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How does my name appear on my passport?

by Melissa
(Medina, Ohio, USA)

Question: How does my entire name appear on my passport? Is my middle name or initial on the passport? I am asking because I would like to know what my flight ticket should read to match my passport. Do the names have to match up exactly?


Answer: The passport application asks for your first, middle and last name. If you completed the form with your full name, then that is what will appear on the passport.

The Secure Flight Program recommends that the name provided when booking your travel matches the government ID that you will use when traveling.

According to the Transportation Security Administration, small differences between the passenger's ID, the passenger's reservation information, and the boarding pass (such as the use of a middle initial instead of a full middle name or no middle name/initial at all, hyphens or apostrophes) should not cause a problem for the passenger.

Comments for How does my name appear on my passport?

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How does your name appear on your passport?
by: Anonymous

Question: Do any of your former names (from previous marriages) show on your passport? Or is this question for background use only?

Answer: The name on your passport will be the name you enter in section #1 of the application form. Providing names you have used in the past is only for background information.
Airline Ticket
by: Anonymous

Question: If my given name includes my middle initials, should I include that in my first name when booking an airline ticket?

Answer: You should book your tickets in the name that appears on your passport. If it has your middle initials, you tickets should have it also.
Apostrophe issues
by: JO

Question: My son's passport came back missing the apostrophe. His brother's and father's passports have the apostrophe. Will they have issues traveling together and going through customs/immigration together both in Europe and in the US?

Answer: The apostrophe should not be an issue. Please contact the airline they are traveling with to confirm.
Suffix after last name on passport
by: Anonymous

Question: The passport has the last name and suffix ( Felix IV) in the Last Name section. Do I need to use the IV part whenever booking any flights or hotels to avoid any issues?

Answer: Yes, it is best that you do so.
Apostrophe
by: DW

Question: My children's original passport has O'Meara. When I renewed, one child came back as O'Meara. The other came back as OMeara. Will I have a problem traveling internationally?

Answer: It should not be an issue.
Long name vs Short
by: Anonymous

Question: My ticket has Mike as my first name but my passport says Michael. Will that be a problem to travel overseas?

Answer: TSA requires that your tickets be booked in the name that appears on your passport. While Mike and Michael are common derivatives, the difference may still cause some issues at the gate. Please contact the airline you are flying with for advice.
Two last names
by: Anonymous

Question: I have one given name (Jorge) and two last names (Guzman Sierra) but my passport application was rejected because "the printing of a name is not acceptable for passport purposes". I don't have a hyphen between my two last names. How is my name supposed to go then?

Answer: Please contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 regarding this error.
Capital Letter mid name
by: Anonymous

Question: My name is McKenzie but all letters are capitalized on my passport, how should I enter the name to show the K is capitalized? Or does that not matter?

Answer: I recommend you match the capitalization on your passport.
Jr suffix
by: Anonymous

Question: Applying for first-time passport. My birth certificate does not have the suffix of Jr but all of my other IDs including military ID, Federal employee ID, and DL all have Jr. My social security card has Jr as well. Will there be an issue applying for the passport and what should I put on the application?

Answer: You may include the suffix and not have issues with your application.
DS 82 question 10 do you put last name then first then middle or do you start with first name then middle then surname?
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport name appears
Surname
First Middle

How do I answer question 10? Do you put the first name first or surname first? It’s a single line and does not list the order. Do you put the surname first then middle or do you put first then middle then surname?

Answer: You may write is as First, Middle, Last names.
The name on the travel ticket is missing the middle name
by: Anonymous

Question: The name on the travel ticket lacks the middle name, but the Given name on the passport has the full name,(first and middle). Will there be any problems?

Answer: Please contact the airline you are flying with to find out if the missing middle name will be an issue.
Last name
by: Claudia

Question: My current passport was printed with part of my last name on the first name line. When I renew it, how can I be certain this won't happen again?

Answer: You may include a signed letter explaining the error on the previous passport and requesting that it be corrected in the new one.
Passport suffix question
by: Anonymous

Question: My name includes the title of "III" at the end of it because I am the third. My passport doesn't include "III" but my ticket does. Is that a problem?

Answer: Some leniency is generally given for suffixes. Please contact the airline you are traveling with to confirm.
Middle name with surname
by: Mohamed

Question: My old passport has my given name as Mohamed Ali ameer and my surname is Alamari.

New passport has given name Mohamed Ali and my surname is Ameer Alamari …
The spelling is correct just one of my middle names was added to my surname. Is this still valid?

Answer: Yes, your passport is valid.
I don't know where to put III
by: Anonymous

Question: I have read all the comments here, some say put the III after the first name, won't that make my name on my passport look like John III Smith Doe? My birth certificate shows John Smith Doe, III wouldn't the correct place to put III after the last name? I will be getting married in Mexico but the Mexican court said because my passport doesn't have III as my birth certificate so my passport is not valid. Can anybody tell me exactly how my name should look on my passport, please? Thank you for any help.

Answer: The common practice is to place the suffix after the first name.
Suffix "Sr." omitted.
by: Anonymous

Question: Just received my new (First Time) US Passport. My name on the Passport mirrors my Birth Certificate. However, my driver's License has a suffix of Sr. which I added to my driver's license when my son was born 39 years ago. I did put the suffix on the passport application, however, when I received the passport it does not reflect the suffix. Is this a concern? Am I okay to travel?

Answer: Yes, you may still travel with that passport. Just make sure to book tickets without the suffix to avoid issues with TSA.
Darn Apostrophes!
by: Anonymous

Question: On my recent passport renewal form I listed my name with the apostrophe as it was displayed on my old passport. (O'Neil). The new passport came back missing the apostrophe (ONEIL). My cruise reservations are under the O'Neil and their agent can't change them. Am going to be in trouble? I leave in 20 days. PS O'Neil is not my true last name. Thanks!

Answer: The apostrophe should not be an issue.
Suffix on passport but not on airline ticket/reservation
by: Anonymous

Question: Recently I noticed that my son’s passport has his first middle and last name, but it also has "ii" as he is a ‘second’.

The reservation on the ticket doesn’t have the suffix. I called the airline, they said it shouldn’t be a problem but I am worried as we are flying internationally and the tickets are now almost triple what I paid for them. Since DOB, first, middle and Last name all match, will the suffix on the passport but not on the ticket be an issue?

Answer: If the airline says it's not an issue, your son should be able to travel with his current passport. You may also contact TSA for advice on the matter.
Name issue
by: Anonymous

Question: On my Afghan passport, my family name is Khan and my given name is Sahil Ahmad.
Now applying for a US visa & they ask me about my middle name. Which one is my middle name? There is no middle name heading on my passport.

Answer: Please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate handling your visa application to explain that you do not have a middle name.
Is Jr needed?
by: Anonymous

Question: My birth certificate has Jr but driver's license does not. When applying for a passport can I have them omit the Jr or do I need to change my driver's license to match my birth certificate?

Answer: You may or may not omit the suffix without changing your ID.
Invalid surname, given name and middle name on my second renewal of passport online
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi, this is the second renewal of my passport. It always says that my surname, given name and middle name are invalid, I can't continue to make my online appointment for my passport,, however, the first renewal of my passport in Doha Qatar was successful. What to do?

Answer: Are you renewing a U.S. passport? Renewals of U.S. passports do not usually need an appointment since these are just sent by mail.
Have only one Name
by: Anonymous

Question: I have only one name Nahid and I don't have a given name. Is that ok to apply for a US visa?

Answer: Please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate you are applying with regarding your concern.
My name have the -
by: Anonymous

Question: On my passport, my name is Joy-ann but when I bought tickets, they did not allow the (-) symbol.

Answer: It should not be an issue.
Left out last name by mistake
by: Anonymous

Question: Filling out my passport application online where it says line 10 of the application I left out my last name by mistake. Will it delay me in receiving my passport?

Answer: If you only completed the form online but did not print and mail it in yet, it's incomplete. You need to either do the form online again or print it and complete it by hand to make sure you have everything covered. And then you can submit the form and the rest of the requirements.

For first-time (new) applications, you need to submit it in person at an acceptance facility.

Schedule an Appointment

For renewals, please mail your application packet to the address indicated on the form.

If you have already submitted your application, passport services will contact you with instructions on how and where to send a duly-completed application form.
Passport Renewal
by: Anonymous

Question: I am renewing my passport and they ask me to put my name as it’s written on my passport but it doesn’t fit in the boxes (with spaces). Do I abbreviate my middle name or do I write my name without the spaces?

Answer: You may write your name on a separate piece of paper and label it accordingly.
State and City / Place of Birth
by: Nick C.

Question: I'm renewing my passport for the first time and I have a question regarding the 'Place of Birth' section.

My original passport only has my state name showing but not the city name. However, from my understanding, people are not required to annotate the city where they were born in. That said, I just wanted to make sure that when I'm filling out the DS-82 form, can I leave the city section blank? When I'm using the form-filler option to help supply info, it's requiring me to fill out the 'City' section, but I'm afraid that submitting a city (especially when the city name isn't on my originally issued passport) will cause some form of delay/issue during my renewal. Thanks!

Answer: Hi, Nick. Adding the city you were born in will not cause an issue with your renewal.
suffix
by: Anonymous

I've not experienced any issue with the use or non-use of a suffix between ticket name, passport name, and/or other identification for the purpose of ticketing or gaining entry to the terminal (TSA).

Use or non-use of the suffix has caused SIGNIFICANT issues with Precheck, Clear and similar airport security solutions during the ticketing process. I would recommend not applying a suffix for ticketing, precheck, and similar to assure these systems align. If they do not align the ticket is not generated with the elevated clearance.

(The various databases deal with suffixes differently. As a result, there is no guarantee of how the last name and suffix are handled. To remove that issue, excluding the suffix is suggested for ticketing and clearance applications is my recommendation.)
Suffix on passport not on airline ticket
by: Anonymous

Question: My son's passport has the suffix II on it but his airline ticket doesn't. Will this be a problem to fly internationally?

Answer: There are cases when this is totally acceptable but the final say is on the official inspecting the passport and tickets. Please contact the airline you are flying with to find out if the missing suffix will be an issue.
Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Based on my birth certificate, there is a comma between my first name and suffix but my IDs don't have a comma. Can I remove the comma between my first name and my suffix in my name in my passport?

Answer: Yes, you can.
"Also Known As" Name
by: Anonymous

Question: My current passport and birth certificate have my Greek first name ‘Haralambos’. But I also go by ‘Bobby’ (similar to Robert going by Bob).

All my other documents (Social Security #, medical records, insurance, school records, work records, bank/credit cards) have my name as ‘Bobby’. My driver's License was ‘Bobby’ until I got the new "Real ID" Drivers License and it was changed to ‘Haralambos’ because it had to match my birth certificate.

When asked for a picture ID (official proof), I no longer have anything with a photo and the name ‘Bobby’.

If ‘Haralambos’ is on my passport, can ‘Bobby’ be added somewhere on the passport book and passport card as another name? If so, how do I request this on the application?

Answer: Hi, Bobby. Please visit the following webpage about adding a "known as" name to your passport:

AKA on Passports

You may also contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.
That darned apostrophe
by: ROK

Question: I am trying to renew my passport. There is an apostrophe separating the first two letters of my last name on my current passport. Since apostrophes are not accepted by most travel software anymore, can I not put the apostrophe where it asks for my surname on the renewal application form?

