Which name should I use on the passport application?

by Vicki
(Virginia)

Question: I need to travel to Canada for a conference. On the passport application, do I list the name on my drivers license (Vicki L.) or my birth certificate (Victoria Lynn)? I never go by the name on my birth certificate -- even my Social Security card name is Vicki L.

Along those lines, which name do I put on my plane ticket? I assume I will need to show both my passport and drivers license at the airport.

Answer: You can request either the name on your birth certificate or the one on your driver's license. The only requirements is that there be a link between the citizenship evidence (birth certificate), identifying documents (driver's license), your signature and the name requested on the application. Note, the processing agent has final say as to which name will be listed in your passport. As long as there is clear evidence of a link, there should be no problem with either name.

You do not need to show your driver's license at the airport but only your passport. The name on your ticket must match the name in your passport.

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Letter of mother's name misspelled on newborn's BC
by: Anonymous

Question: A letter of my name is misspelled on the birth certificate of my newborn and all other details match. I will be applying for a passport for our newborn. As per DOH the birth certificate correction time is 3 to 4 months in WA state. What name do I need to enter while filling the application for my newborn? If I need to enter the name as per their certificate will it be an issue?

Answer: Yes, it could be an issue since you will be presenting identification documents on the child's behalf. Enter the correct spelling of your name in the application form. If the error alters your name entirely, questions may arise. If it does not, some leniency may be applied. Be sure to point this out to the passport agent accepting your application before finalizing everything.

If you do not have any travel plans within the next 3 or 4 months, it is best to have the error corrected on the birth certificate first before proceeding with the passport application. The process will be a lot less complicated if everything matches up.

Mother’s middle name mispelled on my birth certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: I’m applying for my first passport, but the only problem is my mother’s middle name is misspelled on my birth certificate.

It was spelled "Nicole" instead of "Naccole". It’s spelled correctly on her birth certificate, should I bring a photocopy of her birth certificate to help or do I have to wait to amend mine before applying? Other than that everything else is perfect.

Answer: Your mother's middle name will not affect your application. You can enter it on your application as Nicole to match your birth certificate and avoid issues/questions.

Mothers name
by: Anonymous

Question: I’m an older adult applying for my first passport. My official birth certificate has my mother’s name as her married name, not her maiden name. We just noticed this when I went to apply. Can I use her married name as it appears on my birth certificate or do I need to file for an amended certificate first?

Answer: You may enter your mother's name as it appears on your birth certificate.

My Mothers Name
by: Anonymous

Question: My mothers first and middle name is spelled incorrectly on my birth certificate.
Should I use the name on her birth certificate or my birth certificate?

Answer: Since it's your passport application, you should use the name printed on your birth certificate.

Maiden last name on naturalization certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: My naturalization certificate reflects my maiden name, my social security card and drivers license reflect my husbands last name. Does the name on my certificate need to match exactly to my passport? (applying for the first time).

Answer: You passport name does not have to match your citizenship evidence. As long as the name you enter in the application form is supported by your primary ID, the passport will be issued in that name.

Which Name for Passport Application
by: Anonymous

Question: My NY drivers License has first and Married last name, my SS card has first Maiden and Married last name. Which name do I use for the Passport Application? Is my Maiden name my middle name?

Answer: Your driver's license is considered your primary ID. If you follow the name on your DL, the passport will be printed in that name.

If you follow your SS card, you will need to submit other IDs bearing the same name since the SS card is only a secondary ID.

First name on passport and state are off by one letter
by: Anonymous

Question: My mother is applying for her passport for the first time and her first on her state ID and birth certificate are off by one letter. Does she need to change her state ID to match her birth certificate before applying?

Answer: It is ideal that her birth certificate and IDs match.

Switch of middle and first name
by: James

Question: For 53 years, I have not gone by the first name on my birth certificate (Dennis). I go by my middle name - James. My drivers license and SS card say James D. Smith but my birth certificate is Dennis James Smith. If a apply for a passport under Dennis James (to match my birth certificate)- will the fact that my driver's license says James D. be an issue?

Answer: It should not be an issue.

Birth Certificate Different from Photo DL
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi,

The name on my birth certificate has my Chinese name (as my middle name). When my mother applied for my passport, she included the Chinese name on my passport. My DL and SS all go by my first and last name (no middle name). A few years ago when I applied for my RealID, the agent made me add the Chinese middle name as he said it was on my passport. I would like to know if I can drop the middle name from my passport going forth (for renewal)?

Answer: You will need a legal name change document to remove your middle name when you renew your passport.

Passport question
by: Tanya

Question: Hi!
I became a citizen last year. Been wanting to apply for a passport for the first time. I’ve been married for 17 years and although I’ve used my married last name I never legally changed it with ss or driver's license. However, when I became a citizen I used my married last name, so that’s what’s on my certificate. Which last name do I use now to apply for a passport???

Answer: You should use your married name since it's your current legal name. Also, we recommend changing your name on your driver's license to avoid ID-related issues with your passport application.

Do I need to add a middle name?
by: Peter

Question: My Cert of Naturalization didn't include my middle name. All my gov doc including SS# Driver License, etc, has my middle name. Do I need to correct and add my middle name to my Cert of Naturalization to get a passport?

Answer: You do not need to change your naturalization certificate. You may elect to include your middle name in your passport or not. The passport will be issued in the name you enter in the application form as long as it matches either your naturalization certificate or your ID (driver's license).

last names on passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi, I am a U.S. citizen by marriage and also naturalized. My husband is now deceased. Was born in Saint Lucia. So I carry my deceased husband's last name still on both passports. If I were to remarry again to let's say a French citizen which the law does not allow to keep your deceased husband's last name, how do I work this out? In the US I know I can leave my deceased husband's last name or use the French husband's last name but will have to make changes to everything I have.

Can I leave my first deceased husband's last name as is and then my Saint Lucian passport, change it to the French husband's last name? Am I able to have two passports with different surnames?

Answer: It's not against the law to have your passports in different names which you legally use.

Son applied for passport /asked for my name when I was born. I'm adopted.
by: Jennifer

Question: My son applied for a passport, and under the mother's name section he wrote the name my parents named me at the hospital which was what the courthouse employee instructed him to do but I was adopted and my birth certificate was amended to my maiden name.

My amended birth certificate when I was adopted at age 6 days has my maiden name. My name at birth was different. Is it correct as we were told to write it? Or does it need to be corrected? If so how does he do that? He just filed it 2 days ago. He needs this as soon as possible to go to Costa Rica for a college course he needs to graduate.

Answer: Hi, Jennifer. The name on the application should have been the name that appears on your son's birth certificate. So if your maiden name is printed on his birth certificate, it should have been what he entered in his application form.

The passport agent at the processing center MAY flag this discrepancy and ask your son to send in a new application form. Please wait for any communication (email and snail mail) from the Department of State. It will have instructions on how and where to send the updated form. Having said these things, it is also possible that the mother's name discrepancy will not be an issue and the application is proceed without a hitch.

Check Your Application Status

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

Proof of Name Change
by: Tonya

Question: My mother's second husband was going to adopt me (1970) but the adoption papers were never filed in court. However, my mother used his last name for me all through my school years until I married. So, I can prove my name changed when I married but not from my birth certificate until the name that was used on my marriage certificate. I have a legal driver's license showing my married name. What name would I use for applying for a passport and will it be a problem?

Answer: You should use your current legal (married) name. It should not be an issue as long as other details on your birth certificate and driver's license match.

Name is Different on Naturalization
by: Anonymous

Question: I am trying to apply for my first passport as an adult. My naturalization papers have my Korean first name but my driver's license and SS have my American name. Will these documents be accepted with the name difference or will I have to legally change my name? Thank you.

Answer: You may submit IDs with your current (American) name to support the name you enter in the application form. However, we cannot guarantee that there will be no issues or delays. It is best that you legally change your name first.

Follow up to “name change by one letter” question
by: Anonymous

Question: It was my last name that was changed by one letter. Can you potentially get in trouble with the State Dept during a later renewal for not promptly notifying them of a name change? I presume they prefer you to use your current legal name, but I always thought that as long as it matches your birth certificate and you carry legal documents on you to reflect the name change, it’s probably okay. Is that a safe assumption? Thank you!

Answer: You will not get in trouble but it is preferred that your documents bear your current legal name.

Name change before passport renewal
by: Anonymous

Question: I am a US citizen and legally changed the spelling of my name (by one letter), but then I renewed my passport without reflecting the minor change three months later. Is this okay or could I get in trouble for this?

Answer: It should be okay as long as you book tickets to match your passport.

My Naturalization Certificate doesn't match my married name.
by: Anonymous

Question: My maiden name is on my Naturalization Certificate and does not match my current last name on my Real ID, because I changed it to my husband's last name through marriage. Do I need to update my Naturalization Certificate to match my Real ID in order to apply for a passport with my current last name?

Answer: There is no need to change your naturalization certificate. The passport will be issued in your married name as long as the ID you present with the application supports the said name.

Other name on birth certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi,
My husband was allowed to use a different name from birth certificate as he was going to have it changed. Fast forward to today, he hasn't changed his name, and now I want to obtain a passport for my child. Can he use his legal name for filling out the forms or will this be an issue?

Answer: He needs to enter his name as it appears on your child's birth certificate and present an ID in that name.

