How to get a passport in an assumed name

by Jennie
(Charlemont, MA, U,S,)

Hello,

I am interested in obtaining my first passport, but I have a possible problem. My first given name on the birth certificate is not the same as the one I have used since I was twelve. All of my IDs are in the name I have used since I was twelve, my social security number, marriage certificate, children's birth certificates, ID in general, divorce legal name change, etc.

I wonder how I can get a passport since I never use my birth certificate because it is not the same as the other IDs and I would never go by that name on the birth certificate, first only. Thank you,

Jennie

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Jennie,

If your divorce decree shows your current assumed name as your legal name, then it may be all you need to submit. Just to be safe, you may want to submit all the documents that are usually required when a person applies for a passport with an assumed name other than the one on the birth certificate.

An applicant requesting the issuance of a passport showing an assumed name, where the name has not been legally changed by Court Order, may have a passport written in the assumed name providing she has been known exclusively by this name for at least five years.

The applicant must present acceptable identification (driver's license) in the assumed name together with public documents as described below showing the use of the assumed name for at least five years.

Acceptable pieces of identification may include:

* School Records
* Tax Records
* Military Records
* Medical Card/Records
* Driver's License
* Federal/State/Local Government Card
* Deeds to Property
* Insurance Records
* Foreign Passport

At least one of the following:

* Employment Records
* Bank Books
* Credit Cards
* Utility or Phone Bills

In addition, the applicant must be able to submit "Statement of Witness in Support of Change of Name" executed by two or more persons who can attest to the applicant's exclusive use of the assumed name for at least five years.

These statements may be executed by relatives, close friends, or business associates. Witnesses will need to accompany the applicant to a passport application acceptance facility in order that their statements may be prepared and sworn to before a Passport Agent.

You might want to present your divorce decree to the passport agent at a nearby application acceptance facility to see if it is sufficient evidence. For a list of facilities near you, click the link below.

Massachusetts Passport Offices

For a complete list of requirements, click the link below.

Getting a New Passport

Best regards,

William