Answer: You may print the form and complete it by hand instead. Make sure to use black ink.
Two last names
by: Anonymous

Question: I was filling in the Global Entry application form but encountered the problem that I cannot finish the process because they said there is a problem with my USA passport. I have filled in the online help form.

I just wonder if the issue is because I have two surnames following the Hispanic tradition of using both dad's and mum's surnames. For around the past 9 years, I have had issues of not being able to do online check-in the day before I travel and I have to wait until I do so in person when the counter is opened for my flight. I was never told why and I think it could be this.

Has this happened to any of you and, if so, how was it solved? My passport name is the same as on my SSN card. I am a USA citizen by right and by birth.

Answer: It is possible that the issue may be with your two last names. If this is so, you may elect to omit one of the last names on your passport. It will not be an issue even if your SS card has two last names.
Remove suffix Sr when I renew my new passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I currently have a suffix Sr on my passport. I will be renewing a passport but want to remove the Sr suffix. Can I just omit the Sr on my new passport?

Answer: You need to submit a new application and present an ID without the name suffix in order to remove it from your passport.
Name on passport
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport says "Bradley" as my first name but my ticket says "Brad" with the correct middle name and correct last name that matches the passport and ticket. Headed international travel. Is this ok?

Answer: Since Brad and Bradley are common derivatives, it should be okay. It ultimately depends on the officer at the gate. You may contact the airline you are traveling with to confirm.
Certificate of Naturalization Name vs Passport name on Application
by: Anonymous

Question: My Certificate of Naturalization shows the two last names that I have on my Venezuelan passport, however, my Green Card had a different last name (since I am married). My driver's license, SSC, Global Entry, etc have my name after marriage.

Can I send my passport application using my name after marriage to get my passport with the same name I have in all my legal documents?

Answer: Yes, you may. The passport will be issued in the name you use in the application as long as your ID/s support that name.
First and middle name
by: Anonymous

Question: In my country, we have given names only. When I apply passport for my son, can I split his three words given name into two parts, as a first and middle name?

Answer: Yes, you can.
Name switched and middle name added
by: Anonymous

Question: My son’s name on his birth certificate, green card, and SS card are ‘Tai Man David’ as his first name and ‘Chan’ as his last name. When I apply passport for him, can I put his name ‘David’ as his first name, ‘Tai Man’ as his middle name, and ‘Chan’ as his last name?

Answer: You must follow the birth certificate to avoid issues.
Parents name differ with my national ID card and my academic certificates.
by: Mohammad Ajharul Islam

Question: My mother's name in my NID (passport will follow the exact information from there) is Ar Jahan Begum while my academic certificates hold Arjahan Begum without a space between Ar and Jahan.

The same goes for my dad. His name is Jabed Ahmed according to my academic certificates but his name is different in his passport (Muhammad Jabed Ali). Now I want to make my passport similar to my certificates. Will it matter in the future?

Answer: We are not familiar with NID cards. Assuming that you are referring to the Bangladeshi NID, please contact the office that issues Bangladeshi passports regarding your concern.
There is a dash in my name
by: Jiacheng

Question: My first name appear on my passport like ji-acheng (but my first name is jiacheng, no dash).

Answer: You may apply for a correction at no cost to you.

Please mail the following to the address on the form:

1. Form DS-5504
2. Current passport with error
3. Proof of the correct data (birth certificate)
4. Signed statement explaining the error
5. One new photo if it has been over 6 months since your passport was issued

You may still travel with your passport with the hyphen. To avoid issues, you may book tickets to match your passport (with the hyphen in your name).
My names not in order
by: Anonymous

Question: On my national ID my names are Jean Paul junior but my passport has my name as Paul Junior jean. Will there be any problem with that if I want to travel internationally?

Answer: I am not sure what you mean by national ID. But as a general rule, you should be able to travel internationally as long as your passport and tickets match.
Initial for the first name
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi. My full legal name as shown in the birth certificate is 'Mark John Last' but my preferred/used name is John. When applying for a passport, can I fill in the form using 'M. John Last'? Will that be accepted and displayed as such? My goal is to make sure people address me as John without having to go through a name change.

Answer: As long as the ID you submit/present also bears the name you enter in the application form, the passport will likely be issued in that name.
Remove second last name from passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I have two second last names in my passport and birth certificate. But I only have one last name on my SSN card. I need both my passport and SSN to align in order to obtain the real ID. What form should I use to ask for second last name removal from my passport?

Answer: Since you cannot provide proof of legal name change, you need to send Form DS-11 and provide photocopies of your SS card and another photo ID that has the same name (without the second last name).
2nd given name as middle name
by: Ralph

Question: My name has a 4 parts. The first two are my first name, the third is my middle then the last name. On my passport application, I put the 2nd first name as my middle name but my naturalization cert has my full name on it.
Will this be a problem when traveling internationally?

Answer: It will not be a problem as long as you book tickets in the name that appears on your passport.
Renew with legal name when current passport has nickname
by: Anonymous

Question: My legal first name is Lawrence, but my passport used Larry to match my drivers license.

I've recently renewed my driver's license with my legal name Lawrence in order to meet the new Real ID requirements. I now need to renew my passport and it should also use my legal name. Can I renew by mail if I include a copy of my birth certificate and new driver's license?

Answer: Since you did not go through a legal name change, you need to submit a new application instead of a renewal. This means you need to apply in person.

New Passport Application Requirements
Josh on Passport - Joshua on ID/Tickets
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport name has Josh instead of Joshua. Joshua is my legal name and on my ID and plane tickets. I have previously flown using plane tickets with the name Josh. Do I need to update my passport? I am leaving in about 7 weeks, or can I have my plane tickets changed to Josh (or not changed at all) and travel that way?

Answer: Josh and Joshua are common name derivatives so the slight difference may not be an issue with TSA. Having said that, we recommend that you contact the airline you are flying with to make sure there are no problems.
Name arrangement
by: John James Doe Charles

Question: All my academic documents bear my name in this format for example LN John FN Doe MN Charles. About a decade ago, I had a legal name change and added a new name (James) to my names. My names on my passport now read LN John FN James MN Doe Charles. Does this difference in the arrangement in my passport and academic documents call for concern on the application for Permanent Residency requiring academic credentials?

Answer: Please contact the USCIS regarding your concern.
First name
by: Anonymous

Question: If my first name has a capital letter in it, will there be an issue if there is a > between my name? Example: LaShae but passport has La>Shae

Answer: It is likely a printing error. You can have it corrected free of charge.
Can I list my preferred name instead of my legal name?
by: Anonymous

Question: I would like to have my passport use my preferred name, which has not been legally changed, instead of my current legal name for part 1. I would be putting my birth name/legal name in part 9. Is this possible?

Answer: It is possible as long as you can provide sufficient identification documents bearing your preferred name.
Jr omitted
by: Anonymous

Question: My husband is active duty military. He applied for a passport then deployed before we received it. His military ID has Jr after his last name. His passport omitted the Jr. Is this a problem? He will be stopping in other countries for the 6 months he is gone. We had it expedited because he needs it immediately so hoping to avoid sending it back as well as he is not here to sign any paperwork.

Answer: The suffix should not be an issue as long as his airline tickets are booked in the name that appears in the passport.
New Name on US passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Five years ago, when I moved to the States, my name order got swapped when I applied for a Social Security Card.

Therefore, my green card, drivers' license, in short, every document has my new name. Now when I applied for citizenship, my naturalization certificate has my old name because they go by birth certificate. Can I have my new name on the US passport as I have supporting documents for that or do I have to go by the name on the Certificate of Naturalization?

Answer: You can go by the new name on your passport since you have identification documents to support that name.
Punctuation issue
by: Period please

Question: I have run into a period punctuation issue in my attempt to apply for Mexican citizenship for which I qualify by birth. The issue is that my birth certificate (Texas) has me as "John L. Doe", but when I applied for my passport (USA), I insisted on including my mother's maiden name on the application and submitted it with "John Lopez Doe".

Would it be sufficient to submit the passport correction form to match my birth certificate? If I do, will the "period" appear in the exact place on my passport to match the rest of my documents? Will it appear as "John L. Doe"? The Mexican consulate is insisting that my application will not proceed if the period in question does not appear on my passport.

Answer: No, you cannot apply for a correction to switch from full middle name to middle initial. You can only use Form DS-5504 if there was a printing error on your passport, you legally changed your name within a year of your passport's issuance, and if you're replacing a limited passport.

You need to submit a new application in person as if it's your first time applying for a passport. As long as you enter the name clearly on the application form and your birth certificate and ID support that name, the new passport will be issued in that name.
Name
by: Anonymous

Question: I had bhai taken off the end of my name. An Indian name addition for many people. However, as a reflex added it to the end of my name on my ticket however I forgot I changed it when I became an American citizen and now my passport no longer has it added at the end of my name. Will it matter?

Answer: It may or may not matter, depending on the airline you are traveling with. Please contact the airline regarding the missing name suffix.
First initial and last name
by: M Robbins

Question: I had my name changed years ago, and it appears on my License and S.S.Card the same way I have it listed above. My passport application shows my first initial and last name, also.
Will I have an issue obtaining a passport?

Answer: Since the name you entered in the form is supported by your IDs, there should not be any issues with your application.
to remove or not to remove
by: Anonymous

Question: If I have first middle and 2 last names on my naturalization certificate but only use one last name on literally everything else, could I still just use my one last name on my passport, or do I have to get my second last name removed prior to applying?

Answer: You may opt to omit the other last name as long as your ID/s matches the said name. A passport may be issued in the name you enter in the application form as long as it is supported by either your citizenship evidence or identification document.
Difference in birth certificate and ID names
by: Silas Lagat

Question: I have recently applied for a passport and I have already booked an appointment. But the problem here arises whereby my birth certificate names are Silas Kipchirchir and in my ID card my names are Silas Kipchirchir Lagat. The issue is the addition of the surname to my ID card. So my question is would it affect my passport application form submission?

Answer: The addition of the last name should not be an issue as long as the name is supported by the identification documents you present with the application.
No last name on my passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I submitted all my legal documents. I provided my full name with my married name & maiden name. My first & middle name is on my passport no last name. I can’t get this corrected before my flight. Is this an issue?

Answer: Yes, it is a potential issue since an entire part of the name is missing. You may have to change the name on your ticket to match your passport.
Wrong order
by: Anonymous

Question: In my passport, it shows in the 'surname' line my two given names and in the 'given names'-line my surname.

How did this happen?

Answer: It is likely a printing error that can be corrected at no cost to you.

Apply for a Correction
First name and middle name together on passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Is this ok? I recently applied for my passport it came in the mail but my first name and middle name were together with no space to separate the two names.

Answer: If you are traveling soon, you may use that passport and just present your birth certificate in case questions arise.

You can get the error corrected when you get back.
Full name in the application form
by: Anonymous

Question: I am applying for my newborn baby's passport. His full name on the birth certificate is Mohammad Farouk Abdelazeem Kamel Mostafa. There is not enough space in the form to enter the full name especially the middle name which is "Farouk Abdelazeem Kamel".

Shall I enter the first name and the middle name to his first name in the form to reserve some space as "Mohammad Farouk" or what can I do? Meanwhile, shall I add spaces between names when I fill the names in the form?

Answer: It is best that you write the name on a separate piece of paper and label it properly. You may contact passport services at 1-877-487-2778 for more information on passport names.
Titles added to passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I have recently acquired the title of Lady before my first and last name. Would I be able to add that to my passport and passport card? If so, how would I go about doing that?

