How should we prepare our passports?
by Karen Van....
(Rocklin, CA)
Question: Our last name starts with Van, has a space, and then the rest of our last name appears. Our licenses and my husband's social security card show the name without a space. His birth certificate and my social security card show it split, as does our marriage certificate. What should we do on the passport? Since our licenses are the other main form of ID, is it best to put it together as it appears on the licenses?
Answer: Since the difference is not one of spelling but the presence or absence of a space, you can use the one you prefer. Be aware that you may face problems either way. It is not likely, but it is possible.
When applying for a new passport, you must submit both evidence of U.S. citizenship and proof of identity. The documents most frequently used for this are a birth certificate (citizenship) and driver's license (identity).
If Passport Services requests more documents to support the use of the name, you will need to submit 3 or more public records that show exclusive use of the name for at least 5 years.
You may consider correcting the name on your driver's license and social security card before applying for a passport. Click the links below for more information.
California Driver's License Corrections
Social Security Office Locator
Click for fast expedited courier service
Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers
2. What exactly does a passport expediter do?
3. Are passport expediting services legitimate?
4. How can I identify a reliable passport expeditor?
5. Is expedited passport service worth it? Read them in order or click the question you most want answered.
Expedited service takes from 5 to 7 weeks exluding mailing times on the front and back end. Mailing delays may be significant so requesting 1-2-day mailing may greatly help.
Regional passport agencies are offering extremely limited in-person services if you need to travel internationally in the next 72 hours. Those with qualified life-or-death emergencies are prioritized.
Life-or-death emergencies are serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family (parent, legal guardian, child, spouse, sibling, and grandparent) that require you to travel outside the United States within 72 hours (3 business days).
If you need to travel due to a qualified life-or-death emergency, please call the National Passport Information Center for an appointment:
Mondays through Fridays 8 AM to 5PM, call ET 1-877-487-2778 (TDD/TTY:1-888-874-7793) Outside of these hours, 202-647-4000
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