Birth Cert Name Different from Photo DL
by: Anonymous

Question: Birth Cert name is Kathryn Ann. Changed 1st name for personal reasons at age 18 to Clara; kept middle initials K.A as Clara Kathryn Ann. Same last name. Back then was told I had to go through Soc Sec office to make legal. My Soc Sec was issued as Clara K.A. DLic photo ID Clara K.A. But Birth Cert is still Kathryn Ann. Though Soc Sec changed it, DMV says to get Real ID my name has to match and name change wasn't legal though I'm now 60 years old, living and taxpaying as myself, Clara K.A. for past 42 years. Are my regular DLic photo ID (still valid) and Birth Cert and Soc Sec Card together enough verification to get a Passport?

Answer: Yes.

Which names to use.
by: Colter

Question: Both me and my mother were adopted so our names and birth certificates changed. Should I put my original last name and her original last name before adoption along with the changed location of birth on the birth certificate or should I put the original location?

Answer: You should enter the data that's on the post-adoption birth certificate since you will be submitting that for the application.

Is name change required?
by: Anonymous

Question: I’ve just got my Certificate of Naturalization with my Maiden name, but I’d like to have my Married name on my passport. Do I have to first change my name through the Court before applying for a US passport?

Answer: There is no need for a court-ordered name change since you changed your name by marriage. What you will need is to have a government-issued ID, preferably your driver's license, in your married name. Once you have this, you may apply for your passport in your married name and present your license as primary proof of identity.

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MAIDEN NAME ON THE APPLICATION BUT MARRIED NAME ON ID
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi I applied for a US Passport in my maiden name but my SS and DL are in my married name. I am divorced and it shows on my naturalization that I am divorced. Docs Submitted (US Citizenship Certificate and Change Name Certificate are all my maiden name and ID is my married name). Am I going to have a problem?

Answer: It is unlikely that you will have any issues. If there's a problem, passport services will contact you.

Adding my mother's surname to my US Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Can I add my mother's surname to my US passport without a court order? I live outside of the US and do not have a DL with her surname on it. Would a birth certificate showing she is my mother and showing her surname on it suffice?

Answer: The name has to be supported by either your citizenship document or primary ID. If neither has your name with your mother's last name, you cannot add it without a court order.

Which name
by: Anonymous

Question: First time applying for a passport. I am no longer married. Should I put my maiden name on the passport like my birth certificate or the married last name that I haven’t changed yet? Since I am divorced, only my social and current IDs have my married last name. I was told to put whatever name that is on my ID in order not to have problems.

Answer: The name on your passport must bear the name you legally use. If you're still using your married name, then that's what should appear in your passport.

Parents' names
by: Questioner93

Question: My birth father died right after I was born, I don't know his birthdate or location. Could I use my stepfather's information for that field, or does it have to be birth fathers' information? Thanks!

Answer: You need to enter your father's name as it appears on your birth certificate.

Names aren't the same
by: Anonymous

Question: My expired passport has my middle name as listed on my birth certificate. A few years ago, Texas started using maiden names on driver's licenses for women. Should I use the maiden name as my middle on the new passport application as my DL has? All my airline tickets are in that name as well.

Answer: If your airline tickets are booked in your maiden name, your passport should have that name too.

new passport with new name before updating SSN?
by: YC

Question: Hi. I recently legally changed my name and got the court document. My passport with my old name was issued within one year so I want to submit the name change document to get a new passport for free.

Can I do this before updating the SSA with my new name? I don't want to update SSA yet and want to wait a few months until I have filed tax with my old name in order to match that with my W-2. Would the Department of State check with SSA to see if I have updated my new name before issuing the new passport for me?

Answer: You may apply for the passport name change before updating the SSA.

Name issues
by: Anonymous

Question: Wasnt born in the US but I am a U.S. citizen. I’m 26 so instead of putting my dad's name as parent I put my uncle's name since he was the one that raised me. Will that cause an issue? My dad's name is on my birth certificate.

Answer: Yes, it could be an issue since passport forms are to be filled out only with information that is true and correct.

dropping one name from multiple first names on passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi . My original naturalization document has my name as Jaime Mai Trung Hoa. Jaime Mai (first name) Trung( Middle) Hoa (last name). My SS and driver's license have my given birth name as Mai Trung Hoa. When I got my first passport, I used the name Jaime Mai (first name ) on the naturalization document. However, I would like to drop the Jaime so I can match my driver's license and social security.

My parents added an English name to my birth name upon naturalization, but the other documents stayed the same.

Answer: Dropping a name without a legal name change means you have to apply for your new passport as if for the first time.

Please submit the following in person at an acceptance facility:

1. Form DS-11
2. Original or certified copy of naturalization certificate plus a photocopy
3. Photocopy of your driver's license
4. One new passport photo
5. Payment for fees

Standard service takes 8 to 11 weeks while expedited service takes 5 to 7 weeks. These are just processing times and do not include shipping times on the front and back end. We recommend including $18.32 for 1 to 2 days delivery of your passport.

Birth Certificate and Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: My birth certificate, driver's license, and SS card all have an accent in my middle name, but my issued US passport does not. Will this be a problem? Does the US print accents on passports?

Answer: It should not be an issue.

Name Change
by: Anonymous

Question: On my mom's naturalization certificate has two last names. But when she applied for a U.S. passport and it came back with only one last name that she had before she changed it to having two last names. I want to know if both last names have to be on her U.S. passport?

Answer: Her passport does not have to have both last names. Just remind her to book tickets in the name that appears on her passport to avoid issues when she travels.

Naming issues traveling
by: Anonymous

Question: My driver's license has my middle name/maiden name/last name.

My passport has my first name/middle name/last name.

I haven’t had issues out of the country but not sure if it will be a problem in St Martin.

Answer: It should not be an issue as long as your reservations match your passport.

Middle names
by: Anonymous

Question: My son is a dual citizen. In the US, he has two middle names; in the other country, only one. We are in the process of changing all US paperwork to reflect that. Should I wait to get a new birth certificate or omit the removed middle name on the application and submit the current birth certificate with both middle names?

Answer: We recommend waiting for the new birth certificate to avoid complications in the application. Since the child does not have his own ID yet, the name to be printed on the passport will be based on his U.S. birth certificate.

Legal name change
by: Anonymous

Question: I recently changed my first and middle name, but it does not match my certificate of naturalization. Can I still get a passport if I provide court documents showing a legal name change?

Answer: Yes. And your new name should also be supported by the identification document/s you present with the application.

multiple name changes since last passport
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport was issued more than 15 years ago with a married name I no longer have and I am applying for a new passport. I divorced and remarried since my old passport was issued, changing my last name a total of 3 times since birth. My driver's license and ss card both have my current married name but they do not match my birth certificate or previous passport. Do I need to provide divorce decrees and marriage license as proof of identity?

Answer: There should be no need to provide name change documents. If the ID you present with the application supports the name you enter in the form and other details match (birth date, birthplace), the passport should be issued in the name you currently use.

Suffix
by: Anonymous

Question: My birth certificate has a suffix (II). My driver's license and SS do not have the suffix. I did not include the suffix on my passport application. Will this delay or cause any problems for the passport

Answer: The suffix (or lack thereof) will not cause any issues with your application.

Dad not on my Birth Certificate
by: Mike

Question: When I was born in 1981 in South Carolina, they didn't put my dad on my birth certificate. He lived in NC at the time. He was involved in my life. The same happened to my brother in 1983, they didn't add his dad even though he was at the hospital.

My question is since I'm using my Birth Certificate and he's not on it, can I still add him for the passport application. We were also asked to bring our marriage license and he is listed on that.

Answer: There is no need to include your father's name but there is also no law that prohibits you from doing so. Also, you may have been asked to bring your marriage certificate, not your marriage license. A marriage license does not serve any purpose in passport applications.

DL name doesn’t match birth certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: My fiancé needs to apply for a passport but his middle name is different than what’s listed on his birth certificate and SS. The first initial is the same.

Will this cause an issue with getting approved? Or will his middle name on his DL need to match his birth certificate?

Answer: As long as other details (birth date, first name, last name, etc.) match, it should not be an issue.

First passport for son but name changed
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi there. My son is 3 months old. He is getting a name change next week. Is it possible to apply for a first-time passport with his original birth certificate plus the court decree?

Or does the birth certificate have to be amended first before I can submit a passport application?

Many thanks.

Answer: Please have the birth certificate amended first to avoid confusions and having to submit multiple important documents.

New passport application with a recent last name change due to marriage
by: Anonymous

Question: I applied for a new passport a month ago. I was married a few months before the application and I had already changed my last name to my married name. My passport rep filed my application using my birth certificate and my driver's license (which already had my married name). I just received a letter requesting additional documents for my new married last name. They are requesting 5 documents that have my married name that are older than 5 years. I was just married Oct of last year. Can I just provide my marriage certificate?

Answer: Yes, you may submit your marriage certificate and a signed statement explaining why you do not have the documents they are requesting.

Name Change on US Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi.

There is a question on DS 5504, "Has your name changed by marriage or court order less than one year AFTER your US passport book was issued? If you cannot or do not meet the above criteria, please complete DS-82 or DS-11."

My passport is less than one year since it was issued; the only conflict is my name change happened BEFORE my US passport was issued. It was because my name change was still in process when I applied for my US passport, so I used my old name on my passport application.

So my answer to the DS 5504 question is No. I'm afraid they will reject my DS 5504, so what form should I use then?

Thank you.

Answer: Since the name change precedes the passport issuance, you should use Form DS-11 - Application for a New Passport. This means you should apply in person and pay the fees again. A passport name change can only be done if the change happened after the passport was issued so you cannot use either DS-82 or DS-5504.

Child renewal application form
by: Anonymous

Question: I recently submitted my daughter's passport renewal application. I just realized I did not put my maiden name on the application, I put my married name.

Is that going to be an issue? Her birth certificate has my maiden name on it. I also sent in a copy of the birth certificate along with copies of my photo ID. Now I’m worried it’s going to be denied.

Answer: It should not be an issue as long as other details match.

Parent Birthdate different on Birth certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: My son is 17 years old and is applying for a passport for the first time. His father's birth date is incorrect on the birth certificate. Do I have to obtain a corrected birth certificate? Or do I just put the correct birthdate on the passport application and use the same birth certificate?

Answer: It is best that you enter the father's birth date as it appears on the birth certificate. At 17, the father does not have to be present when the application is submitted.

Have two last names, how do I have both on US passport?
by: Anonymous

Question: My last name on my naturalization document is my birth last name/maiden name, which is different from my last name on my SS and DL (picked after-marriage last name).

I have a non-US passport with my maiden name as my last name, and also states my married name.

I wanted my US passport to match my proof of citizenship so that both passports match, but I received my US passport with my married name instead (despite clearly stating my maiden name as my last name), which means I can travel with one passport as the name is different in each passport. Is it possible to have both last names on the passport (with married name as a middle name), and if so, what form should I use?

Answer: As a general rule, your married name should be your legal last name and your maiden name can be used as your middle. This is probably why your passport was issued in your married last name. Also, it is not necessary for your U.S. and foreign passport to match.

Please contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 for more information regarding your concern.

Father not listed on birth certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: Father's name is blank on the birth certificate. Can I omit my father on my passport application?

Answer: Yes, you can.

Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I want to take out my passport and it will be my first time in life. On my birth certificate, my mother's middle name is misspelled by one letter, is that an issue for my passport?

Answer: No, it will not be an issue.

DL only has one last name
by: Anonymous

Question: I’m applying for a US passport. I have two last names both my father's and mother's. My social and birth certificate have it but on my DL, I only have my father's last name. Would I still be able to apply for a passport?

Answer: Yes, you may still apply and be issued a passport.

What form should I use?
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport expired a few days ago and want to renew. When looking at my previous passport (the expired one), I realized my middle name is listed incorrectly because after I got married, I took my maiden name as my middle name.
1. Which form do I need to complete to renew my passport and have the correct data (correct middle name)?
2. Do I need to provide any proof of my maiden name as my middle name? My social security card and driver's license have my correct middle name.
3. Can I provide copies or just originals of the proofs I need?

Answer: You may use Form DS-82 in order to get your new passport to reflect the right middle name. Please mail the following to the address on the form:

1. Form DS-82
2. Expired passport
3. Original marriage certificate
4. One new passport photo
5. Payment for fees

Routine processing currently takes 8 to 11 weeks while expedited service takes 5 to 7 weeks. If you have any plans of traveling overseas, we recommend waiting until you receive your new passport before making any final travel arrangements.

Help
by: Anonymous

Question: I am getting my passport card for the first time & I just noticed that on my certificate (long sheet) my mother's first name is misspelled by one letter but on my (short certificate) it states her first name correctly. Should I put her correct name on my application & should I also submit the certificate where her name is written correctly?? Will there be a delay bc of it?

Answer: Please enter your mother's name as it appears in your long-form birth certificate.

Two last names
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport has two last names (mom & dad's) but I want to drop one of them when I renew it (my license & SS has only one). Do I need to submit name change documents and the DS-11 instead of DS-82?

Answer: You may submit DS-11 and a photocopy of your license to drop the other last name on your passport. Since this is not a legal name change, you have to treat it as a new application.

Submit the following in person at an acceptance facility:

1. Form DS-11
2. Evidence of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate or old passport)
3. Photocopy of driver's license (present the actual ID)
4. One new passport photo
5. Payment for fees
Application: $110
Execution: $35
Expedite (optional): $60
1-2 days delivery (optional, recommended): $18.32

Standard service takes 8 to 11 weeks. Request expedited service if you need to get it sooner (5 to 7 weeks).

Letter left out on birth certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: My first name on my birth certificate ends in "la". My first name on my driver’s license, social security card, and everything else ends in "lia". Will I have a problem getting a passport?

Answer: You will likely not have issues since your IDs reflect the name you are using.

Line 9, How do I add additional pages to the application.
by: Anonymous

Question: My mother is filling out her renewal and we don't have enough space for her Maiden and Married names. What is the proper way to add additional pages to the application?

Answer: You may write the name on a separate piece of paper and label it accordingly.

Different name
by: Anonymous

Question: If my birth certificate is different than my DL and SS, do I need to bring both my certified marriage license and divorce decree?

Answer: There will be no need to submit your name change documents. The passport will be issued in the name you enter in the application form as long as it is supported by your IDs and the details between said IDs and birth certificate match up.

Should there be a need to submit more documents, passport services will let you know.

Last name
by: Anonymous

Question: I am applying for my daughter’s passport soon and her birth certificate has my maiden last name, my driver's license has my married name now. Will there be an issue when applying since her birth certificate has my maiden name and my license has my married name?

Answer: It will not be an issue as long as the other details match up.

Parent's birth certificate name changed
by: Anonymous

Question: One of my parents was given one name at birth but was adopted and their last name was changed on their birth certificate at that point. Should my parent's name be listed as it was given at birth or as it appears on their birth certificate?

Answer: Please enter your parents' names as they appear in their birth certificates.

Name differs in birth certificate,SS card and driver license
by: Anonymous

Question: My name on my birth certificate is spelled Michelle my name on my SS card and my driver's license is spelled Mychelle. Will I have a problem getting a passport since one letter is off?

Answer: Since the names are common derivatives of each other, it should not be an issue.

Name change
by: Anonymous

Question: My son was born with my last name. His name was changed to his father's last name at age 1. To change his name on his birth certificate, I had to pay and didn't have the money at the time but the name on his ss card was changed for free.

Now that he's grown, he uses the name on his birth certificate. Which name should he use to put on his passport since it was court-ordered to change his name but I/he never did except on his SS card?

Answer: If his driver's license (primary ID) is in the name that appears in his birth certificate, he may use said name on his passport.

Different last name on birth certificate and SS card
by: Anonymous

Question: My son has my maiden name on his birth certificate but on his social he has his dad's last name and my last name. Is that going to be a problem for when I get his passport?

Answer: It might raise some questions but it's not a major issue as long as other details add up.

Court-ordered name change
by: Anonymous

Question: I legally changed my first and middle name and have a court order documenting the change. I haven’t been able to update my birth certificate yet though. Will I still be able to apply for a passport even though the name on my birth certificate is different than my social security, drivers license, etc? It will be an application for a new passport, not a renewal. If I bring my court order along with the other required documents reflecting the name change, will they create the passport in my new, legal name? Just worried there will be issues with the birth certificate not matching the new documents with new name.

Answer: If you have a passport that is currently in your old name but was issued with 10 years validity, you may apply for a renewal with name change. Please mail the following to the address on the form:

1. Form DS-82
2. Current passport
3. Original court order for name change
4. One new passport photo
5. Payment for fees

Please note that standard service currently takes 8 to 11 weeks. If you pay the $60 expedite fee, processing will be down to 5 to 7 weeks. If you have any travel plans, we strongly recommend not making any final arrangements until you receive your new passport.

Last Name Confusion
by: Anonymous

Question: My last name on both my birth certificate and my driver's license are the same, with it being both my father's and mother's last name with a hyphen in between the two. But on my Social Security Card and my military ID it is only one of the two last names and what I use everywhere else.

My question is should I stick with what's on the DL and birth certificate or am I able to use what's on the SS card and military ID?

Answer: If you submit a copy of your license, the passport will likely be issued in the hyphenated name. If you submit copies of your SS card and military ID, the passport will likely match what's on them.

What name to list as father
by: Anonymous

Question: I was adopted by my stepfather when I was 13. I have my original birth certificate and my amended one. Should I list my stepfather in the sections asking birth father? Should I list my birth name and adopted the name in the section asking past names. Thank you.

Answer: Please enter the name of the father listed in the birth certificate you will submit for the application. And please list your old name as a name used in the past.

Different father on BC
by: Anonymous

Question: My son put his biological father and me on his application, but a different man is listed as his father on the BC. Will this cause a denial of his application?

Answer: Questions may arise. If it creates an issue, passport services will reach out to him through mail/email with instructions on how to resolve it.

Name change before passport was issued
by: Anonymous

Question: I filed for a name change on October 27 then I applied for a US passport on November 17. On my passport application, I still used my former name since my name change was still in process.
My name change decree was issued on December 6. My US passport was issued on December 17. I want to update my name on my US passport but the from DS 5504 won't let me go through the application because my name change happened first before my passport was issued.

My questions are:
1. Won't I be able to update my passport using DS 5504 to update my name?
2. Do I need to apply for a US passport again using form DS 11?
3. If I apply for a passport card, can I use my new legal name?
4. Will it be a problem if my US passport has my former name and my passport card has my new legal name?

Answer: 1. You may still use Form DS-5504. Instead of using the online form filler, you should just download the form and complete it by hand.

2. No, you do not.

3. Yes, you may.

4. It may raise some questions so it is best that both bear the same name.

Passport
by: Yanin

Question: My son's father signed the paternal papers at the hospital using his biological last name and true date of birth. A year later he found out on his birth certificate he was given his grandmother's last name and was registered as born a week later.

Will there be an issue when he tries to sign for my son's passport because his current ID has a different last name and DOB than on my son's birth certificate?

Answer: Yes, questions may arise because of the data mismatch. You may need to have the error corrected on your child's birth certificate to avoid issues and delays in passport issuance.

Middle name mispelled and fathers first name missing a “e” on the end
by: Jasmine

Question: On my birth certificate, my middle name is spelled Charmanie but it’s actually Charmaine on my driver's license.

Can I just use an initial instead of writing either on my passport or use Charmaine? Also, my father's first name is misspelled on my birth certificate as well. It’s supposed to be Jermaine but it’s spelled Jermain without an e at the end. Will it be okay to apply with my birth certificate as is?

Answer: Yes, you may opt for an initial instead of your full middle name. The misspelling of your father's name on your birth certificate should not be an issue.

Nicknames
by: Sasha

Question: My full first name on all legal paperwork is Alexandra, but friends/family call me Sasha and a few other shorter versions of my first name. I never used these shorter versions on any documents, though had to mention it when filling out USCIS immigration forms (they ask for nicknames).

Do I need to add nicknames in "List all other names you have used" section?

Answer: There is no need to include your nicknames since you don't use them on legal documents.

What names get listed
by: Anonymous

Question: If you never legally changed your last name, but there are pay stubs with the married name on them, do you need to list that other last name in other names?

Answer: Yes, you need to list that name. It will not affect your application.

Changed first name while passport expired, how to renew
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport has expired, less than 15 years have passed. At that time I have changed my first name from Laurie to Laury. Laury is now on my driver's license, my social security, Medicare, and bank material. Laurie is on my old passport. What shall I do? Thank you.

Answer: If it has been five years or more since your passport has expired, you need to submit a new application in person. The passport will be issued in the new spelling of your name as long as you present ID/s with that spelling.

You also need to submit a new application using Form DS-11 if you do not have proof of legal name change.

If you do have proof of legal name change and your passport expired less than 5 years ago, you may apply for a renewal by mail.

I used my mothers maiden name on my passport application.
by: Anonymous

Question: I used my mother's maiden name instead of her last name on my birth certificate while applying for a passport. But I do have documentation with the same last name on my ID and I am an adult. Should this be an issue?

Answer: It should not be an issue.

First time applying for US passport with name change
by: Anonymous

Question: This is my first time applying for a US passport. My naturalization certificate has my maiden name. I recently filed for a name change to use my husband's last name. Should I wait until I get the court order decree for a name change before I apply for a US passport?

My concern is once the court order is issued, my last name will not match on my naturalization certificate. Would it be better if I apply for a US passport with my maiden name that reflects on my naturalization certificate then update my passport after the court order is issued?

Answer: We recommend waiting until your name change is finalized then changing your name on your identification documents before applying for a passport. The name mismatch between your Naturalization Certificate and IDs will not be an issue as long as other details match.

New passport application
by: Anonymous

Question: I am a Naturalized Citizen.
When I apply for my first US passport, do I use the name exactly as it appears in my Certificate of Naturalization or can I just use my first and last name? On my driver's license only use My first, middle, and last name.

Answer: You can choose to have your passport match your driver's license. Just make sure to submit a photocopy of your license as your proof if identity.

Space in last name
by: John

Question: I have one last name, a space was added in my last name in my foreign passport and now in my Green card. Will it be ok to write my last name without space in my document?

Answer: I do not know which document you are referring to but to be safe, it is best that you enter your name as it appears in your legal documentation.

No last Name on parent's Citizenship evidence document
by: Anonymous

Question: I am applying for my 6-month-old son's passport and my passport does not have a last name in it. What do I put in the passport application?

Answer: Please enter your name as it appears in the child's birth certificate.

Last name problems
by: Ted

Question: Hello, I applied for my first passport the same day as my wife. She got hers but I have not. My birth cert has my mom's maiden name as my last name. I was unaware of this till I was in my late 30s but all my other documents are in the last name I have had my whole life. I had an affidavit filled out by my brother. My question is would this cause a delay? Thanks for your time! Ted

Answer: Hi, Ted. As long as all your documents and affidavits are in order, it will not cause a delay. We recommend checking your mail and email inbox for any communication from the Department of State. If they need more documents from you, they will reach out through these methods.

Middle name missing from child’s birth certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: My Photo ID proof is my Indian Passport, it has my First Name and Middle Name as the given name, and the Last Name as Surname. In my US-born child’s birth certificate, I have only my first name and last name, no middle name. In US passport application for my child which name I should use as father’s name, from my passport or as in birth certificate. Will there be any issue?

Answer: Please enter your name as it appears in the child's birth certificate. The middle name being on your ID should not be an issue.

first name spelling
by: Anonymous

Question: My first name is spelled Dorothy on my birth certificate but on every other document (ID card, SS card), it is Dorthey. Will this be a problem?

Answer: It should not be an issue since the names are common derivatives. Just make sure to submit enough identification documents to support the spelling you enter in the application form.

Different surname of mother
by: Anonymous

Question: My daughter was born in the US having her mother's maiden name on the birth certificate (jha) surname. however, her Indian passport has her mother's married name (Singh).

Now I am applying for my daughter’s first US passport. I have two questions:

1. What surname I should use for the mother’s name on the child’s passport application?

2. Will there be an issue due to the mother's different surname on passport vs birth certificate?

Answer: It is best that you enter the mother's name as it appears on the child's birth certificate to avoid issues.

Name
by: Marilyn Leon

Question: I lived in PR and I was required to use both my father's and mother's last names. My social sec and all legal documents have only one last name. My passport shows 2 last names and it is has been an issue at times. What form or forms do I use to renew my passport and have only 1 last name displayed to match all my documents? Can I do this via mail?

Answer: Since you are just omitting a last name and did not go though an actual name change legally, you need to submit a new application at an acceptance facility.

The passport will be issued with only one last name as long as the IDs you present also have that last name.

Is it ok to only list your "last" name instead of full name
by: Anonymous

Question: When filling out the passport application (line 9) List all names you've used. I put my maiden name (last name only). Should I have put my entire name (first middle last)? There wasn't enough spaces to enter all three names. I thought since my name was listed above it should be fine. Will this create a problem getting/delaying my passport?

Answer: Section 9 says to list names you have used and to add additional pages if needed. The incomplete name could be an issue. If it is, passport services will contact you with instructions on how and where to send a new, correctly filled out form.

Jr not included
by: Anonymous

Question: I wanted to know before I travel, that I am a JR and it is not included on my passport although I have sent in my birth certificate along with my application and they did not process it by putting JR on my name will this be an issue? My driver's license has JR but not my passport. Will this stop my travel?

Answer: The missing suffix should not prevent you from using the passport for travel. Book your tickets without the Jr to avoid issues with TSA.

Parents name misspelled on BC
by: Anonymous

Question: I just noticed that one of my parent's last names is misspelled on my birth certificate. Is it going to be a problem if I have already submitted my passport application? A letter from one of their last names is misspelled, but all other information match.

Answer: The misspelling should not affect your passport application.

DS-82 Form
by: Anonymous

Question: I have a current unexpired passport with my first and middle birth names of Jaybhai Rajbhai. This is also what is on my birth certificate and citizenship certificate.

I would like to change my first and middle names to Jay Raj as that is what I go by and to match what is on my social security, driver's license, employer records, etc. Can I use DS-82 to renew or will I need to use DS-11 and provide more proof of names used?

Answer: You need to submit a new application with DS-11.

A new application must be submitted in person at a local acceptance facility. Most locations require an appointment.

Schedule an Appointment

Routine service can take up to 18 weeks -- 12 weeks to process and 6 weeks to mail. If you request and pay for expedited service, you will receive your passport in 12 weeks.

My foreign passport has my mothers maiden name
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi. I'm applying for a U.S. passport with my foreign passport that has my mother's maiden name plus my father's last name. However, my US birth certificate only has my father's last name.

I'm using my foreign passport as proof of identity. Will it be an issue?

Answer: A foreign passport may be used as a proof of identity. The last name difference may raise some questions but as long as other details match, it should still be acceptable. If you have other IDs like a driver's license or state-issued non-driver ID, we recommend also submitting a copy of it.

Middle name for new passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I am planning to apply for a new passport for my child (6 months old). We added a middle name on the birth certificate but we didn't add a middle name on the SSN. Will there be an issue applying for the passport or we can apply without adding the middle name on the SSN.

Answer: It should not be an issue. You may apply for your child's passport.

Married last name
by: Anonymous

Question: In my permit, I have my new married last name (one of the two that my husband has). On my social, they only added one of his last names (the first one), so it’s my name, and two last names but on the marriage certificate, my husband has two last names.

At the postal office, they told me they have to put what is showing on the marriage certificate but on the rest of my docs, I have my last name plus one from my husband. Is the passport agency going to put all of my husband’s last names or whatever information is on the rest of my ID and social?

Answer: Your passport will be issued in the name you enter in the application form as long as it is supported by the IDs you present with it.

Letter for a better birth certificate
by: Tyler Larson

Question: So I received a letter wanting a full birth certificate. So I sent it but it said nothing about sending a copy so I didn't know if I should if they wanted a copy I figured it would say that on the letter. Is that going to affect my passport application?

Answer: If you sent the original or a certified copy, there shouldn't be any more issues.

List all other names used?
by: Anonymous

Question: This will be my first time applying for a new passport. In the section "List all other names used" will the old name show up in my passport as well? I did have a name change. I just want to know will both names show up on the passport?

Answer: Only the name you enter in Question 1 will be printed on your passport. The other names used is just part of the profiling process for the application.

Additional Name Due To Adoption
by: Tiffany

Question: My last name on my birth certificate is not hyphenated but on my driver's license it is. If I bring my birth certificate along with the adoption paperwork that shows the additional name added, will that be sufficient to show the chain of events for the name addition?

Answer: Yes, it should.

My mom remarried and changed my name
by: Anonymous

Question: My mom remarried, my step dad adopted me & changed my name but I have always used my birth father's name.

All of my bills cars and medical records are under my birth father's name. I had a passport as a child but it’s expired. I can not obtain my original birth certificate only my birth certificate after my name was changed.

My social security card, driver's license, and everything (school records, etc) have always been in my birth father's name. What do I need to prove who I am to get a passport?

Answer: The passport will be issued in the name you enter in the form as long as it is supported by the identification documents you present with it. Since all your IDs and legal documents are in your birth father's name, you should have no trouble proving your identity. Passport services may ask for documents bearing your name that are at least 5 years old so be prepared to submit them.

Three last names
by: Anonymous

Question: My birth certificate shows three last names. Can drop the third one in my passport application?

Answer: If you have proof of identity that does not have the third last name, you may elect to also not have it on your passport. Otherwise, passport services will ask you to send more documents at least 5 years old bearing that name.

Inadequate number of spaces for other names used
by: Anonymous

Question: There are only 17 spaces on Form DS-82 to list other names used. With my former last name, the total character count is 24. Should I enter the first 17 characters and then attach an additional page with the full name? Or is it best to leave this field blank and attach an additional page with the full name?

Answer: You may write the entire name in a separate piece of paper, label it as Other Names Used and submit it with the application.

ENTERED PARENT'S MARRIED NAME INSTEAD OF MAIDEN NAME
by: Anonymous

Question: I submitted my first US passport application but I wrote my parent's married name instead of her maiden name? What should I do? Thank you.

Answer: There is no need to do anything. If passport services encounters an error on your application, they will contact you with instructions on how to correct it.

Fathers middle name misspelled on birth record
by: Tyler Larson

Question: I realized that my father's middle name is spelled wrong on my Oregon birth record certificate. It's supposed to be "James Alvin Larson" but on my birth certificate, it says "James Aloin Larson". I have already applied and sent out expedited last Friday. Will that affect my passport application? My mother's name and my name are correct and everything else is correct.

Answer: The small error should not be a problem.

Name changes
by: Anonymous

Question: On passport renewal question 9 previous names, if my information is the same as expired passport, do I need to send documentation for name changes from years ago.

Answer: There will be no need to send name change documents if you are not changing the name on your passport.

Married Name and ID
by: Anonymous

Question: I have recently married and my SS card has a new name but my driver's license and birth certificate have my maiden name. I am applying for a new license. If I am a first-time applicant, can I apply for a passport with the married name if does not match my license yet? Or will it cause a problem?

Answer: Driver's licenses are accepted as primary identification for a passport application; SS cards are only secondary. It is best that you apply for a license in your married name before applying for a passport.

Should you decide to proceed using your SS card, you need to submit another secondary ID bearing your married name.

Issued Name
by: Anonymous

Question: I have a passport book issued in my maiden name that was later amended to my married name - the maiden name remains on the identification page and the married name amendment is printed on that last page. What name do I put in the renewal application section asking for the name as printed in the most recent passport? Both maiden and married names are printed in the book. I also have a passport card issued in my married name. I am applying for renewal with my married name.

Answer: Please enter your married name in the renewal application.

Should I get a passport’s correction?
by: Anonymous

Question: A couple of months ago I got my US passport but I did not notice that they wrote my mother's last name incorrectly. I use both my father’s last name and my mother’s last name. In other words, my full last name is DIAZ DE LEON but I just noticed that they wrote it as DIAZ DEL EON. Would be an issue for me in trying to get back to the United States?

Answer: It should not be an issue but you may have the error corrected to make sure all your documents match.

Childs Last Name
by: Anonymous

Question: My child carries my maiden on all her documents. However, her father and I got married last year and I want to change her last name to her father's last name. Is that possible without going to the courts?

Answer: If you apply for the child's passport, it will be issued in the name on her birth certificate. It is best that you have the name legally changed so the child will not run into issues in the future.

Real name not on birth certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: My dad's real first name is Thomas his middle name is Glenn. On my birth certificate, he put Glenn Thomas. Which order should I use for passport application?

Answer: Please enter your father's name as it appears in your birth certificate.

Name misspelled by one letter
by: Anonymous

Question: My birth certificate & driver’s license has my name spelled as "Rebeca" but my social security is "Rebecca". I have used 2 c’s majority of the time. My bachelors also has 2 c’s. I'm applying for my first passport. Am I able to put "Rebeca" on the passport application where it states other names I have gone by. And use Rebecca as my primary name?

Answer: Yes, you can.

Last name
by: Anonymous

Question: I am applying for my son's passport (4 months old). His dad is overseas so he completed the DS3053 form at the US embassy over seas. The issue is that the fathers last name on the passport is different than my son's by one letter. Do I need to change the birth certificate as well as the social or is okay to use the name on the birth certificate?

Answer: You may use the name on the birth certificate.

Passport Question
by: Anonymous

Question: Born in Puerto Rico birth certificate has my dads last and my moms maiden name. All my documents other than my birth certificate has just my dad last name. Can my passport be with just my dads last name?

Answer: Yes.

Birth certificate and license have different first names.
by: Anonymous

Question: I am applying for a passport for the 1st time. My license & birth certificate have 2 different first names. I generally go by my middle name and put that on my license many years ago. That is my preferred name. As long as I can show the link between names, will they let me put my preferred name on the passport?

Answer: Yes, they will.

middle name same with the mother
by: Anonymous

Question: My son has legal name in his birth certificate Angelo Reyes Lim -- the same as my middle name Reyes and surname Lim. But he is an illegitimate son. Can he apply for a passport? He is minor.

Answer: The child's legitimacy is not a factor. If both parents' names are in the birth certificate, both must accompany the child when the application is submitted. If only the mother's name is on it, you do not need to be there to apply for the child's passport.

First name
by: Hala

Question: My father misspelled my first name, and it shows in my birth certificate as Haluh, I go by Halah! If I want it to appear in my passport as Halah, are there any specific things I need to do?

Answer: The passport will be issued in the name you want as long as it matches the ID/s you present with the application.

Question 9
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport card name reads correctly. I have not changed my name. I was married before but that name does not appear on my passport card.

I figured since I have had a passport card with my correct information - that should be the "link" to my other legal information (birth certificate, ss, etc.). Will my passport be delayed because I did not list any other names in line 9?

Answer: It should not cause any delays.

Mom’s first name was misspelled on parental information
by: Anonymous

Question: I need your help. I just became a US Citizen through naturalization and applied for my passport. I’m 29 years old; in the parental information I accidentally misspelled my mom’s first name, only one letter wrong, I put Hana instead of Hanna, and now I’m really concerned! Please note that my naturalization certificate doesn’t include my parent names. But I’m just worrying that the wrong name will be listed in department of state’s data base? The application already submitted
Can you advise me on what to do to fix this issue please?

Answer: The misspelling ahould not be an issue.

Middle name question
by: Anonymous

Question: If my child's birth certificate says "Mary Katherine Smith" Mary is the first name and Katherine the middle, can I request only a middle initial to appear on her passport?

Answer: Yes, you can.

Child passport and parent name
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi, applying for a passport for child and question regarding parent's name:

1.
Mother's last name at birth was for example: Boyle
After marriage middle name was changed to Boyle and last name became Smith
Now current name is Susan Boyle Smith

On child's passport application it asks for parent first & middle name- which would be Susan Boyle
and parent last name (at birth)- which would be Boyle

Then when printed it shows Susan Boyle Boyle

This seems redundant, is this correct???

2.
Father's name- different middle name listed on child's birth certificate and father's own passport, so which middle name should be used?

Thanks in advance!

Answer: Please enter the parents' names as it appears on the child's passport.

Drivers license does not match birth certificate and ss card
by: Anonymous

Question: My first driver's license when I turned 16 has been as James but my SS card and birth certificate says Jimmy. Will this be an issue when applying for a passport for the first time?

Answer: Yes, it may be an issue.

I don't know my mother's maiden
by: Esther

Question: I don't know my mother's maiden name. What should I write on the application forms or I should I write her married name. She use my dad surname all her life before she died.

Answer: Her maiden name should be on your birth certificate. If it is not, you may use her married name.

Page for former names
by: Anonymous

Question: Line 9 says to attach additional pages if you need to list more previous names. I have had 4 previous names (maiden + 3 married names) and there are two entry spaces. Do I attach another copy of THIS page or is there a special form for this?

Answer: You may just write the names in a separate piece of paper and label them accordingly. There is no need to use a copy of the page.

Question 11 Spaces allotted
by: Anonymous

Question: Question #11 asks for FULL name of current spouse. Only 19 spaces allocated on form DS-11. Neither my spouse nor I have enough spaces to answer that with full names unless we eliminate spaces between names. What is the solution?

Answer: You may write the name in a separate piece of paper and label it accordingly.

Previous Names
by: Anonymous

Question: My last name was changed legally when I was 4 and the new last name appears on my birth certificate. Do I need to put my previous last name or the one that is listed on my birth certificate in the previous name section or both, since I am married now?

Answer: You only have to enter the name on your birth certificate since that is what appears on your legal document.

Maiden name
by: Anonymous

Question: Can I use my mother's maiden name in my passport?

Answer: If you have sufficient identification documents showing that you have used that name for at least 5 years, you can.

Which name, married on current passport name
by: Anonymous

Question: I got married and changed my last name. My social security card name is updated and my drivers license. I am now trying to update my passport to my new name. On the application, do I use the new name I want to appear on my updated passport and just list my maiden name (on current passport) on the line with other names used in the past? And if I am to list my full name with first, middle and last maiden name, how do I fit it on that one line?

Answer: Yes, you enter your new name on Question 1. There are separate spaces for last name, first name and middle name. If the spaces still do not suffice, you my write your name down in a separate piece of paper and just label it accordingly. List your maiden name in the Question 9.

Name
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi. I want to get my passport but my birth certificate and my S.S have my first name, middle name, my father last name and my mother last name. Since I was born in Puerto Rico I always had to use both last names but when I moved to the US, I got my state ID and they only put my first name, middle name and my father's last name. Should that be a problem? What name will my passport have?

Answer: The passport will be issued in the name you enter in the form as long as it is supported by either your proof of U.S. citizenship or ID/s.

Will I get accepted
by: Anonymous

Question: It asks for birth father's full name so I wrote it as it appears on HIS birth certificate. His full name is Ricky so that's what I put, but when he signed my birth certificate he used his shortened name Rick. Will this cause an issue?

Answer: It should not.

Drivers license vs. Birth certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: I was adopted as an adult, and my drivers license had my adopted name as my last name, but my birth certificate still has my name at birth. Will I have issues getting my passport? What should I bring with me?

Answer: The passport will be issued in the name you enter in the form as long as it is supported by your ID and any other document passport services deems necessary.

Question #9 on DS-82. What do I enter?
by: JC

Question: Question #9 on DS-82 reads... "List all other names you have used. (Examples: Birth Name, Maiden, Previous Marriage, Legal Name Change. Attach additional pages if needed) " There are 17 spaces. I am applying under my married last name. What do i input in the 17 spaces? Only my birth last name? My initals and last name? Not clear what is required in the 17 spaces of question #9.

Answer: Please enter your full maiden name. If you have more names, you may write them in a separate piece of paper, label accordingly and submit with the form.

Adoption
by: Anonymous

Question: Both of my children are adopted. All documents including birth certificates have been changed to their legal name now. Their birth names have been changed entirely. Do I have to indicate their previous names used since they were both adopted under the age of 3? Thank you.

Answer: Please include their birth names as previous names.

Divorced
by: Anonymous

Question: Will my previous name that I used when I was married show on my passport? It asks for all known names. I do not want it to be on my passport.

Answer: It will not.

Two last names but only one appears in my passport.
by: Anonymous

Question: My original passport was done when I was a minor and my parents only put my first last name, but now that I’m trying to renew it, I’m not sure how can I go about having both last names in the passport? I’m trying to have consistency with all my documents but this is the only one showing only my first last name.

Answer: There should not be any issue since you will be submitting a new application. The passport will be issued in the name you enter in the form since it is supported by your citizenship evidence and identification document.

line 9
by: Anonymous

Question: Line 9 ask for all other names you have used. Do I just put the last names (previous marriage) or the first name along with the last name?

Answer: You need to enter the full name/s.

Does signature have to be full name
by: Anonymous

Question: My birth certificate and driver's license both list my full name (Jamie Lynn), but I go by a shortened name (Jamie). When I sign my passport application should I sign it as Jamie or Jamie Lynn?

Answer: You need to enter your name as it appears in your documents. If you mean your signature, you may sign with just your shortened name.

First time applicant after marriage
by: Anonymous

Question: I am getting married & will apply for my passport afterwards. We take a trip out of the country 10 weeks later. If I am submitting my birth certificate & marriage license, does the driver's license I submit need to have my married name on it?

Answer: The ID you present with the application must match the name you enter in the form. Also, the marriage license will not serve any purpose. Should evidence of legal name change be required, you need to submit the original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate.

Mother's name on newborn's passport application
by: Anonymous

Question: The passport application for my child asks for the mother's name. Mothers's name in child's birth certificate is my maiden name. However, my passport and state ID has my name after marriage. I don't have any ID now with my maiden name on it except marriage certificate.
Which name should I put in my child's passport application under mother's name? - My maiden name or my married name (as it appears on my ID)?

Answer: Please enter your name as it appears in the your child's birth certificate.

Father's name not on the birth certificate
by: Ray Love

Question: My father's name is not on my sealed birth certificate. He is deceased. However, my mothers name is on it. Will I get turned down?

Answer: Your application should be accepted.

Adoption/Birth Certificate Issue
by: Anonymous

Question: I was adopted by my stepfather when I was 15, and my mother changed my middle name at this time as well. She never applied for an amended birth certificate, so all I have is my original birth certificate.

It was flagged due to having a different middle name. I've sent certified copies of my marriage certificate, a document from college, a certified copy of the adoption order, and both of my children's birth certificates showing I've used a different middle name.

My concern now is that I was told to put the father as listed on my birth certificate. I've sent adoption papers showing a different legal father, the same one I listed on my marriage certificate.

Is this going to cause more issues? I have 8 weeks until my travel date, but there's no way for me to amend my original birth certificate as the state now has every original document I have.

Answer: You would have already been contacted if the documents you sent to prove your identity were insufficient. Try to relax :) You may call 1-877-487-2778 if you wish to do a followup or speak to a customer service representative.

Mother's maiden name
by: Anonymous

Question: My mom's maiden name is spelled incorrectly on my birth certificate. What should I enter on my application for her maiden name?

Answer: Please enter her name as it appears on your birth certificate.

Father's name
by: Anonymous

Question: I wrote Solomon as my dad's name but in the additional information note, I wrote that my father has two English names which are Solomon and Anthony. My application has already been submitted. Please is this an issue?

Answer: It should not be an issue.

Middle name dilemma
by: Anonymous

Question: My daughter is applying for her first passport. She has two middle names. Should she add her second name behind her first name and leave her third name as her middle name or just use her second name as the middle name?

Answer: She can enter it any way she likes. As long as the names are also on her birth certificate or ID, the passport will be issued in that name.

Misspelled by one letter
by: Anonymous

Question: Will it be a problem when I go renew my passport? My birth certificate, social, and drivers license all have my middle name spelled Michell but my expired passport has it spelled as Michelle, will it be a problem when I Renew my passport? Can I fill out the name on the application to match all the other documents?

Answer: You can use Michell in the application form and include a brief statement explaining the error in the previous passport. These must be completed with the rest of the renewal requirements.

Married - Applying for a first time passport
by: Anonymous

Question: My birth certificate has my maiden name on it. I have been married twice. I did not change my name from my first marriage until I re-married. All my documents now have my current married name - but birth certificate is different. Which name should I use on my application and do I need other documents to apply the first time for a passport?

Answer: You need to enter your current legal name on your application. The passport will be issued in that name as long as it is supported by the ID/s you present with the application.

Bio vs Legal Mom
by: Anonymous

Question: My biological mother is on my birth certificate. I haven't seen her in over a decade. My stepmom adopted me legally. Which mother do I use on my passport application?

Answer: Please use your stepmother's name on your application.

Different spellings
by: Anonymous

Question: My husband is applying (first time) for a passport. His birth certificate from 1944 has his name spelled differently from his driver's license (the way he has spelled it all his life). Do I complete the application using the spelling on the birth certificate or the DL?

Answer: The application may be completed with the name he commonly uses. The new passport will be issued in that name since it is supported by his proof of identity (driver's license).

Middle Name
by: Anonymous

Question: I just renewed my passport and they did not include my middle name. Is this going to be an issue when traveling internationally?

Answer: It should not be an issue as long as you book your tickets in the name that appears in your passport.

Mother's Maiden name
by: Anonymous

Question: I am going to apply for a passport for my daughter. My birth certificate has my last name intials (P.M.) instead of full name Pxxxxx Myyyy. My passport and identification has full last name Pxxxxx Myyyy.
When I apply passport for my daughter, should I enter the name as per my identification?

Answer: Please enter your name as it appears in your child's birth certificate.

Name on Form DS-82
by: Anonymous

Question: If I’m applying for a passport renewal because I got my married and changed my name, for question 1 on passport form DS-82, do I write my current new name or my old maiden name?

Answer: Please write your new legal name in that field. There is a separate section for the details in your current passport.

Middle name change
by: Anonymous

Question: My social security has my middle name as Mokhtar and my driver's license has my middle initial. So when I got my certificate, my middle name was like 3 names as in my original birth certificate because my original country put our names as 5 names. Now what about the passport which name I should put my middle name as in ID or as in certificate?

Answer: You can choose either. The passport will be issued in whichever name you enter as long as it matches your citizenship evidence or primary ID.

Birth certificate has Jr and drivers license and SS card don't
by: Anonymous

Question: I'm applying for a new passport. I already have one of my airline tickets. My birth certificate says Junior but my driver's license and social security card don't have Jr. The plane ticket I ordered don't have Junior. When I get my new passport, will it say junior on it? I really don't want it to. Thank you.

Answer: The name that will appear on your passport is ultimately decided by the agent who processes your application. If you completed your application form without Junior, there is a big chance that your passport will also be issued without it. Please call 1-877-487-2778 for more information

Ehich name do I use as middle on passport application?
by: Anonymous

Question: My actual middle name is Sue but my driver's license is listed as my first, maiden and last names. Do I list Sue on a passport application as my middle name?

Answer: It's up to you. The passport will be issued in the name you enter in the application as long as it is supported by the ID you present and the details on your birth certificate.

Parental information
by: Anonymous

Question: My mother changed her first name after becoming a U.S citizen.. when filling out the parental information, should I use her name used now, or her name at birth?

Answer: Please enter her name as she uses it now.

Two questions
by: Anonymous

Question: I have a question about my parent's name at birth. My grandmother divorced my father's biological father when he was very young. My grandmother remarried and my grandfather adopted by father. I am wondering if I need to enter his name at birth if it was legally changed by the adoption? All of his documents -- birth certificate, passport, driver's license -- are his current last name (and has been for nearly 65 years!).

Answer: Please enter that he uses legally now. The passport will be issued in that name as long as it is supported by his proof of identity.

Birth certificate and SS card do not match
by: Anonymous

Question: The name on my birth certificate is Michal. My social security card is Michael. My drivers license is Michal to match birth certificate. However, I spell it Michael. How should I fill out my paper work?

Answer: Please enter the name the way you normally use it and submit your SS card and other IDs bearing Michael to support it.

Wrong name on application
by: Anonymous

Question: I wrote my mom’s maiden name and my step father’s last name when filling out her information. What do I do? The application has already been filed.

Answer: Please call customer service at 1-877-487-2778 for instructions on how to correct the error.

Which last name to use?
by: Anonymous

Question: I was born with the last name Walker and have that on my birth certificate. But I was also legally adopted by my stepfather in 1991 and have that legal document as well. Which should I use as my birth name?

Answer: Please enter the name you currently use and which appears in your identification documents.

Parent used alias on birth certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: My mother did not use her legal first name on my birth certificate. Which name should I put for her on my passport application, the one she signed on my birth certificate or the one on her drivers license?

Answer: Please enter your mother's name as it appears on your birth certificate.

Help!
by: Anonymous

Question: My drivers license has my first, middle, mother’s maiden, and last. This is also the name listed on my expired passport. I have to fill a new application and there’s no section for mother’s maiden name. I just want my name to match for all and my mom doesn’t remember how she filled out the last passport application she did. Where can I put my mother’s maiden name in the application?

Answer: Your mother's maiden name is your middle name, your second (middle name) may be included as your given or first name.

HELP!!!
by: Anonymous

Question: My middle name is misspelled on both my birth certificate (Shianta) and my Driver's License (Shanta). My actual middle name is SHANTE'. I am confused as in to which name should I put on my application due to both names being misspelled. Please HELP!!! My passport appointment is coming up on 11/13/18 and I do not want any delays in my application process. Thanks.

Answer: You can use either the one on your birth certificate or driver's license.

Maiden or married name?
by: Anonymous

Question: My fiance and I are planning on traveling shortly after our marriage. So even though I'd like to get my passport application (this will be my first time filling one out), my information will technically be incorrect when I plan on using it. Right now, I said I am not married but once I plan on using it, I will be. Should I think ahead or keep the information true to what it is as of right now and modify it later?

Answer: You need to apply for your passport in your current legal name. You can change the name on your passport when you get back from your trip. The service is for free if you apply for the name change within a year of issuance.

Also, please make sure to book your tickets in your maiden name so you will not have issues with TSA.

Middle name
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi!!! I'm planning to apply for a passport but I don't know what name to use. My middle name is different in my Naturalization Certificate and my driver's license. I don't know if I can use either one of them? I just don't want to get denied because I know they don't refund.

Answer: The passport will be issued in the name you enter in the application from as long as it is supported by either your Naturalization Certificate or ID.

Uh oh!
by: Anonymous

Question: My fiancé and I are leaving to visit the Bahamas in October where we will be getting married. We both just received our new passports but his passport does not have IV on it. Since he is the fourth, his license and birth certificate say IV but his passport does not. On his plane ticket there is a IV, will the passport still work as is when we go to board?

Answer: Name suffixes may not cause major issues. Please contact the airline you are traveling with for advice.

Middle name
by: Anonymous

Question: I just booked our flights to the Cayman Island. Our driver's license and passport are different. The passport has full middle name and drivers license has initials. Our plane tickets have initials, will they cause a problem boarding our flights?

Answer: Middle initials and names do not cause any issues unless there is a huge discrepancy. Please contact the airline you are flying with to confirm.

Name to use when birth certificate has been amended
by: Anonymous

Question: My fiancé was adopted by his mother's husband when he was a child. When first issued, his birth certificate and birth last name matched his biological father however his birth certificate, social security card, and his last name was legally changed to match his adopted father.

When filling out the application, should my fiancé use his biological father's information or should he use his adopted father's information since his birth certificate has been amended? Also, would he need to list his previous last name under section 9?

Answer: The name he enters in the application must be supported by the birth certificate he submits. Also, he needs to list all names he has used in the past.

Plane ticket is different from naturalization documents
by: Anonymous

Question: I am going with my wife on our first trip together. I purchased her tickets a month ago and failed to realize on her naturalization document, she requested a name change which is taking place in 3 days in her oath ceremony. Now her plane ticket has her maiden name and her citizenship documents will have my last name. I know the names of the passport and the ticket need to match, would she be able to use her maiden name on her passport instead of her new name in her naturalization certificate?

Answer: Please call customer service at 1-877-487-2778 for advice.

Passport application
by: Anonymous

Question: My name is Jaykumar. I used Jay instead of Jaykumar on my daughter's birth certificate. My all identification is in Jaykumar. So is that any problem when I apply for my daughter's passport?

Answer: It should not be an issue as long as all other details match.

Married last name
by: Anonymous

Question: Trying to figure out if my passport will be put on hold due to being married but never changing last name.

Answer: Your passport will not be "on hold". You may travel with your current passport as long as your tickets match the name on it.

I hope I'm okay
by: Anonymous

Question: I just filled out an application for my first passport. My driver's license has my legal name with my nickname signature. My application has my legal name and my legal name signature. I did list my nickname as other names used on application. I'm worried I will be denied because my driver license has a different signature.

Answer: It should not be an issue.

Driver's license and birth certificate don't match
by: Anonymous

Question: Hello, I just did my passport application for me and my daughter. Will it be a problem if my driver's license says Mary Magdalena instead of Maria Magdalena which is on my birth certificate?

Answer: It will not be an issue. The passport will be issued in the name you enter in the application as long as it is supported by either your birth certificate or driver's license.

Name on Birth Certificate is Misspelled
by: Jonathan

Question: My birth certificate has my name spelled as Jonathon, but everything else I have it is spelled, Jonathan. Which version should I use on on my passport application? Will this be an issue in obtaining my passport?

Answer: It should not be an issue. The passport will be issued in the name you enter on the application form. You may use Jonathan in your passport as long as your proof of identity matches that name.

Parent's Middle Name
by: Anonymous

Question: When listing parental information on the passport application, the last name states "at birth". However, my mother changed her middle name when she got married to her birth last name. Should I list her name in the first/middle box as her birth first/middle, or her current first/middle name?

Answer: Please enter your parents' names as they appear on your birth certificate.

What name to use on child’s application?
by: Anonymous

Question: I am filling out an application for my child. My name at birth (and still on my birth certificate) is different than what is listed as my name on my child’s birth certificate and all of my identification, as I legally changed my full name before he was born. Do I enter what matches my own birth certificate or what matches as the listed parent on my child’s birth certificate?

Answer: Please enter your name as it appears on the child's birth certificate and your government-issued ID.

Jr
by: Anonymous

Question: My dad has died since I got passport. I need to renew and my licence and birth certificate which both say Jr. I understand since he had passed I am no longer a junior and no longer use the junior. How do I list it on renewed passport?

Answer: You may drop the Jr. on your new passport. There should be no special documents required but we recommend that you include statement explaining why you are dropping the suffix from your name.

Passport name
by: Anonymous

Question: I just received my passport and notice that it has my first name middle initial J and then my middle name then last name. Not sure how this happened. Is this okay or will I have to resubmit for corrections? It says J Jamell which the J would be for Jamell.

Answer: The initial should not pose a serious issue when you travel. You may submit it for correction without paying for anything.

Please prepare the following:

1. Form DS-5504
2. The passport with the error
3. A signed statement explaining the error
4. Proof of the correct data (birth certificate)

Please send the requirements to the address printed on the form.

Spelling of name
by: Anonymous

Question: I always spell my name Yasniry but my birth certificate has Jasniry. Will there be a problem getting my passport? All my paper work has my name spelled with a Y and not a J.

Answer: Hi, Yasniry. Your passport will be issued in the name you enter in the application form as long as it is supported by either your citizenship evidence or proof of identity.

Different signature
by: Anonymous

Question: The name in my passport is exactly the same as my driver’s license, but I signed my driver’s without my middle initial. Will that be a problem? My airline ticket and passport names are exactly the same.

