What proof do I need to change the name on my 15 year old son's passport?

by Steve
(New Jersey)

Question: Your Passport name change page says that "If you cannot legally document your name change (through court order or marriage) or you are applying for a name change for a minor" then one of the items required is "At least 3 public records showing your date and place of birth that show exclusive use of your assumed name for at least 5 years" is required.

We are getting our son's birth certificate amended based on school records, since he has never actually used the name on his birth certificate. No court order is required in our state (NJ) to do this. His passport was issued (using the name on the current birth certificate) a few months ago. Will it be sufficient to bring the original and amended birth certificates to document the name change?

Answer: According to the U.S. Department of State Passport Services, you must present 2 or 3 public record documents (school records, tax records, insurance records, baptismal certificate, census record, etc.) that prove exclusive use of the assumed name for at least 5 years.

Also, the applicant must be able to submit "Statement of Witness in Support of Change of Name" executed by two or more persons who have personal knowledge of the applicant's use of both names, and who can attest to the applicant's exclusive use of the assumed name for at least five years. These statements may be executed by relatives or close friends.

If the assumed name has been used for less than five years, it may be included as a "known as" name if documentary evidence as outlined in paragraph five is provided.

For more information, contact the National Passport Information Center by calling 1-877-487-2778 or writing to npicATstate.gov