Answer: Professional and heraldic titles are not allowed to be printed on U.S. passports. Please contact passport services at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.
Jr. suffix
by: Anonymous

Question: So after reading the previous comments I am still confused on where and how to list the Jr. suffix of my name when applying for my first passport. Some comments say after middle name, some say after first, and some say after last name. So where does it go exactly? My social security card has it listed as:
Firstname Middlename Lastname Jr

and my driver's license has it listed as:
Lastname
Firstname Middlename Jr

and my birth certificate has it as
Firstname Middlename Lastname Junior


And when writing in the suffix on the application, do I need to put a comma after whichever name it follows on the application and do I need to put a period after it? For example which way would I need to list it on application:

Name Jr
Name Jr.
Name, Jr
Name, Jr.

I am so confused and every comment on here seems to be different in the way it was answered.

Answer: The answer depends on which format matches the ID you are presenting with your application. Customarily, it is placed after the first name but it can also be placed after the middle name to match your ID. There is also no need to place a comma before and a period after the suffix.
Apostrophe
by: Snowy

Question: Does ‘ (apostrophe) have its own box?

Does . (dot) have its own box?

Answer: Yes, punctuation marks get their own boxes.
Roman numeral II
by: Anonymous

Question: I'm traveling internationally with my father. I am "the Second" and my passport and Global Entry show Roman number II. The weird thing is that everything matches up - even my frequent flyer number is different from my dad's but will it be a problem at TSA or Customs that the "II" is missing?

Answer: It should not be a problem as long as your individual documents and tickets match.
Middle Name and First Names flipped on Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: My given name is FirstN.MiddleN.LastN. I Naturalized over 15yrs ago and my certificate of Naturalization had MiddleN.FirstN.LastN. I didn't bother to challenge at the time so my passport has read that way since that was the proof of identification.

However, I've lived my life (loans, school, state ID, credit cards, etc) with FirstN.MiddleN.LastN. After moving to a different state, I had to change my DL and since my passport [proof of identity doc] was used now my DL has MiddleN.FirstN.LastN.

Now, my employer [govt] is saying my passport/DL needs to change to my legal name. What do I do? The 2 documents that can be used as proof of identity both say MiddleN.FirstN.LastN. I'm due for DL renewal and I'm stuck on how to change it. Help? TIA

Answer: Since your naturalization certificate, passport and license have M-F-L, it may now be considered your legal name. It may be best to file for a court-ordered name change to make it official.
Passport Name
by: Anonymous

Question: My driver's license has my maiden name as my middle name. My birth certificate has my legal middle name. Which name will be used on my passport?

Answer: The passport will be issued in the name you enter in the application form as long as it is supported by the identification document/s you present with it. So if you want your passport to match your license, present the license and submit a photocopy of it with the application.
Middle name vs. middle initials
by: Anonymous

Question: I have two middle names, but my passport currently lists my two middle initials and I wish to change this to use the full names. Can I get my passport reissued with my full middle names instead of the current version which only has the two initials?

Answer: Yes, you can. Since this is not an official name change, the best way to do it is by submitting a new application.
Middle name vs. middle initials
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport currently lists my middle initials, as in Robert J.P. Hill. If I want it to read Robert John Paul Hill, which is my legal name, can I have it reissued this way?

Answer: Yes, you can. Since this is not a name change per se and you do not have a name change document, it is best that you submit a new application.
where and how do I add my suffix 3rd or III
by: Anonymous

Question: How do I add my suffix. I am the III. Where do I input it and do I list it as 3rd or III? And do I use a coma after my name then the suffix? Such as Lau, III.

Answer: Most people place their suffixes after their first names when filling out forms.
Removing Jr from passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I would like to have Jr removed from my passport as it just causes issues with electronic boarding/kiosk entry. Is it possible to do this?

Answer: Yes, you can. Please make sure to provide proof of legal name change. If you do not have said proof, you need to submit a new application where you omit Jr. in the application form and provide identification that also does not have Jr. in it.

You may contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.
Name-related issues in passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I have to add my father's name next to my name but all my government-issued IDs only have my name. Is it possible to add my father's name next to my name on my passport?

Answer: It would be difficult since you cannot present identification bearing your father's name next to your name. Please contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.
Correct way to input name?
by: Anonymous

Question: Is it legal to put your middle name then first name?
Like middle, first. Last?
In all other legal forms it's First,Middle then last.

Answer: To avoid issues with your identity in the future, it is best that you complete your name the way it appears in your birth certificate.
Whole name or not
by: Gerard Chevalier Pepin dit LachanceAnonymous

Question: As you can see, my first name is Gerard, middle name is Chevalier and my last name is Pepin dit Lachance. 1st, will it all fit on the passport and 2nd can it be printed with the "dit" in small letters?

Answer: If it fits in form, it will be printed on the passport. All characters in the passport data page are in capital letters. Please contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.
Single Letter First Name
by: Anonymous

Question: My first name is a single letter. It caused problems at the airport in the past, so I have been using my first name, followed by a space, and middle name combined (example J Richard) as first name when booking travel since the passport shows both in the 'Given Names' area. Should this be OK or will it cause other problems.

Answer: It should be okay.
Where does Jr go no my application
by: Bill Jr

Question: Hi. I'm applying for my 1st passport, I'm a Jr. There doesn't seem to be a specific place on the form to put the Jr. Where should I put it?

Answer: Hi, Bill. You may place the suffix after your first name.
Name on passport
by: Kay

Question: Hello, My drivers license has my name as Kay which is correct but the passport agency spelled my name as Kaye...even with all my documents submitted said Kay(drivers license, birth certificate)..agency says I have to reapply and pay the fees again...does this sound right to you?

Answer: It's not right. In fact, the correction is free of charge. Please mail the following to the address on the form:

1. Form DS-5504
2. Current passport with error
3. Proof of the correct data (birth certificate)
4. Signed statement explaining the error
5. One new passport photo
Name difference
by: Richard E Howell, Jr

Question: The name on my passport reads Richard E Howell, Jr. But on my plane ticket it reads Richard Howell. There was no place to add a suffix on a plane ticket. My dad and I are flying together I could not book 2 tickets with the same name.

Answer: You may be able to book your ticket by adding Jr. after your first name. Please contact the airline you plan on flying with for more information.
Want to add Middle initial when renewing
by: Chitra

Question: My current passport (expiring soon) was issued without my middle name or initial even though the previous passport had it. I want to get my middle initial added in the new one. Can I just fill my middle initial in the form? I do not have a birth certificate. Can I attach copies of my driver's license to show that I use my middle initial?

Answer: Yes, you can. Please call the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.
Adding middle name
by: Anonymous

Question: I do not have a middle name. My birth certificate or original passport does not have middle name. Can I add a middle name when applying for passport renewal?

Question: Unless you can present proof that you legally added a middle name through a court order or that you have used the middle name for at least 5 years, you cannot add a middle name on your passport.
Application form error
by: Anonymous

Question: In my application form, my name says Name Middle Surname. But all my ID's and documents say Name Second name Middle Surname. Will that affect my application?

Answer: It should not be a problem.
Name on Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I am in the process of applying for my passport. My name appears on my driver's license as:

LAST NAME
FIRST NAME MIDDLE NAME

For example:

FUNG
KENNY YIU

Will the passport show the name the same as my driver's license accurately?

For example:
Surname: FUNG
Given Names: KENNY YIU

Answer: As long as you complete the form accordingly, the names should be printed the same way.
Suffix on renewal
by: Anonymous

Question: On my current passport, the suffix in my name appears under the SURNAME field (ex: SMITH JR). I'm renewing my passport now, and I'm wondering if I should put my suffix after my surname on the DS-82 form, or if I should move the suffix to be after my first name (as I see other comments indicating that is where the suffix should go for new applications)?

Answer: You can do it either way.
Only one name
by: Anonymous

Question: Hello, I only have a first name, on my birth certificate there is only a first name. I have no surname/family name. I have applied for my first passport and it displayed my first name as my last name, which I found unacceptable because my first name is not my last name. Is it possible to have my name printed on my passport with only a first name and without a last name/with the last name blank?

Answer: Please contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 to speak to a customer service representative regarding the matter.
2 last names on birth certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: My baby has two last names on his birth certificate (father and mother). I went to apply for his first passport and the lady told me that they are going to use just his first last name. Is that an issue? Is there anyway for me to fix that before the passport arrives? I sent the application like 2 hours ago.

Answer: The agent who processes the application has the final say on what name will appear on the passport, not the acceptance agent. If you completed the form with the child's two last names, it is likely that it will be printed on the passport. You may contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 to speak to a customer service representative regarding the matter.
Passport has an added space in last name
by: Anonymous

Question: I am traveling in 4 days! Just received my passport with an added space in my last name "LA SAGE" and my ticket is booked as "Lasage" as well my driver license and military ID match the no space ! My application and marriage license have no space, this was completely passport staff error.

Doubt it can be corrected in 4 days (Today Sat I leave Thurs).

Am i going to have issues?

Answer: The space should not be an issue. Please contact the airline to confirm.

Also, if you live close to a regional passport agency, you can apply for a correction which will be processed as an expedited service free of charge.
Name change by usage
by: Bubba Bear H.

Question: I have decided to change my name by usage. A court order is financially impractical. Change took place 7/2019. DMV et al require court order. I have a student ID# from the NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control listing my new (by usage) name (although it decidedly isn't accepted by everyone without a "court order"

How would I go about filing in regards to obtaining an initial US passport?

Answer: A name change by usage will have to be supported by at least 5 documents that are at least 5 years old. These must be submitted with the rest of the requirements for a new passport.
Reg: Given name in Passport
by: Thuhin Raj Das

Question: I am an Indian. My full name across all my IDs is Thuhin Raj Das (Thuhin Raj is my first name and Das is my surname). However, in the Passport, my Given name is "Raj Thuhin" and surname is "Das".

Will there be any problem in getting Visa to other countries? I have travelled to Thailand with no issues; how about travelling to the U.S ?

Answer: Please contact the National Visa Center or the CBP regarding travel and entry to the United States.
Choose one of my Two Last Names?
by: Alice

Question: My birth certificate and ID have my full name as Alice Blue-Hawke (Father-Mother). For aesthetics and ease of use I want my passport to say only Alice Hawke, will that be an issue?

Answer: It will not as long as you can provide sufficient identification bearing Alice Hawke.
Name arrangements
by: Anonymous

Question: The name on my passport is Evans Oppong but I have on my marriage certificate Oppong Evans. How is it going to affect my visa application?

Answer: It depends on the country you are applying a visa for. Visa-issuing offices of different countries have varying rules on names.
Move the suffix Jr
by: Anonymous

Question: When I applied for my latest passport, I placed the suffix Jr after the last name in the last name line (xxxxxxx Jr). I have since learned the best place to include Jr is after the middle name as the current placement is causing issues with the airlines. My passport renewal is approaching, what is the best method to apply/make this change? New / Renewal / Name Change form?

Answer: You can include a signed request explaining where you need the suffix placed. You may still use renewal Form DS-82.
Suffix
by: D Jacob

Question: The suffix Jr is on my passport. Jr is not on boarding pass. Will that be an issue?

Answer: It should not be.
Two last names
by: Anonymous

Question: My license has my first and only one last name, however my birth certificate shows that I have two last names. I want to get my passport using my full name how it appears on my birth certificate. Can I do this or do I have to use only one last name as it appears in my license?
Example:
License: Jane Doe
Birth Certificate: Jane Doe-Deer

Answer: You may elect to have your passport carry the name you were given at birth.
Slight name differences
by: RAE

Question: My family and I are traveling to the Turks and Caicos Island in spring of next year. I just booked our flights for our family of 4. My husband's name is my only concern. His driver's licence has his first name, middle initial, and last name. This is how I booked the flight and always have, but we never traveled out of the states. However, I have been told that a passport requires the full middle name. Will this be an issue since the drivers license and airline ticket will not be exactly the same as the passport? Thank you.

Answer: It should not be an issue.
Last Name's Initial
by: Anonymous

Question: Hello there. My name is always written as First Name and Last Initial (we don't have a family name culture). We use our father's first name first letter as our last initial). e.g M Paul (Paul is first name; M is the last name initial derived from his father's first name Mike). My citizen identity documents reflect the same. Will it be a problem if i just specify 'M' in the last name column?

Answer: Please contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 to speak to a customer service representative regarding your unique case.
Suffix (Jr.)
by: Luther

Question: My U.S. visa as tourist was approved. On my passport the given name is Luther Jr. and when I apply for the U.S. visa, I also put the same name on my passport. However, when I received my U.S., visa there is no JR. on the given name. Is that alright? Thank you.

Answer: Please contact the National Visa Center regarding your concern.
Can the last name interfere?
by: Anonymous

Question: This is my first time to apply for a passport. My big problem is my birth certificate has my father's last name but my ID last has my husband's. Please help.

Answer: It's not a problem. As long as the details on your birth certificate and ID match up (birth date, first and middle names), the passport should be issued in the name that you enter in the form.
Full name
by: John

Question: I am filling a form but the form requires my full name as indicated in my passport.
But from the passport
Surname comes first Mensah
First comes second. John
But checking the full meaning of full names it says the first name comes first before the surname. So in this case. what should I do?

Answer: Hi, John. Please indicate your first name then last name. Make sure the spelling is the same as in your passport.
Middle name appears
by: Anonymous

Question: You didn't answer the question on how it will appear. Does the middle name go in the given name area?

Answer: Yes, it will be part of the given name.
CS
by: Anjali

Question: Can i put CS Anjali Mishra in my passport as my name?

Answer: If that is your legal name, you can.
Missing apostrophe
by: Ed D.

Question: My passport has an apostrophe in my last name as it appears on my birth certificate. However, my drivers license and credit cards do not since the computers back then did not accept special characters. I booked a trip to Ecuador and the tickets do not have the apostrophe because the billing credit card does not have it and my travel rewards account does not have it because I do not customarily use it. This slight discrepancy has never been a problem. Example X’XXXX is on passport and XXXXX is on ticket and drivers license and credit cards and bank records.

Will this be a problem boarding the flight?

Will the TSA allow me to travel with the missing apostrophe?

Answer: The missing apostrophe may not be an issue. I suggest you contact the TSA to verify.
Is one last name acceptable on the passport ?
by: Anonymous

Question: I am a first time traveler and I am not married. I ordered my passport after buying a flight tickets and can’t remember if my birth certificate has my both of my parents last names. Would it be a problem if I put one last name? I have a state ID with the signature of one last name but have both last names included.

Answer: There may be an issue if the name on your tickets do not match the name on your passport.
Name shortened on passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Can I shorten my name on passport? For example Kathleen to Kathy.

Answer: If you can present valid ID/s bearing Kathy instead of Kathleen, you may do so.
Name on passport
by: Anonymous visa

Question: I wrote on form my first name and middle name and last name separately but in my passport my first name and middle name are together just with a space .
My question is this: Does it make it a problem for getting a US visa? I received the case number and it has my last name and my first but my middle name is not on that. I will give you an example for my question.

In my passport
Surname: Michael
Given name: Robert Josef

In form I did like this
Surname: Michael
First name: Robert
Middle name: Josef
And on my case number is like this
Name: Michael , Josef
So in this case, will there be a problem in my visa and interview?
And on all other my documents is like this
Name: Robert Josef
Same as my passport
Please help me.

Answer: Please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you are applying for a U.S. visa regarding your concern.
Name on Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: My drivers license has my first name, maiden name, and last name. Can my passport use my first name, maiden name and last name, or, do I have to use my first name, my legal middle name and my last name? All other documents, wedding certificate, social security card, etc have my first name, legal middle name and last name on them. The reason I have my maiden name on my drivers license is because I use it for identification when conducting business for my mother.

Answer: It is recommended that your passport bear your current legal name. Having said that, the passport will be issued in the name you enter in the application as long as it is supported by the ID (driver's license) you present with it.
Name on ticket
by: Doug

Question: Hello, my wife and I are traveling to Spain in two months. On accident I booked my plan ticket as Doug instead of Douglas as my passport says. Same last name and middle name but first name says Doug. Will this be a issue? The airline will not change it and I would need to re-book another ticket at considerable cost.

Answer: The variation may be provided leniency. Please contact the airline or TSA to find out if they will allow boarding with the name difference.
Doubt in middle name
by: Anonymous

Question: As per my 10th mark sheet my name is " AN**** G. PI****". While applying for passport, I had to elaborate my middle initial G. My mother's name is "G***** K***** PI****"(as per my mark sheet). So what is my full name. I have written my name in the passport is " AN**** GI**** PI****". Is this correct or not?

Answer: For your protection, we replaced some letters in your name. I am not sure what you mean by mark sheet. Are you applying for a U.S. passport?
Name on certificate of citizenship vs passport
by: Anonymous

Question: During my naturalization interview, I entered my name without my middle name. Therefore, I received my certificate of citizenship without it. Now, I want to apply for a passport and include my middle name. My middle name appears on my birth certificate and my middle initial appears on my NY state ID. Do I have to get a legal name change and add my middle name in a civil court, before adding my middle name on my passport application? Or can I add my middle name to the passport, without adding my middle name to my legal name?

Answer: Please contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 regarding your concern.
Jr on name
by: Anonymous

Question: My brother is a "Jr", however on the first line he did not include Junior on his name but on the next page where it says name of applicant he did include "Jr". Will "Jr" appear on his passport? Asking because we are buying plane tickets today and just a few days ago he sent in his application.

Answer: There is no way of telling with the process is ongoing. I recommend booking tickets after receiving the passport.
Suffix
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi, I need to renew my passport and not sure if my suffix was used last time. I don't see it on my passport anywhere. If I use it in my application will that be an issue?

Answer: It was most likely not used if it's not on the current passport. It might raise questions if you include it now.
Middle initial
by: Anonymous

Question: I have my four names spelled out in full on my birth certificate but instead of using the four names for my school certificates, I used the first name, initial for one of the middle names, the other middle name in full and my surname. Will this affect me when applying for a passport for the first time? Because I don't know whether to use the one on my birth certificate which contains my full name or the one on my school certificates which has one middle initial and the other middle name in full.

Answer: Your school certificates will not suffice as proof of identity. You need to submit more documents bearing the name you enter in the application form.
Name appears - Last First Middle?
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport has my last name in a block at the top and the next line has a block with my first and middle names. The instruction is "Your name as printed..." and only one block to provide the answer. Do you want Last, First Middle, or do you want my name in normal First Middle Last?

Answer: You may use either ways as long as the spelling is the same.
2 last names
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport only says my first name and one last name. I want to renew it because it expired 2 months ago. I want to put my full legal name on the application, my first name, and my two last names. What application should I fill out DS-82 or DS-11? What documents should I send to prove my full legal name? I am 18.

Answer: Hi! You need to apply in person for your first adult U.S 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 photocopy
3. Proof of identity plus photocopy
4. One passport photo
5. Payment for fees
Last name
by: Jay

Question: I received my passport recently. One thing that I noticed is they have separated my last names. Correct last name should be DEGUZMAN as what's on my naturalization paper. They separated it and says DE GUZMAN on my passport. Would this be a problem?

Answer: It should not be.
Middle Names on Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Our newborn baby has 2 middle names (Olujohn Oluwafemigade) on his birth certificate which is 21 characters including the space.

Can we have only one of the middle names (Olujohn) on the passport application?

Answer: Yes, you can.
Middle Name Debacle
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport has just expired (10 year book). When I traveled abroad in 2013 the TSA agent noticed my middle name was "different" on my passport and my driver's license. He almost pulled me aside for further inspection, but I pleaded that I wasn't aware of the difference?. My passport has my middle name as an initial "A" and my driver's license has my entire middle name spelled out "ABCDE". He let me proceed.

As I fill out my renewal application for my new passport book, I am hesitant on what to put for my middle name. The 18-year-old me didn't see my middle name initial on my passport as a typo, or a big deal. What do I do? Can I fill out my middle name in its entirety without submitting a name change form? Or can I leave it as an initial?

Answer: You can do either. If you decide to spell out the middle name, you need to include a signed statement explaining the change and a copy of your birth certificate. Please call customer service at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.
First Name limit in Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I am applying for a passport for the first timee. My First Name is 19 characters including spaces(for example: ABCDEFG HIJKL MNOPQ)and no Middle Name. But in DS-11 PDF form have only 17 chars boxes. Is there any limit in the characters for the first name in the passport? If I enter my 19 characters as First Name in the online form, will all 19 chars be printed in my Passport Given Name?

Answer: Please call customer service at 1-877-487-2778 regarding your question.
Name on passport matching airline ticket
by: Anonymous

Question: We are about to apply for new passports and they will be here by early June.

I would like to book airline tickets before June, now if possible. I want to complete the passport DS-11 form with first name-middle name-last name and I book ticket under first name-middle name-last name (but middle name is optional for Delta airlines). If Delta does not print my middle name on the airline ticket but the passport has printed my middle name, will I have any problems getting through customs?

Also, if your name fits in the boxes on the DS-11 form, will it be printed that exact way? Is there a character limit when you print passports? Are letters ever left off?
Thank you.

Answer: Middle names are printed on U.S. passports if indicated in the form. If the passport comes out with middle names but your tickets don't, consideration may be given as long as other details match up. It will be upon the discretion of the gate officer; this is why we strongly recommend booking tickets AFTER you receive your passports.

We recommend that you verify this with Delta Airlines.
Suffix on passport application
by: Anonymous

Question: I am in the process of applying for my passport. My name appears on my driver's license as:

LAST NAME
FIRST NAME MIDDLE NAME, JR.

For example:

SMITH
JOHN ADAMS, JR.

Where do I put the "Jr" on my application? I am seeing comments on this thread saying it goes after the first name but when I called the passport office to speak to a representative, they said put "Jr" where it falls on the license - which is after middle name.

I am in the process of booking a plane ticket for international travel and want to provide the name exactly as it appears on the application and eventual passport so as not to run into any issues.

Answer: Please enter the suffix after your middle name on the application. We recommend waiting to book tickets until you are in possession of your passport to make sure there is no discrepancy between names.
Father's first name has space
by: Anonymous

Question: I'm trying to fill out the U.S. passport application from my kid. My first name has a space in it ("a b") and this is how it reflects in all official documents. I want the same thing to reflect in my kid's passport as well (if Father's name will be on the record). When entering the first and middle name information on DS-11, there is no way to say that "a" and "b" in "a b" are both part of first name. I can't enter a comma etc. to make this apparent. Is this ok as I don't want "a" and "b" to be separated as first and middle names? Please suggest.

Answer: The space in the father's name should not be an issue. The name will also not appear on the child's passport.
Suffix
by: Anonymous

Question: My birth certificate appears to be Arnold Mejorado Resurreccion Jr. but in my passport it appears to be Arnold Jr. Mejorado Resurreccion. Will it affect my application abroad?

Answer: It depends on the country you are looking to enter. Please contact the country's immigration office regarding your concern.
Passport question
by: Anonymous

Question: If I applied for my passport with my full name spelled out, would it appear that way on my passport or would my middle name just be an initial?

Answer: The name that appears on your passport is ultimately decided on by the agent who processes your application. It will most likely be issued in your full name if you entered it as such on the application.
Last name
by: Anonymous

Question: My birth certificate has my two last names but my passport only has my father's last name. All of my IDs have my two last names, would that be a problem when traveling outside the country?

Answer: It should not be an issue since you will most likely only be asked to present your passport while you travel.
Hypenated names
by: Anonymous

Question: I will be applying for a passport and my middle name and last name is hyphenated. Also one of my last names has an apostrophe like the following example:

first name: AAA
middle name: BBB-CCC
last name: D'DDD-EEE

When filling out the application, would I actually put the hyphen symbol in its own letter box and same thing with the apostrophe? Also would there be enough room on the passport book for my full name?

Answer: Please place each character (hyphen and apostrophe included) in it's own separate box. There are 21 boxes for the last name, 17 for the first and 16 for the middle on Form DS-11. It should be able to accommodate your full name.
Air travel registration
by: Anonymous

Question: I can't seem to fully remember how I put my name on my passport application. For example I don't remember if I used an initial for my middle name or if I used it full. The airline is asking for the name to be exact to the ID I will use. Will it be an issue if I use my full name spelled out and my passport has only my middle initial or vice versa?

Answer: Some leniency is provided for middle names vs. middle initials. Having said that, we recommend that you book tickets after you get your passport.
Middle Name Abbreviation
by: Anonymous

Question: I have my first, middle and last names on my passport written in full. Is it possible upon renewing my passport, to shorten my middle name to only the middle initial ('John Peter Doe' in the old, 'John P Doe' in the new)? Or even remove the middle name altogether ('John Doe', without 'Peter')?

Answer: Yes, it is possible. The renewed passport will be issued in the name you enter in the application form.
Adding my middle name to my passport
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport expired 2 years ago, and I need to renew. My last passport doesn’t show both of my middle names, and I’d like my renewal to show my full name. I have not changed any names, I just want to include a name I’ve always had. What’s the best way to renew, which form? And what additional documents will I need?

Answer: The passport will be issued in the name you enter in the application form. Just enter your middle names in Form DS-82. It will also help if you submit a copy of your birth certificate.
Middle name
by: Katie

Question: Hi, I sent in my passport application and did not fill out my middle name. My license shows my middle initial and on my social security card it has my full middle name printed. Is the fact I do not have a middle name on my passport going to be an issue for traveling?

Answer: It should not as long as your tickets and passport match.
Lost Apostrophe
by: Raymond

Question: I live in Massachusetts and am in the process of renewing my driver's license. For the first time, Massachusetts drivers licenses can now comply with federal identifications. During one of my previous passport renewals, the apostrophe in my last name was replaced with a space. This did not happen on my wife's passport renewals. How do I fix this so both documents will be an exact match?

Answer: You may apply for a correction. This is processed as a free service. processed as a free service. Please mail the following to the address on the form:

1. Form DS-5504
2. Proof of the correct data (birth certificate)
3. Signed statement explaining the error
4. One new passport photo
1st, middle , maiden, last
by: Anonymous

Question: I would like to add my maiden name to my passport. Do I need to do a name change so it would be my first, middle, maiden and last name? My social security is just 1st, middle and last name. They won't let me change without name change.

Answer: Please call 1-877-487-2778 for advice on how to proceed with the name change.
Name on passport
by: Anonymous

Question: My birth certificate has a letter missing on my name. As an adult I have used the correct way to spell my name. However, for many years I have just used my initial. Will this cause a problem in getting my passport? Can I just use my full first name, initial and last name?

Answer: It should not be an issue. The passport will be issued in the name you enter in the application as long as it matches your ID.
Where do I place a suffix to my name
by: JChicago

Question: There is no area to enter in a suffix (IV) so do I add this in at the end of "Last Name" or elsewhere?

Answer: Please add after your first name.
Sr on the end of last name
by: Anonymous

Question: When I apply for a passport can I put Sr at the end of my last name? It’s like that on my ID and social security card? But it’s not on my birth certificate.

Answer: You may add Sr. to your name on your passport.
Moving part of last name to middle name
by: Anonymous

Question: Yesterday, I asked the following question (see below) and you provided your response to just apply for new passport without a legal name change. My follow up question is, for this name change, should I use form D82 or form DS5504 when I apply for new passport?

Answer: Please use Form DS-11 and submit in in person at an acceptance facility with the rest of the requirements.

---yesterday's question and your response ---
Question: My current name as it shows in my U.S. passport is in the following format:
First name: aaa
Middle name: ---- (no middle name)
Last name: bbb ccc

I would like to change this to the following format:
First name: aaa
Middle name: bbb
Last name: ccc

What do I need to do to make the following change? Please let me know. Does this require a formal/ legal name change process or should I just make a new passport application?

Answer: You do not need a legal name change document. You can simply apply for a new passport.
Split of name between last and middle names
by: Anonymous

Question: My current name as it shows in my U.S. passport is in the following format:
First name: aaa
Middle name: ---- (no middle name)
Last name: bbb ccc

I would like to change this to the following format:
First name: aaa
Middle name: bbb
Last name: ccc

What do I need to do to make the following change? Please let me know. Does this require a formal/ legal name change process or should I just make a new passport application?

Answer: You do not need a legal name change document. You can simply apply for a new passport.
Jr?
by: Anonymous

Question: When I first applied for my ID, I placed Jr but found out that on my birth certificate and social don’t have it. So I had to fix my ID to match my social and birth certificate. I really don’t want to change my passport, do I have to?

Answer: If the passport is still valid, there's no immediate need to change your name on it. Just make sure to book tickets in the name that appear on your passport to avoid issues with TSA when you travel.
Suffix
by: JR

Question: Is the Jr suffix spelled out as JUNIOR or listed as JR? I'm purchasing ticket while deployed on a CVN-77 but my passport is at home in the safe? Foreign Airlines are making a huge deal.

Answer: It should be spelled JR.
Passport & License No Middle Name; Airline ticket with Middle Name
by: Kristen

Question: Hi. I booked my trip long before I got my passport. My middle name is not on my passport (and is also on my driver's license). But for some reason, the web-based travel company put it on my ticket (probably my fault when filling out info online). Will this be an issue for traveling abroad? First and last names match exactly.

Answer: It should not be a problem. Please contact the airline you are traveling with to confirm.
Last name on passport
by: A

Question: Yes my passport was issue when I was a minor. What should I do to get a new passport?

Answer: The first thing you need to do is secure proof of your U.S. citizenship. You may file for a Certificate of Citizenship from the USCIS/ Alternatively, you may request for a file search when you apply for your passport. Any result from the search will be used as your citizenship evidence.

With regard to your name, the passport will be issued in the name you enter in your application as long as it is supported by either your citizenship evidence or proof of identity.
Last name on passport
by: A

Question: My passport surname is Acevedo. My name is A Solorzano but in my social security card it shows like this A Acevedo-Solorzano. Now my passport is expired and I need to renew. Will I still get it renewed with that social security number? Also, I became a U.S citizen through my parents because I was underage.

Answer: Was your passport issued when you were a minor?
Name correction
by: Adetayo, MO

Question: My names are OM (Adetayo), Adetayo is my surname, but in all my credentials, I put M before the O which means that M is my first name and O is my middle name. That is how it is in my documents. But on my passport, the first name is O and middle name is M, and the last name is correct (Adetayo). Is this going to affect my visa application or should I go for a renewal. Please enlighten me.

Answer: We deleted your names for your security. While it is possible that the name mix-up will affect your visa application, the switch is a minor thing that the issuing consulate MAY overlook as long as the name you use on your application matches the name on your passport. However, before you submit your visa application, I suggest you contact the consular office of the country you are applying a visa for to clarify the issue.
Two-syllable first name erroneously separated by space
by: Anonymous

Question: My first name is erroneously divided by a space even though my passport renewal application has my first name written as one word. Would this change warrant submitting a brand new application? My parents are unable to locate my foreign birth certificate, & even if they found it, I'm not sure it would prove my point as it's in another language. All of my other official documents (driver's license, certificate of naturalization, passport, SSN card) correctly have my name listed as one word.

Answer: You can apply for a correction and submit your naturalization certificate as evidence of the correct data.
Remove suffix when renewing passport
by: Anonymous

Question: My expired passport has the suffix Sr. after my name. I want to have Sr. removed. Do I have to submit name change documentation to have the suffix removed or can I just submit an application for a new passport without the suffix? Thanks.

Answer: You can simply apply for a new passport. The passport will be issued without the suffix if the ID you present with the application also does not have the suffix.
cont'd.
by: ExPat

Question: Thank you so much for your reply. I still have a few doubts, though. You mentioned that if I cannot present proof of name change, to apply for a new one instead. I haven't had any court-mandated legal name change, rather I just want to add a name that I've always had. Would my birth certificate and/or driver's license be proof enough since they both have all 4 of my names when I send the DS82 and passport to the embassy? If I apply using a DS11, I'd have to apply in person and Madrid is at a bit of a distance. Plus, don't the documents presented have to be originals? I'm not too comfortable having those cross the Atlantic.

Also, have you had any experiences with valid visas in expired passports? The visa in this case states it's expired in the passport because we are instructed to apply for a foreigner's card within the first 90 days, but has been renewed yearly as a student.
Would the adding of my middle name invalidate the visa that only shows 3 names?

Answer: If you use DS-82, you will need to justify the change in the name. Submitting the birth certificate plus a letter of explanation regarding the names may work but you need to submit the original or a certified copy of your document.

Regarding the visas, it may pose an issue if the name on it does not match the name on your current passport. You need to contact the issuing country's immigration office or embassy regarding this.
Passport renewal confusion
by: ExPat

Question: I have a few questions, I hope you can help!
I'm a little lost as to how to go about processing my passport renewal. The upcoming months are crucial and don't know WHEN nor HOW to apply. I have to renew my green card in November and need my passport when I pick it up in December, without it they won't budge. I plan to travel in December/January for Christmas (in the Schengen area if the passport doesn't expire in the 3 months after entry it's fine). It's September, but my passport expires in April 2019. Could I renew in late-January or February after applying for my job and be alright? I've heard you must renew your passport well before it expires; I'm thinking February is alright.

Also, I have a compound first name, then middle, and last name (Ex: James Alexander - Michael - Johnson). My first passport, when I was 18, for shows my compound name (Alexander) as the middle name (James Alexander Johnson). I want it to show all 3 names in the given names line. My DL, Social Security Card, and Birth Certificate all reflect 4 names minus my passport and I'd like to change that. On the application would I put my first name as "James Alexander" and middle as "Michael" OR --- leave first name as "James" and put middle names as "Alexander Michael"? I'm thinking the first way because if they just see "James" as first name, I fear they'll put only "Alexander" again. It sounds trivial because middle names are technically not necessary much anywhere, but I've always all 4 names on everything important.

I'm an expat in Spain so I'll have to apply through the US embassy in Madrid.
Embassy web states for the DS82: "Was issued in the same name you currently use, or if your name was changed recently, you can present the proper documentation as proof of the name change (Certified True Copies of marriage documents or court order)".
I haven't had a name change, I just want my third name (true middle name) to appear. Could I send them a copy of my birth certificate and that be proof enough? Or will just filling out the application with all names like posted above suffice? I know I'll have to justify the "Michael" in some fashion and I think my birth certificate is good enough.
I just want to make sure before paying $100+ that I can get all my names.

Thank you!

Answer: You may renew your passport anytime during its validity and up to 5 years after it expires. However, if you cannot present proof of name change, you can apply for a new passport instead. You may complete Form DS-11 and submit it with the following:

1. Birth certificate
2. Proof of identity plus photocopy
3. One passport photo
4. Payment for fees

The passport will be issued in the name you enter in the application as long as it is supported by either your ID or birth certificate. You can apply for your new passport anytime it is convenient for you.

Please contact the U.S. Embassy in Madrid for more information.
Given name
by: Anonymous

Question: My first name "MARC" and middle name "PETER" are listed under given names on my passport card which reads "MARC PETER". On my application i placed MARC as my first name and PETER as my middle name. But, the passport card does not separate "PETER" as my middle name. Therefore it appears to me that my first name is "MARC PETER" and not just MARC.
This has lead to two problems. What is my name for Airlines tix and traveling internationally? And secondly, as seen below, having issues with DHS I-9 Form because of this issue.

My employer is having difficulty verifying my identity on an I-9 form BECAUSE the I-9 form asks for my first name (given name) AND middle initial. But, according to what’s written on my passport card my first name (given names) states "MARC PETER" and does not separate out my middle name. Therefore, it seems that I’d write MARC PETER as my first name (given name) and P as middle initial on my I-9 Form which isn’t completely correct in my view.Therefore I do not know how to move forward with the Department of Homeland Security I-9 Form... can you help?

Answer: Given names cover both first and middle names on a passport book and passport card. Your employer should be able to recognize which names are applicable and correlate the name with other data like your last name and birth date which are also in the passport card.

The name will not cause any issues with air travel. However, you will not be allowed to fly with only a passport card. Passport cards can only be used for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Bermuda. You need a passport book to travel internationally by air.
Legal name
by: CC

Question: Both my husband's and my birth certificates only list our first and last name. Our current passports have first, middle and and my married name. We need the passports renewed. What name is legal. Thank you.

Answer: Your current legal name is your married name.

First name mispelled
by: Anonymous

Question: My wife's first name is LaVonna and the passport agency put it as LA
Answer: Passports should reflect only true and correct information. While there is only a slight difference, ideally, you should still have the passport corrected.
I do not want to use my first name
by: Anonymous

Question: I have not used for first name since childhood. My middle name is on my old passport, my Social Security card and all the legal papers I have signed. I have used my maiden last name as a middle initial. Does my first name have to appear on my new passport?

Answer: It does not have to. As long as you can present an ID that supports the name you enter in the application form, the passport will be issued in that name.
Shorten Last Name
by: Nancy

Question: Is it possible to cut my last name in my passport if I have two last names and I want to shorten my name? I have a previous passport with my two names and two last names.

Answer: You can. If you cannot provide proof of legal name change, you can apply for a new passport instead of a renewal.

The new passport will be issued in the name you enter in the application form as long as it is supported by your proof of identity.
Suffix
by: Anonymous

Question: My name appears on my passport as Jaime II Balle Jaleza but in my birth certificate it was Jaime Balle Jaleza II. Now, I am married and I am worried about the correct format on my new passport. It will be Jaime II Jaleza Cabac or Jaime Jaleza II Cabac. Can you help me in this regard? Thanks in advance.

Answer: The suffix should follow the first name.
Getting confused on where should I put the Jr.
by: Anonymous

Question: What is the correct format? John JR. Garcia Salvia? I think I fill in a wrong way, or John Garcia Salvia Jr.? Should I cancel my schedule of appointment for me to re-correct the name of my father?

Answer: The suffix (Jr.) must follow the first name in the form.
First full name
by: Anonymous

Question: I applied for my first U.S. passport with all the requirements needed and even made extra copies of the requirements just in case they ask.

When I got my passport , the first thing I looked was my first name section but my whole name was not there . I have first three names in all my important documents which I submitted.

Can they change my name without my consent? The proof was they saw my previous passports that only had one of my first name but they didn’t need my color copy passport details when I showed them. What should I do?

Answer: The name that appears on your passport is ultimately decided by the passport agent that processes your application.

If you want to have it revised, you may apply for a correction which is free of charge.
Last name
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport only includes one of my last names so it does not match my ID. Should I try to get it fixed?

Answer: You could but it is not necessary. Only the names on your passport and tickets have to match to avoid issues with TSA.
First name and surname
by: Megha N

Question: While filling in the application, I have given my name as Megha N . I want the initial to be replaced by full surname. Will they edit and change my initial to full surname?

Answer: Please call passport services at 1-877-487-2778.
Full name does not fit on the ticket
by: Anonymous

Question: When I book tickets, only 3 of my four names fit. So my first, middle, maiden names fit but my married which is not hyphened, does not. My passport has all 4 names. Is that an issue?

Answer: It might be an issue. Please contact the airline you are flying with for resolution.
Middle name change?
by: Anonymous

Question: I am now using my maiden name as my middle name, which is Garner. This is the middle name on my driver's license and for social security purposes. My expired passport has my birth certificate middle name which is Louise. Do I need to make this change on my new passport application, or can I go with what is on the expired one?

Answer: You can do with the name you have on your passport. There should be no issues when you travel as long as you book tickets in the same name that appears on your passport.
Middle name/initial issue
by: Anonymous

Question: I am traveling to Mexico in June 2018. My passport spells out my complete middle name but my ticket just shows my middle initial. Will I have a problem with that?

Answer: It should not be an issue. Please contact the airline you are flying with to verify.
Space in last name
by: Anonymous

Question: My U.S. passport shows La Monica (with a space). When I used an online sight to book an international flight from Paris to Vienna, I put Lamonica. Is this going to be a problem to board the flight?

Answer: The space should not be an issue. Please contact the airline you are traveling with to confirm.
Name issue
by: Anonymous

Question: My name is written as Shanna-kay MXXXX in my passport. However on my U.S. visa application it is printed like this: Shanna Kay MXXXX. I'm not sure if the person placed Kay as a middle name or the computer rejected the hyphen. Will this be a problem?

Answer: The minor error may not be an issue. Please contact the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to confirm.
First initial, middle name
by: Anonymous

Question: Whenever I travel, I use my first initial, my middle name and my last name. Is it ok to put this on my passport application?

Answer: Yes, you may use it as long as it can be supported by your citizenship evidence or proof of identity.
How to read name
by: Anonymous

Question: I cannot determine if my first name is entered as 2 words with a space or as a first name with a middle name. I made tickets based on first name with a middle name. Passport at bottom had Lee Marie with a space between so I cannot determine how it is legally in their system. Flying to Europe in a few months and concerned I will not be able to fly.

Answer: The space should not matter as long as the names match.
Passport issues
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi, my daughter's passport has her name and last name. When I went to SS, they didn't change her status because in their system, she has two last names. Of course her birth certificate has two last names. They told me I need to correct that info but, my passport has the same issue and they changed my status. I don't know if I need to correct our passports or not.

Answer: There is no need to correct your passports.
Never used last name on birth certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: I always knew I wasn't given a first and middle name, only a last name but I have never used it that last name, I was always told that my last name was something different and all my ID uses the only last name I knew about. I ordered my birth certificate I had to request that my first and middle name be added. I added my first, I then entered my maiden name (the last name I've always used as the middle name), and automatically the last name given at birth has to be on it. So birth certificate will read: example:
first:MARY
middle:DANIELS(last name/maiden,name I always used)
last:FROST (never knew Frost, never used Frost)
Marriedname:GATES
All my ID is now in: MARY DANIELS (maiden name)
New birth certificate will say: MARY DANIELS FROST
Question, can I get my passport in: Mary Daniels Gates and drop/not add FROST which will be on birth certificate but not on anything else?

Answer: Yes, you can use the name you want on your passport as long as you have an ID to support it.
Name on passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Does the name on your passport have to match the name on your drivers license?

Answer: Ideally, yes. The passport will be issued in the name you enter in the application as long as it is supported by either your citizenship evidence or ID.
Maiden name and Married name in new passport
by: Anonymous

Question: My new passport has both my maiden and married names. I bought tickets with my married named. My DL and SS and Green Card are in my married name. Will I have any problem?

Answer: Not having the name on your ticket match that on your passport may prevent you from boarding a flight. Please contact the airline you will be flying with to confirm.
Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I will be traveling soon and I cannot find my passport. I'm not sure exactly how it reads. Who can i contact to be sure I apply for a replacement passport that reads correctly?

Answer: You need to request for a passport record and this may take up to several weeks to come out. You actually do not need to know how your old passport "reads" in order to apply for a replacement.

If your missing passport is still valid, you need to report it as lost by calling 1-877-487-2778 and submitting Form DS-64 with your application for a new passport.
Suffix
by: Anonymous

Question: Jr. only shows on my birth certificate but it's not on my drivers license.

Example
BC: John Jay Smith Jr.
DL: John Jay Smith

I'm submitting an application for a passport. What do I need to know? Can I fill the form to match my DL and notate the Jr. in other names used?

Answer: Your passport will be issued in the name you enter in the application as long as it is supported by either your citizenship evidence or proof of ID. You may apply for the passport without the suffix and indicate Jr. in other names used.
Kindly confirm use of Middle Name
by: Anonymous

Question: I am trying to book my flight for my travel overseas in mid-April. I applied for an expedited processing 10 days ago. I just would like to make sure what is the full name that will be listed in my passport so as not to encounter problems with the airline.

I listed in my application my Full Name, Middle Name, and Last Name: e.g.

FName: Josephine
Mname: Jones
Lname: Smith

I do understand that only given name and the last name is the one posted in the passport. Will they put Josephine Jones as Given Name and Smith as my Last Name?

Any help will be greatly appreciated. I would like to book my flight now as it will be too expensive when the month approaches.

Answer: The passport will be issued in the name you entered in the application form. If you included your middle name on the application, you should also include it in the tickets.
Name order
by: Anonymous

Question: When my teenage son signed his passport. He signed his first name then last name. He forgot his middle name so added after his last name. Will this be a problem? Will take copy of his birth certificate and SS card when we travel.

Answer: It should not be a problem.
Name
by: Anonymous

Question: Can I use my married name on my passport?

Answer: Yes, you can.
signature on passport
by: AnonLoriymous

Question: My daughter received her first passport and signed with her first and last name, but passport has full name, first middle and last. Does the signature matter that much? Should you squeeze in her middle initial? There is room. She's only 15 and signed before we could instruct her as she was so excited. Thank you.

Answer: The signature should not matter.
First , second and surname not mentioned together
by: elizabeth

Question: On her newly-issued passport, my daughter's first name and middle name are mentioned then the surname is also mentioned, Will there be any problem?

Answer: There won't be any problem.
Suffix after last name
by: Anonymous

Question: I have a roman numeral IV, to indicate "the 4th" after my last name. My passport shows it in the Surname field. Why?

Answer: It may have been a printing error if you entered the suffix after your first name on the form when you submitted it. You may have it corrected with no charge but it should not cause any issues if left uncorrected.
My current last name is flipped
by: Anonymous

Question: I recently renewed my passport and add my husband last name with my last name. It appeared on the passport my husband name with a hyphen then my last name. My question is, do I have to send it back with Form DS-5504? Thanks.

Answer: Yes, you need to send your passport with the application for correction. Also, you need to include a signed statement explaining the error and proof of the correct data like your marriage certificate.
First and middle name switched
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport has my middle and first name switched, it has not been an issue with my travels so far but should i be concerned?

Answer: There is no cause for concern.
First name difference
by: Anonymous

Question: My birth certificate shows first name as Kelly but I use Kelley on all documents. Will this be a problem when getting a passport for first time?

Answer: The slight difference in spelling should not matter. The passport will be issued in the name that you enter in your application form.
New passport
by: hk

Question: I will apply for a new passport. My citizenship certificate mentions my first name, my father's name as middle name, my grandfather name's and last, my family name. If I added my father name it will be OK? But if mention my grandfather's name, it will be to long. So can I add my family name and my name with my father's name? My state ID is like this.

Answer: Your passport will be issued in the name that you put on your application as long as you can provide adequate identification that shows that name. In addition to the state ID, we recommend submitting other IDs showing the name that you want on your passport.
Middle name
by: Anonymous

Question: So my middle name is Joseph, and I am asking if my passport will turn my middle name as Joseph, Joe, or no middle name? I just want to make sure i am giving other people the correct information. Thanks!!!

Answer: Your passport will be issued in the name that you placed in your application.
Write
by: Rose carolina

like it
Middle initial instead of middle name request
by: Anonymous

Question: I need my passport ID card to match my state ID. I have lost my ID card and want to request a new one to have my middle initial instead of my middle name. Is this possible? Can i just write my middle initial on the application?

Answer: Yes, you can.
My last name is first on my passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi this is my first Australian passport. I was born in Australia; my last name is first on my passport. Is that a issue?

Answer: If you are in the United States, please contact the Australian Embassy for concerns regarding Australian passports.
Name printed wrong
by: Anonymous

Question: My son's name has a initial and first name and last name . But the passport has printed it wrongly initial and first name together without space ex. S. Peter Haynes is printed as SPETER HAYNES is this changeable?

Answer: Yes, this can be corrected. Please fill out and submit Form DS-5504 with the following:

1. Passport
2. Statement explaining the error
3. Proof of the correct data (birth certificate)
4. New passport photo (if the passport was issued more than 90 days ago)

There is no fee to get the passport corrected.
Name sequence
by: Anonymous

Question: I recently applied for a change of status from F1 to Permanent resident and my only identification document is my foreign passport. The problem is my middle name is written where my first name should be and vice-versa. It cant be corrected except i'm in my home country. Is this a problem?

Answer: Please contact the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services for assistance.
Passport and how it is listed
by: Anonymous

Question: Will my passport come to me as to how I signed it as it matches my drivers license which is just with my middle initial? Or will it be with my middle name spelled out per the app? I had to purchase my airline ticket before I received my passport.

Answer: Your passport will be issued in the name you placed on the application form. A difference between middle name and middle initial may be negligible. Please contact the airline you are traveling with to confirm.
Double Last Name
by: Marissa

Question: I am recently married and I want to add my spouse's name to my last name which is very long. Can I do this and not have a problem on my passport?

Xinaropoulos Stopper

Answer: As long as you can provide proof of legal name change (original or certified copy of birth certificate), you should not have problems adding your spouse's name to your passport.
Middle name vs middle initial
by: Kathy

Question: I just got my passport. It has my first and middle name spelled out. On my reservation to Ontario, I have my first name and middle initial. The airline will not allow me to change it to spell out my middle name to match my passport. Is this going to be a problem?

Answer: Generally, a slight difference in the name especially with middle names vs. middle initial is negligible. Please contact the airline you are traveling with to see if they will allow you to board the aircraft with this slight difference in names.
How to add middle names on existing passport?
by: Anonymous

Question: My U.S. birth certificate lists two middle names (e.g. John Robert Kelly Smith) but my US passport only lists one middle name (John Kelly Smith). I need both document names to match. How do I change my passport to reflect my full legal name (with both middle names)?

Answer: You may apply for a renewal and include a signed statement explaining that you want both middle names on the passport. Also, you need to include the original or a certified copy of your birth certificate.
Misspelled Middle Name
by: Anonymous

Question: I recently discovered that my middle name was misspelled on my Birth Certificate and Social Security Card. My middle name is Jazmin, but on my BC and SSC it is Spelled Jasmin. On my state ID it is spelled correctly with a Z, and I personally have always spelled it with a Z. If I apply for a passport with the correct spelling, will I have any issues since it does not match my BC and SSC?

Answer: Minor differences in spelling usually do not cause any complications in passport applications. You passport should be issued in the name you place in Form DS-11. Please call customer service at 1-877-487-2778 to confirm.
Last name
by: Anonymous

Question: On my passport I only have one last name but on my ID I have both my last names. Is that going to be a problem?

Answer: It should not be a problem when you travel as you will most likely be required to present only your passport.
Surname on passport
by: KellyAnonymous

Question: Just received my passport. It has my maiden name as my last name. I have been divorced, but have used my married last name for years. Will this pose a problem? Asking because my driver license is my last married name which is not on my passport.

Answer: It should not be a problem. Just remember to book your airline tickets using the same name that appears on your passport to avoid issues at airports.
Fix us passport first name
by: Anonymous

Question: My first name is composed of two names. I want to use the 2nd name as my first name. How can I proceed with doing this? I don't have legal documents that only print my 2nd name as my first name.

Answer: In order to change the name on your U.S. passport, you need to present evidence of legal name change. In your case, it must be a court order detailing the name change.

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 are required if you cannot present a court order.
Resumed maiden name
by: Anonymous

Question: I resumed my maiden name after divorce. My passport has my full maiden name along with my former married name. Do I have to get a new passport or can I travel with the one I now have?

Answer: You may travel with your current passport as long as you book your tickets in the same name that appears in it.
QUESTION
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport has my first, middle and maiden name. My driver's license has my first, middle, husbands, then my maiden name. Will this be an issue when I travel?

Answer: It should not be an issue as you will most likely be asked to present only your passport at borders and ports of entry.
My last name
by: mbounga

Question: I have three last names and two given names. when applying for my passport, there was no space left to fill in the last letter of my last name so i wrote one letter outside the box. Is it going to cause any problem?

Answer: It should not. Passport Services will contact you if an issue arises. You may check the status of your application at the National Passport Information Center.
2 parents last name
by: Anonymous

Question: I'm going to apply for my passport for the first time. I want it to have what I consider my full name (First, Middle, mother's last name, father's last name). Neither my driver's license nor birth certificate have my mother's last name, but I have other documents that do (credit cards, bank accounts, college diplomas, tax forms, photocopies of government employee ID cards)

Will my passport application be approved with this documentation? If so, will my passport having dual/hyphenated last name, but my state ID only having my paternal last name, be an issue at the airport in getting through security or customs? Do both need to have the same exact full name?

Answer: You may use the name that you want on your passport as long as you can provide identification documents that prove use of that name. Since you cannot provide primary proof of identification bearing the name that you want, you must present and provide copies of as many secondary proofs of identity. These can be (but not limited to) the following:

-State-issued non-driver ID
-Out-of-state driver's license
-Social Security card
-Learner's or temporary driver's permit
-Voter registration card
-Employee ID
-Student ID
-Selective Service (draft) card
-Medicare or other health card
-Expired driver's license
-Membership card in a local social organization or club
-Rental contracts
-Mortgage documents
-Auto registrations
-Traffic tickets & violations
-An Identifying Witness

A mismatch on the names on your passport and IDs should not be a problem when you travel. You will most likely be asked to present only your passport at ports of entry.
Signature on the passport
by: Pammi

Question: Hi. The slip I received with my new passport said I have to sign with my full name on the passport.

I have my full name and in the bracket I have my regular signature. Is this acceptable? I have my travel date within a month. please let me know if this is okay. Thanks!

Answer: It should not be a problem.
Last name conflict
by: Anonymous

Question: My brother's passport has his first name middle name and his last name. This last name has both our mother's maiden last name and our father's last name. Is that going to cause a problem because his flight tickets has his first, middle, and one last name?

My other brother and I have only our first and middle names and one last name in our passports. Is one of our passports going to cause a problem because of our last names?

Answer: The TSA's Secure Flight Program requires that the names on your passport and airline tickets match. Please have your brother contact the airlines you are traveling with to see if he will have a problem boarding with a last name missing on his tickets.

Also, your own passport will not cause an issue with your brother's.
Middle name
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport has my first, middle, and last name. When I signed it, I only used my middle initial. Will this be an issue?

Answer: It will not be an issue.
Middle name does not appear on passport but does appear on my birth certificate and drivers license
by: Anonymous

Question: My question is concerning my forms of government ID. On my original birth certificate and my drivers license my full middle name appear. Neither my middle name nor my middle initial appear on my passport. Is this an issue?

Answer: It should not be an issue.
Hyphenated name
by: Dean Acord

Question: My SS card was not changed when I got married. Husband is since deceased but on my driver's license my name is hyphenated with my maiden name and married name. What should I put on passport application?

Answer: You do not need your SS card; you just need the number to fill in the application. You may use any name on your application as long as you can document use of that name for the last 5 years.
First name left out
by: Anonymous

Question: We applied for a U.S. passport for our newborn. The officer checked the application form along with the birth certificate. We received the new passport with surname middle name and again surname. The infant's first name was omitted. Would it be a problem for traveling overseas? ER

Answer: You may travel using the passport as long as tickets are booked in the same name as that on the passport.

Having said that, U.S. citizens are advised to travel in their legal names. Please submit the passport for a correction. To do this you must submit the following:

1. Form DS-5504
2. The passport containing the error
3. A signed statement explaining the error
4. Evidence of the correct data
5. New passport photo if it has been more than 90 days since issuance.
Middle name
by: Anonymous

Question: I just realized I have a middle name on my passport (my mother's maiden name), and NYS driver's license, but this middle name is not on my birth certificate or social security card. Is this a problem? If so, how do I remove the middle name from my passport. Thanks.

Answer: It should not be a problem. But if you want to have the middle name removed from your passport, the most uncomplicated way is to apply for a new passport. Please fill out Form DS-11 with the name you have on your birth certificate and submit it with the other requirements at a nearby acceptance facility.
Middle Name Mix Up
by: Anonymous

Question: My certified birth certificate lists my middle name as Mildred. My father applied for and received my SS card in 1982 with middle name Marie as he "thought" he changed it legally. I have used Marie as middle name since then. Married now and NC driver's license shows my first name, maiden last name as middle, and married name as last. Marriage certificate shows Marie as middle name. Is this a deal breaker?! What shall I do! I don't want Mildred to show up anywhere!

Answer: If you are applying for a new passport, you will only need to present your birth certificate as evidence of U.S. citizenship and your driver's license as proof of identity. As long as you fill in your current name on your application form, 'Mildred' should not show up on your passport.
Middle name + Lastname on SURNAME box of ticket reservation
by: Anonymous

Question: In my ticket reservation , I typed my first name under GIVEN NAME and then middle name and last name together on the SURNAME box(as there is no box for middle name). If full name is read, it is the same as in my passport, all correctly spelled, will it cause an issue in boarding and TSA check? Thank you.

Answer: TSA requires that the name on your passport and airline tickets match. It should not matter if you filled in the Surname field on your ticket reservation with both your middle and last names.
Name
by: Anonymous

Question: I am going to get my passport this week but I need to book my ticket. I was wondering how my name is going to appear on my passport since all of my IDs are with my married name but my birth certificate is with my maiden name.

Answer: The name that is printed in your passport is based on the name you enter on your passport application form. The name must be supported by your evidence of U.S. citizenship and/or identification document. You can request to have the passport printed with either your maiden name or married name.
Middle Initial on Passport, Full Middle Name on Ticket
by: Anonymous

Question: My Passport has my middle initial only, but I purchased an airline ticket with my full middle name on it For example: John J Doe (on passport) and John Joseph Doe on plane ticket. Will this cause me a problem to board my flight? If so, how do I go about changing the name on my Passport?

Answer: It should not be an issue. Please contact the airlines to confirm.
Flight Question
by: Anonymous

Question: Hello,
I recently submitted a renewal application for my passport, but I don't remember if I put a middle name on the application. I got a flight ticket that doesn't have my middle name. If I receive my passport with a middle name, will I have trouble because my flight ticket doesn't have a middle name?

Answer: It should not be an issue.
signature of new passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi I just recieved my new passport in February this year 2017 I just now noticed that my middle name is not on the passport just my first and last name. Where it says to sign I didnt see that my middle name was not on it so I signed it as I normally would with first middles and last is that OK?

Answer: Yes, it is OK.
Middle name issue
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi, I applied for a passport two years ago and received it. On the application, I put my full first, middle, and last name. However, when the passport arrived, no middle name was listed. We didn't have time to get it corrected before our flight to Europe, and it didn't seem to be a problem. We will be traveling abroad during the summer of 2017. Should we get the passport corrected to include my middle name or will it be ok?

Answer: It is not necessary to have your middle name in your passport.
Full middle name vs middle initial
by: Anonymous

Question: My driver's license has my middle initial A on it, however my passport has come back with my full middle name, Ann. Is this going to be a problem in traveling?

Answer: It is not a problem.
Middle name & maiden name
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport has my middle name on it and my plane ticket has my middle name matching my passport. However, my driver's license has my maiden name as my middle name, am I going to have a problem?

Answer: Please contact the airlines concerning this issue.
Name on Passport
by: Melinda

Question: My driver's license and airline ticket have my name - First Maiden Last but my Passport has First Middle and Ex Married Name. Is that a problem going to Mexico? I have had my passport almost ten years and got married since but first time to travel.

Answer: The name on your ticket should match the name in your passport. Please contact the airlines to verify travel document requirements and whether or not you need to update your passport before traveling.
Last name never officially changed after marriage
by: Anonymous

Question: I never officially change my last name after getting married 15 years ago. When doing my taxes, I have to enter my name as First, middle, maiden-married. My Drivers license is first middle married. I have already booked a flight to Mexico ( First Middle married). I are planning on applying for my passport tomorrow. What name should I use on the passport application and how will my name appear on my passport?

Answer: The name in your passport should match the name on your ticket. If you are applying for a passport for the first time, your birth certificate in maiden name and driver's license in married name should be sufficient. You will find a complete list of requirements here.
Passport Question
by: Anonymous

Question: I just received my birth certificate and it doesn't have my middle name on it. My driver's license has my middle name. Will I still be able to get a passport if my ID has a middle name but not my birth certificate.

Answer: You can still get a passport. You can apply for a passport in your full name or first and last names only. As long as your citizenship document or ID match the name you request on the passport application, it should be accepted.
Middle name
by: Anonymous

Question: I recently booked flights before my wife got her passport. When we filled out the application, we put her middle name on it but the passport doesn't have it. I used her middle name when I booked the flights. Will there be any issues with her passport not having her middle name?

Answer: It should not be an issue. However, we recommend you contact the airlines to discuss the issue with them.
middle name
by: Anonymous

Question: I just found out my middle name on my birth certificate is spelled differently from what I wrote on my passport application. I wrote the same middle name i seen on my previous passport, which my mother applied for when I was younger. Is this going to affect me when traveling? My middle name on birth certificate is antonio and passport is anthoney.

Answer: As long as you book flights in the same name that is in your passport, you should have no problems.
First Initial
by: Anonymous

Question: The name on my driver's license has my first initial, middle and last name. this is how I normally sign my name. Should the name on my passport be my first initial, middle and last name or do I need to spell out my first name?

Answer: Generally, the name requested by the applicant on the application is the name that will be written in the passport as long as it is supported by citizenship and/or identification documents.
Takapaw
by: Takapaw

Question: I want to know when I went to take my citizenship test they tell me I don't have middle name but I use to write my name like Ta as the first name, Ka as the middle name and Paw as the last name. They tell me Taka is my first name and last name is Paw but at my oath ceremony they write down my name as Ta Ka Paw.

Answer: Please contact USCIS for questions concerning your citizenship document.
middle name is hypenated
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport reads first name, middle initial. middle initial., last name (John K.L. Smith). Info on airline website (so tix and boarding pass) has my name first name, middle initial (only one), last name (John K. Smith). My driver's license lists only one middle initial (John K. Smith). Is this a problem for international travel?

Answer: The fact that the names in your passport and driver's license should not be a problem. The difference between your passport and airlines may cause a delay but should not result in denial to board. However, we recommend you contact the airlines for confirmation. While TSA recommend the names on your ticket government-issued ID match exactly, they will work with you, if necessary, to verify your identity.
My signature
by: Anonymous

Question: Can you just put your first initial of your first name as that's the way I always sign?

Answer: Please sign your passport with your normal signature.
no middle name
by: Anonymous

Question: I have 2 kids applying for passports which don't have middle namee since me and their father are not yet married. We decided to give my kids my surname but no middle name. Is there a problem getting a passport without a middle name?

Answer: It is not necessary to have a middle name to get a passport. For a list of requirements, click here.
Second Last Name Printed as Middle Name in Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I have my two parents last names. I turned in my passport book application and when I received it back, my second last name was placed next to my given name and not next to my first last name. I don't have a middle name. Will Gavin (my second last name) in the place where a middle name goes be a problem?

Answer: You should apply for a passport correction. Mail completed Form DS-5504, passport, passport photo, documents showing the two names as last names and a letter of explanation to the address on the form.
given and middle name
by: Anonymous

Question: If my name is Su Mon Htet. Is my given and middle name Mon?

Answer: Your surname is also referred to as your family name. Given names are those names that are given to you that are not your surname (family name). In American culture, the surname is usually the last name and both first and last names are given names. In many Asian cultures, the surname (family name) comes first and the given names follow. The name you request on your U.S. passport must be supported by your citizenship and identification documents.
Signature
by: Anonymous

Question: On my passport I only signed my first and last names. Is that okay?

Answer: Yes, it is okay to sign only your first and last names in your passport.
Maiden name vs middle name
by: Anonymous

Question: My sister bought an international airline ticket for my mother using my mother's maiden name. However, my mother's social security card and driver's license have her maiden name as her middle name. Since the ticket has been issued in her middle name, should she apply for a passport using her middle name? Is this going to be an issue when she applies for her passport?

Answer: The passport generally is issued in the name shown on the evidence of
citizenship and identity. A woman can usually get a passport in either her maiden name or married name. Even if your mother chooses to get her passport in her married name, it should not be a problem since she uses her maiden name as her middle name. We recommend you contact the airlines to verify.
I do not recall what last name I used on my passport?
by: Toinette

Question: Need to find out the name I used on my passport. If I can not locate my present passport but would like to book a flight, what is the best way of doing this?

Answer: We recommend you only book your flight when you locate your passport. If you have to report it as lost and replace it, the new passport will have a new number.
What do middle names appear as on passports?
by: Anonymous

Question: This has never come to my attention until recently, since I'm having to renew my passport on my own for the first time. As you know, the passport application form asks for First, Middle, and Last names. I'm sure that my parents had filled out my previous forms correctly. However, when I look at my passport, I see my full name (first middle last) but they're labeled given names and surname. Obviously, the surname is my last name, but my middle names fall under given names along with my first name. Is that how it's supposed to be? If I fill in my middle name in the form, will it appear under given names on my passport?

Answer: Yes, the passport lists surname and given names only. Your first and middle names will be listed under "Given names".
Signature on Passport
by: roxann

Question: I have no middle name so my legal name is first, maiden name, and last name. It's that way on my driver's license and my new passport. I just signed my passport in my usual way using my first name, middle initial, and last name. It appears I may be "in trouble" having not signed my full name. Do I have a problem? Or can I just sign above the signature I've already put on the line in my passport? ... And what name will I need to have on an airline ticket to Mexico?

Answer: You do not have to sign your full name in your passport. You should use your regular signature. When booking a flight, you should use the full name as it is in your passport.
2 middle names
by: Anonymous

Question: I have 2 middle names. They won't fit on the application. What do I do?

Answer: The Travel Document Issuance System (TDIS) and American Citizens Services (ACS) system only allow for a certain set number of characters the line for given and middle names as well as the line for the surname

The Acceptance Agent where you apply will have to determine, with your input, what abbreviated version of the legal name is acceptable to you for inclusion in the passport data page.
Middle name
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi . I'm applying for a passport, and I need to know do I have to write the middle name? I don't want it to be on my passport. What can I do?

Answer: You do no have to include your middle name on the passport application.
Middle Name Issue
by: Jenn

Question: I have a doubt. I didn't print out my full middle name on the passport but just abbreviated it. Is there any way of confirming this while the application is being processed?

Answer: Please contact the National Passport Information Center to speak with a customer service representative. The toll-free number is 1-877-487-2778.
Short Name vs. Full Name
by: Anonymous

Question: What if the difference is that the name on the passport is "Raymond" but the boarding pass has "Ray"? I've read online where some people say it is fine but I've also read that some airlines say that the name on the boarding pass must match EXACTLY to the passport. Would this be an issue for international flights? Is there a solution or do I need to buy a new ticket?

FYI - The airline and travel agent are currently refusing to change the name on the boarding pass.

Answer: The name you provide is used to perform watch list matching before a boarding pass is issued, so small differences should not impact your travel.
Signature question
by: Anonymous

Question: I just received my new passport which includes my middle name. I normally sign my name using my first name, middle initial, and last name. Out of habit, did the same when signing my new passport. Is this a problem?

Answer: Your passport should be signed using your normal legal signature. If using your middle initial rather than the full name is how you normally sign your name, it will not be a problem.
Middle Name Issue?
by: Anonymous

Question: How up to date is this policy? I was able to find 4 different sources both online and off confirming that middle name vs. middle initial isn't a big deal, but all were from 2009-ish. Is this still in practice today?

My driver's license, credit cards and now boarding passes from Chicago to London all say First Name M. Last Name. But my passport says First Name Middle Name Last Name. Had I known this would ever be an issue I'd have registered just an initial...hopefully I won't be punished for trying to be accurate.

Answer: Note, there are two issues addressed above. One, the name that is printed in the passport. Two, the difference between the name in the passport and the one on the ticket/boarding pass.

Concerning the first, the name to be written in the passport is the name which best identifies the applicant as reflected in the citizenship and
identity documentation submitted. Generally, the name requested by the applicant on the application is the name that should be written on the passport.

Concerning the second, small difference in the names such as a middle name in one and the middle initial in another are acceptable. You should have no problem boarding the plan to London.

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