Comments for Can I have two non-hyphenated last names in my passport? Click here to add your own comments

2 last names by: Anonymous Question: I have a similar question. My name goes like this. First Name, Middle Name, Last1, Last2. I have 2 last names. This is confusing many times. While applying for a passport, can I add only the last2 name? Answer: If you have a government-issued photo ID that also only has that last name, you may omit the other last name on your passport.

Last name by: Anonymous Question: I have recently received my passport and realized that my last names are together when they are supposed to be hyphenated. Would this cause an issue for me when traveling? Answer: No, it will not be an issue. If you're worried, you can simply book tickets to match your passport to avoid potential questions.

Mistake? by: Anonymous Question: My full legal name contains 2 last names no hyphen, First Middle Last1 Last2. I'm not sure if they made a mistake at the DMV but in my California ID, my 2 last names are mushed together, Last1Last2. All of my other legal documents have a space between my 2 last names. Should I be concerned? I know some systems mush them together but my old ID cards have them separate. I had my ID like this for almost two years and I just noticed the mistake. I looked up online what I should do but I got confused. Can someone please help? Will this be an issue for my passport renewal? Answer: You need to contact the DMV regarding the mistake in your CA ID. As for your passport renewal, there should not be an issue as long as your old passport has the last names separate.

Hyphenated Last name by: Anonymous Question: I am turning 18 in a few weeks, and my passport has not been renewed for about 6 years. I am trying to renew my passport at the moment. On my old passport, my last names are not hyphenated, but on my birth certificate, my last names are hyphenated. Will this be an issue if I put a hyphen on the new passport application, or should I keep the hyphen out like on my old passport? Answer: The hyphen (with or without) should not be an issue. Passports issued when one was a minor cannot be renewed. Therefore, you need to submit a new application, not a renewal. You need to apply in person for your first adult passport. Please prepare the following requirements: 1. Form DS-11 (must be signed in front of a passport agent) 2. Evidence of U.S. citizenship plus a photocopy (birth certificate) 3. Proof of identity plus a photocopy 4. One passport photo 5. Payment for fees You may submit your application at the nearest acceptance facility. Routine processing currently takes 10 to 12 weeks. If you request and pay for expedited service, processing will be down to 4 to 6 weeks.

I have 2 last name but on my US passport they only put one by: Anonymous Question: Hello! I recently got my US passport but I see that they only put one last name instead on putting my 2 last name. Is that okay? Answer: Because of Real ID, it is ideal to have all your identification documents match, including your passport. You can apply for a correction free of charge.

I have two last names, hyphen between them by: Anonymous Question: I have both my mother's last name hyphenated with my birth father's last name (Name-Name). The only documents I have with both last names are my social and birth certificate. I applied for my passport and without a thought, I didn't add my second last name. Will I have any problems? (My school records, license, credit etc. I am known by my mothers last name.) Answer: Questions might arise but as long as the name is supported by the documents you sent in, things should be straightened out. If there are any issues with your application, you will be contacted by passport services with instructions on how to rectify it.

Hyphen on marriage certificate by: EG Question: I was unaware I could just have two last names without a hyphen when I applied for my marriage certificate, so that’s what I put for my "new last name". But after some reading I would like go without a hyphen. Will this be a problem? Answer: It should not be.

Hyphenated last name but just using one by: Anonymous Question: I got married and I kept my last name and hyphenated my spouse last name. I do not want to change my legal documents. Is this okay when I travel outside the county? Answer: It should be okay as long as the names on your ticket and passport match.

Two last names (not hyphenated) only want one on passport by: Anonymous Question: I have 2 last names, and was wondering if I can just use the last one of the 2 on my passport? Answer: You can as long as that name is supported by the ID that you present with the application.

Do I have to use both last names? by: Anonymous Question: My current state license has my hyphenated married last name (my maiden last-his last). I am currently going through a divorce and will legally be back to just my maiden name soon. I am applying for a passport before the divorce is legal. Am I able to use just my maiden name to apply for the passport? (Since it is also on my license?) and just leave the hyphenated name off? Answer: The passport will be issued in the name you enter in the application form as long as it is supported by either your citizenship evidence or proof of identity.

Child's passport by: Anonymous Question: Might sound stupid but If my child has 2 last names (both my last name and her father's last) printed on her passport, would there be any issue with travel if my passport only has one of the same last names or as long as it matches one of the last names, everything will be okay? Answer: It should not be a problem as long as the names on the passport and tickets match.

Not Added Married Last Name by: Anonymous Question: Hi! When I got married I simply added my married last name to my license and social security cards, and left my maiden on both as well. My passport only has my maiden name on it. Can I still use it since both my social security card and license show my maiden name as well as my married name? Answer: You may continue to use your passport bearing your maiden name until it expires. Just make sure to book tickets in that same name that appears on it avoid issues when traveling.

I have both last names in all my documents by: Anonymous Question: I have both last names in my drivers license, social security and birth certificate but in my passport I only have my first last name. Is that going to be an issue in the future for traveling or subscribing to programs or institutions that request two ID proofs? And, should I use both last names always or only my first? Answer: It should not be an issue. You may use any name as long as you have identification to show for it.

Passport Last Name Usage by: Morgan Question: If I have two last names, but I decide to just choose the last one in my passport, would that be OK? Answer: U.S. citizens are required to use their current legal names on their U.S. passports. Unless you can provide documentation that proves sole use of that one last name instead of two, you need to include both last names in your passport application.

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.

Click here to add your own comments Return to Passport Name FAQ.

Click for fast expedited courier service

Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers

Latest Passport & Travel Updates

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.

10 Benefits of Expediters
What are the advantages of employing the services a qualified expediter?

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.

Passport Renewal Videos
Watch step-by-step instructional passport videos of how to renew a passport in 3 steps.

Make Your Own Passport Photos
Use the online Passport Photo Wizard tool to make your own passport photos in minutes. Save money and time.

Travel Warnings
The latest alerts to help you prepare for a safe and secure trip abroad.

Travel Documents
List of the most important travel documents and information about how and where to get them.

Travel Safety
Discover practical advice on how to keep safe during international trips.

23 International Travel Tips to Save Money on Transportation, Lodging & More
Cool ways to make your money stretch farther on travel expenses so that you can go more often and stay longer.

Expedite Your Passport Now!