your passport.

Middle names by: Anonymous Question: Can I remove my middle name from my passport? Answer: Yes, you can.

Middle Name on Passport should be maiden name by: Shelly Question: My driver's license and my SS card have my maiden name as my middle name, but my passport has my given middle name from my birth certificate. How can I update this? Answer: You may apply for a passport renewal and enter the name you want on the form. Also include the original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate as proof of the legal name change.

Middle Name is one letter wrong from birth certificate by: Anonymous Question: I am 60 years old and just now applying for my first passport. All of my life my mother told me my middle name was Marie, all legal documents including SS, driver's license and school records was done by mother with Marie as middle name. Obtained birth certificate for passport and it says Maria is middle name. Is this going to be a problem or can I just use initial? Answer: The passport will be issued with Marie if you enter it in the application form since it is supported by your driver's license (primary ID).

Middle name change and current visas by: Anonymous Question: I plan to add my full middle name to my passport instead of just my initial to match all my other documents (real-id, birth certificate, etc). However I also have a 10-year china visa on my current passport, how will the middle name change affect my current visa? Answer: Your question is best directed to the Embassy of the People's Republic of China. Please contact them for assistance.

Middle name problem by: Anonymous Question: I wish to apply for a passport but my application was cancelled. My middle name and the middle name of may mother is the same. What should I do with my middle name? Answer: Please call customer service at 1-877-487-2778 for advice on how to resolve the issue.

Remove Middle Initial by: AGM Question: I started using the initial of my confirmation name (Catholic saint's name) on my passport many years ago. Now I wish to remove it so it coincides with my RealID and other documents I have. How do I go about doing that? Answer: If you cannot present proof of legal name change, you need to submit a new passport application. The passport will be issued without your middle name/initial as long as the ID/s you present and submit with the application also does not have it.

Do I need a middle name or middle initial? by: Steve Question: I have a middle name addition by court order. My First and Last names have no change and that is what I have on my passport. Do I have to update my passport for a middle name addition? or just keep using First and Last names to book flights? Answer: You do not need to change the name on your passport. Just make sure to book tickets in the name that appears in your passport to avoid issues with TSA.

Changing from middle initial to full middle name by: Anonymous Question: My husband’s current passport shows only his middle initial, but we need to have it show his full middle name to match some airline tickets we have purchased. His passport is up for renewal. Can we just add his full middle name to the renewal application even though his current passport has only an initial? Do we need to provide any supporting documentation or is it okay since his legal name did not change, just he way it appears on the passport? Answer: Since this is not a legal name change, you husband needs to submit a new application as if it's his first time to apply. He needs to present and submit a copy of a government-issued ID bearing his full middle name in order for it to be spelled out on the passport as well.

Middle initial on ticket, full name on passport by: Anonymous Question: I booked tickets to Europe with my middle initial (K) and then when I got my passport, it is my full middle name (Kaye) now the travel agency is saying it could be a problem and might have to re-book the flights. With a penalty of $500.00!! Can I change my passport that I just received to just my middle initial? Answer: Some leniency is given to middle names vs middle initials. We recommend that you contact the airline regarding this issue first before re-booking or changing the name on your passport. These may not be necessary.

Changing middle name on a baby’s birth certificate by: Anonymous Question: I have to change the birth certificate of my child (less than 1 year old) to add his middle names. His passport has already been issued with just his first name. Do I need to change his passport as well with the new birth certificate or can he keep his passport just with his first name? Answer: Your son can keep the passport in his first name. Just remember to book tickets in the exact name that appears in his passport whenever you travel to avoid issues with TSA.

Adding my middle name by: Dawn Question: What would I need to do to add my middle initial to my passport? Answer: You need to apply for a new passport in person and present an ID with your middle initial to support the name on the application form.

Add middle name by: Anonymous Question: I forgot to add my middle name in the passport, how to add it now? passport was issued 2 years ago. Answer: You need to apply for a new passport. Please submit the following in person: 1. Form DS-11 2. Citizenship evidence 3. Identification document with middle name 4. One new passport photo 5. Payment for fees You will lose the remaining 8 years validity on your passport and will be issued a new one valid for 10 years.

Middle name vs initial by: linda Question: I made the mistake of entering my full middle name on my flight itinerary. My passport only contains an initial for my middle name. Will this be a problem with customs? Answer: Leniency may be provided in cases involving middle names and initials. Please contact the airline you are flying with to confirm.

Jr by: TJ Question: My name has suffix Jr included. On my passport, it is listed after my first name. Is that a problem? Answer: That's a typo. You can have it corrected with a DS-5504. There is no fee. You can travel and there should be no issue but please take birth certificate and license with you until the correction is made.

Similar issue by: Anonymous Question: I have a similar issue but instead my passport has my middle initial instead of my middle name. My Driver's license has my middle initial and I believe my SS card has my middle name while my birth certificate has my middle initial. Does it matter if my passport has my initial or does it need to be written out in full similar to my driver's license and social security card? Answer: It is not necessary for your passport to have your full middle name in it.

Middle name issues by: Donna Question: I wish to apply for a passport but my middle name on my birth certificate is different then the name on my driver's license, my birth certificate middle name is one name and my driver's license middle name is another. My social security card says Jonton as well, can I go to DMV and show birth certificate and have middle name changed to show same as birth certificate and apply for passport, will I have to have my social security number middle name changed as well before applying for passport. The middle name that's on my birth certificate is different from the middle name that's on my driver's license and social security card. What do I need to do in order to get a passport? Can I just go to DMV and have the middle name changed by showing original birth certificate to match name on birth certificate. Will the application ask if other names been used? Since I have never applied for a passport will it be easier to go to DMV and have my middle name to show what's on original birth certificate as well as social security card? Answer: It is not necessary to present your Social Security card when applying for a passport. You only need to enter your Social Security card number on the passport application. You do need to submit the original or a certified copy of your birth certificate and present your government-issued photo ID and a copy of the same. If the names do not match on these two documents, you must submit either evidence of a legal name change or multiple documents showing the use of the name on your ID for a period of at least 5 years. We recommend you either change the name on your driver's license to match the name on your birth certificate or, if the name on your driver's license is your current legal name, submit a Petition for a Name Change at the county court where you reside.

Fathers middle name by: Anonymous Question: I wish to apply for a passport for my child, but her birth certificate shows "Anthonyk" instead of Anthony, (for her fathers middle name) from a typo error. Can we still get a passport for her as long as her father's first and last name are spelled correctly on her birth certificate? Answer: In order to avoid possible problems, we recommend you apply to correct the birth certificate first and, then, apply for the passport. If you do not have time to do this, you can submit the birth certificate knowing that it may not be accepted.

Click here to add your own comments Return to How do I best change the middle name on my passport to the middle initial I use on everything else?. Return to Passport Name FAQ.

Click for reliable expedited passport courier service.

 

More Passport & Travel Information

Getting a Passport Expedited at a Post Office
Requesting express service at post offices and other facilities that accept application forms from U.S. citizens.

Applying at a Regional Passport Agency
Where processing centers are located. How to schedule an appointment. What documents to take with you.

Using a Registered Courier Service
How to pick a legitimate courier service company to assist in getting your passport quickly.

Routine vs. Expedited Passport Service: How to Choose
Guide to help you decide if standard or fast track processing is the best option for your situation.

How to Renew a U.S. Passport Fast
Learn to expedite passport renewals as quickly as the same day. Where and how to renew passport in a hurry.

Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers