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How do I find out how my name appears on my passport?

by Tony
(Los Angeles, Ca, USA)

Question: My full first name is Anthony, but I go by Tony. I'm trying to fill out my passport info for paperwork for a trip, but I can't remember if my passport has "Tony" or "Anthony". Is there a way to track that info down? And, if not, how big of a deal will it be if I put "Anthony" in my paperwork and my passport actually states, "Tony"?

Thanks so much for your help.

Answer: The only way to verify the name that is on a passport is to look at the personal data page in the passport.

The FAQ page of TSA's Secure Flight Program states, "Due to differences in boarding pass systems, boarding passes may not always display the exact name you provided when booking your travel. The name you provide when booking your travel is used to perform the watch list matching before a boarding pass is ever issued, so small differences between the passenger's ID and the passenger name printed on the boarding pass, such as the use of a middle initial instead of a full middle name or no middle name/initial at all, or hyphens and apostrophes should not cause a problem for the passenger."

Since TSA does specifically mention the use of different first names, we cannot affirm if it will be a problem or not. Since Tony is a common name used by men whose birth name is Anthony, it may be acceptable. However, we cannot guarantee it will be. The safest route is to confirm the name that is in your passport and use that name to make your reservations.

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Name on passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I have already sent my passport in for renewal, but I need to verify the name on the passport so I can purchase airline tickets. How do I do that?

Answer: There isn't a way you can do that. We recommend that you wait until the passport arrives to ensure that everything matches. Waiting will also save you the hassle of rebooking in case the passport does not arrive on time.

Will my maiden name appear on my passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I have sent my application off to process but I need to purchase international plane tickets. I had to include my maiden name on my application. Will that appear on my passport or just my first, middle, and current last name?

Answer: The passport will be issued in the name you entered in Question #1 on the form.

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About the Author: For over 20 years, the U.S. Passport Service Guide team has helped hundreds of thousands of travelers with their travel document questions and shared advice about how to make traveling abroad simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.

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