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Name Change on Passport not due to Marriage

Question: The name on my current passport is the same as the name on my birth certificate. I was born outside of the United States and immigrated to the US 50 years ago and am a naturalized citizen.


All other documentation and legal identification (driver's license, social security card, personal banking accounts, insurance policies, etc) are in my "Americanized" name, and have been for most of my life.

Now that I am retired, I am experiencing some difficulties renewing my legal identification and getting retirement benefits because of the difference in names between my passport and my other identification.

Can I change the name on my passport to my "Americanized" name? Do I need an official court approved name change document to do this, or can I use my social security card and drivers license as proof of the use of my name?
Thanks.

Answer: Having a court order facilitates things and is encouraged by many lawyers. However, it is not impossible to get the name changed in your passport without one.

You can request a passport a passport written in the assumed name providing you have been known exclusively by this name for at least five years.

It is necessary to present acceptable identification in the assumed name together with public documents as described below showing the use of the assumed name for at least five years.

All applications for a change of name must be accompanied by at least three pieces of acceptable identification:

1. Early school records
2. Employment records
3. Tax records
4. Military records
5. Medicare records
6. Driving license
7. Bank books
8. Federal, State or Local government cards
9. Deeds of property
10. Insurance records

In addition, you must submit "Statement of Witness in Support of Change of Name" executed by two or more persons who can attest to the the 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 you to the passport office in order that their statements may be prepared and sworn to before a Consular Officer.

The witnesses will need to produce some form of legal (photo) identification, preferably their own passports. Affidavits will be executed free of charge. You will also be required to execute your own sworn statement confirming the usage of the assumed name.

Comments for Name Change on Passport not due to Marriage

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Removing second last name
by: Anonymous

Question: When I was naturalized, I added my second last name thinking that it was already on my Social Security. However, I later discovered that my SS did not have my second last name and I would like to remove it to match all documents. Should I apply for a new passport and show proof? or is there a different way to do this?

Answer: In order to change the name on your passport without proof of legal name change, you need to submit a new application as if it's your first.

This application must be submitted in person at an acceptance facility and you need to present an ID (preferably a driver's license) without your second last name.

You may contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.

Passport name change
by: Anonymous

Question: When I became a US citizen, I changed my last name to my family's original name but only on my passport. However I have been using my non-family name before I became a citizen.
Therefore I will like to change my passport name to the name I have been using and not my family's original name. What is required? Thank you.

Answer: If you cannot present proof of legal name change, I recommend submitting a new application. Please prepare the following and submit them in person at an acceptance facility:

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

You may find the closest passport office and schedule an appointment here: http://usps.com/scheduler

Please visit the following web page for more information on the application process: http://uspsg.net/newppt

Passport has Full Birth Cert name vs DL with short name
by: Anonymous

Question: You reported "Yes you Can" to my question below. However what do I need to do or present to get this change done on my passport? Thank you.

Question: I am a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico, resident of CA for the last 32 years. My passport has my full legal name as reflected in my birth certificate as well as marriage certificate, both from PR. The full legal name has First name, middle name, father's last name, and mothers last name (as used in Latin American countries-including PR). However I've always used short version of maiden name in my California DL (only fist and father's last name) as well as my social security card, and all employment records, etc. When I applied for Global entry I had to use my passport name so it presents a problem for traveling I have to carry passport with me as DL gets questioned. I’ve always kept my maiden name so it is not an issue of married name. Can I just change my passport name to reflect DL and SS card vs having to match birth certificate?

Answer: Yes, you can.

Answer: The easiest way you can do this is submit a new passport application instead of a renewal. The passport will be issued in the name you enter in the form as long as it is supported by the ID (driver's license) you present with the application.

Passport has Full Birth Cert name vs DL with short name
by: Anonymous

Question: I am a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico, resident of CA for the last 32 years. My passport has my full legal name as reflected in my birth certificate as well as marriage certificate, both from PR. The full legal name has First name, middle name, father's last name, and mothers last name (as used in Latin American countries-including PR). However I've always used short version of maiden name in my California DL (only fist and father's last name) as well as my social security card, and all employment records, etc. When I applied for Global entry I had to use my passport name so it presents a problem for traveling I have to carry passport with me as DL gets questioned. I’ve always kept my maiden name so it is not an issue of married name. Can I just change my passport name to reflect DL and SS card vs having to match birth certificate?

Answer: Yes, you can.

Name change I got married
by: DianaAnonymous

Question: I got married in December 2017. I am still using my passport with my old married name. When my passport expire can I renew my passport using my old married name instead of my married name.

Answer: Yes, you can.

Name change to my maiden name after marriage
by: Diana Anonymous

Question: I was married in December 2017 but still using my old name. When my passport expires, can still use my old name when I renew my passport.

Answer: Yes, you can.

Name change after marriage
by: Diana Anonymous

Question: I was married in December 2017 but I am still using my old name. I will be traveling soon to the Caribbean using my passport with my old name . Will I have problems getting back into the USA?

Answer: No, Diana. You will not have issues.


Change middle name
by: Anonymous

Question: I want to change my middle name to my birth middle name. Do I have to have a court order for this? It is on two past passports and my school records and my birth certificate.

Thank you.

Answer: Please call 1-877-487-2778 to speak with a customer service representative.

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