Answer: There should not be any issue and you will most likely be only asked to present your passport when you travel.

Minors passport
by: Anonymous

Question: My son has a different last name than mine -- he has his mother's maiden last name. The mother and I are on the birth certificate. She was married and divorced but has not yet changed to her maiden name. Does she need to bring proof of name change, or just her driver's license?

Answer: The mother needs to present documents that provide a link to the name she has on her primary ID and the name on the child's birth certificate.

Deployment
by: Maureen

Question: Hello, my son is deployed in Afghanistan, his passport will expire in just a few weeks, he and his wife (she is also deployed at this time) want to take a cruise when they get home. My question is, will it take longer to get a new passport if his current one has expired or will he still be able to get a new one within a week or so when he gets home? Thank you?

Answer: Hi! If your son applies for a new passport or renews his passport at a regional passport agency, he will get his passport in 1 to 8 business days.

Aside from the renewal requirements, he needs to present proof of immediate international travel in 2 weeks (or less) in order to be entertained at the regional agency. You may schedule an appointment for him here.

Irish passport
by: Anonymous

Question: My birth certificate says Philip but I'm known and called by my second name and this is the name on my driver's license. I'm applying for my first Irish passport and wondering what name to put on the application form.

Answer: Please visit the Irish Embassy's website for instructions on how to obtain your Irish passport.

Two questions
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi. My wife and I are applying for passport for the first time.
Question 1:I'm named after my dad but my birth certificate doesn't say I am the II but my drivers license does. The birth certificate list his and my name as the exact same though they've always said I was the II.

Question 2: My wifes dad was born in the 1940s in the hills of Kentucky. His last name on everything is Ritchie except for his birth certificate says Richie.
My wifes birth certificate list his name correctly as Ritchie.

Will either of these cause a problem in my application? I'm filling out the DS-11 now.
Thank you!

Answer:1. The passport will be issued in the name you enter in Form DS-11 as long as it is supported by either your birth certificate or identification document.

2. The slight difference in last names should not cause any issue.

Legal name
by: Anonymous

Question: I applied for my first passport with my shortened first name "Brad". My given name on my birth certificate and driver's license is "Bradley". When my passport expired I renewed it as "Bradley", but it still came back with "Brad". I am traveling internationally in 2 months and my airline ticket says "Bradley". Will this cause an issue?

Answer: Since the name on your passport is a derivative of the name on your tickets, you may not encounter any issues. We recommend that you contact the airline to confirm.

Middle Name
by: Kim

Question: My passport has my first name middle name and my last name. On my international trip I did not add my middle name to my ticket. Is this acceptable?

Answer: Yes, it is acceptable.

Can I use a short first name and avoid the middle name?
by: Anonymous

Question: I need to apply for my child's passport and I want to use his short first name Max (it's Maxim in the birth certificate) and avoid the middle name (even though there's one in the birth certificate). Is it possible to apply for the passport using the short name? And do I need to state the full birth certificate name somewhere?

Answer: This case may be especially complicated because you are applying for a minor's passport. The easiest way to use a different name from the one that appears in the birth certificate is to present a court order for the name change.

If you cannot submit a court order, at least 3 public records showing the child's date and place of birth that show exclusive use of the assumed name for at least 5 years are required. If the child is younger than 5 years, you cannot go this route.

What name is my official legal name?
by: Anonymous

Question: My drivers license, my social security card, my house deed, my work ID and taxes have my married last name. My birth certificate, my Citizenship certificate, and my passport have my maiden name. I was married and have been divorced over ten years now. What name should I apply to renew my passport? Do I need to do an official court name change in order to make sure my will does take effect when the time comes?

Answer: Please enter the name on the application form that you would like to be printed in your new passport. This can be your married name if you continue to use it and prefer that or it can be your maiden name. If you request your maiden name, no additional documents are required. If you prefer to have the passport issued in your married name, you must submit evidence of the legal name change since your previously-issued passport has your maiden name in it. In the case of the latter, you need to submit your marriage certificate.

Birth name that is no longer legal, or current name?
by: Anonymous

Question: Filling out passport application for my kids. It's asking for mother's birth name.

I have a situation where I was born with a different last name, but at 5 my name was legally changed. So, my birth name is NOT what matches my birth certificate, social security card, etc. Do I put my legal name to reflect my supporting documentation.

Which name do I put?

Answer: Please enter name at birth as requested by the passport application. You may need to submit evidence of the legal name change.

Birth name or Adopted name
by: Anonymous

Question: I am 63 years old. I was adopted when I was 11. My birth certificate shows my adopted name. On page one, line 9 of the application form, it asks to list all other names you have used. Do I give my birth name here? On page two, line 10, do I put my birth parents or adoptive parents names. Who's name do I fill in the next section that ask the Last Name (at parents birth). Again, my name, birth parents, or adoptive parents. Also, if it's the adoptive parents, I may not know their place of birth. Would only the 'State' be sufficient?

Answer: Please call 1-877-487-2778 to speak with a customer service representative who should be able to answer your questions. We recommend you also discuss evidence of U.S. citizenship. Since your birth certificate has your adopted name on it, it must have been issued more than a year after your birth. Because of this, additional evidence of citizenship may be required.

Birth name or Adopted name
by: Anonymous

Question: I was adopted when I was about 10 years old. My birth certificate shows my adopted name on it. Where it ask if I've ever been known by any other name, how do I reply? Also where it ask for name at birth, do I give my birth name or adopted name? My son is also applying for a passport with those questions. How do I respond?

Answer: You should answer both questions with your birth name.

middle name different on documents
by: Anonymous

Question: I got married and my middle name on my drivers license and social security card are the same however on my naturalization it was the old middle name. I am trying to apply for the passport. What should I do?

Answer: Enter the name on your passport application that is your current legal name. Present your Certificate of Naturalization and valid driver's license. While evidence of legal name change is usually not required when applying for a first-time passport, it might be requested. Therefore, we recommend you include the name change document with your application.

passport name
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport has my married last name on it. My permanent resident card has my maiden name. My social security also has my madien name. Legally, my last name is my married name. What do I do? Help me, please.

Answer: Please contact the Social Security Administration and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to request to change the name on your documents.

name
by: Anonymous

Question: If I use only the legal middle name as the last name, will it be a problem later on?

Answer: The passport generally is issued in the name shown on the evidence of citizenship and identity. You must present public documents, including acceptable identity documents,
reflecting the use of the name. The Acceptance Agent must determine the name that will be in your passport based on the documents you present.

Last Name at Birth, Adopted Name or Married
by: Anonymous

Question: I was adopted by my grandparents when I was very young and have used their last name since then, but it was never legally changed on my birth certificate or by court order. When I apply for a passport, can I just bring my birth certificate with my original last name, my current Driver's License which has my adopted last name, and documentation to show I have been using that name for at least 5 years? Or will I need to have the name changed by court order? Further, if I marry before applying for a passport, would the marriage certificate be helpful in this situation at all or make it more complicated?

Answer: You must present an acceptable identification reflecting the acquired name and original or certified copies of three or more public documents evidencing that you have used the acquired name for five years or longer. The documentary evidence, which must show the acquired name and one other piece of identifying data, (such as date of birth, place of birth, age, or Social Security number), may include but are not limited to:

(1) Driver’s licenses or non-driver State-issued I.D.;
(2) Military records;
(3) Employment records;
(4) Tax records;
(5) School records;
(6) Census record;
(7) Hospital birth record; and
(8) Baptismal certificate.

Affidavits executed by two or more persons attesting that they have known you by both the birth and adopted name, and that you have used the adopted name for all purposes for at least five years. While this is only "required" if you cannot obtain a third public record, we recommend you include the affidavits in order to avoid delays.

Whether you submit your marriage certificate or not should not make much of a difference. Note, it can take up to six weeks or more for the official marriage certificate to be issued. You will have to apply for a passport in your current legal name if you will need a passport before then.

Renewing my passport with my legal name
by: Anonymous

Question: I am trying to renew my passport but when I got my original 11 years ago I used my name I go by (Andy) and not my legal name that's on my birth certificate and Drivers Liscense (Andrew). Now that I am trying to renew it and use Andrew so it matches my ID I am being asked to show proof of name change in which I do not have. What do I do in this situation? Do I have to go through the courts for a legal name change? I am leaving for a wedding in 6 weeks and worried about getting this taken care of in time. In hindsight I wish I would have used Andrew to begin with but I'm stuck with that mistake now I just need to figure out the most practical way to fix it.

Answer: We recommend you call 1-877-487-2778 and request to speak with a supervisor. Explain the situation and ask if the application can be processed without the need for more documents since Andrew is on your birth certificate and Andy is a common derivative. If the supervisor insists that you send an official document, ask if your birth certificate and a copy of your driver's license will suffice.

Problems for having more than one last name
by: Anonymous

Question: In my passport and license I have my two last names (father's and mother's maiden name) while on my birth certificate I only have my father's last name. Will that bring me problems if I plan to travel?

Answer: Since your passport was issued with both last names, it should not be a problem. We recommend you book flights in the same name that is in your passport.

Which Name To Use in Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: My father (born in the USA) was given an Italian first name - Giovanni which is on his birth certificate. Giovanni translates to John which when joining the military, they decided to use John on everything NOT his birth name. It was never legally changed to John, yet his social security number, bank accounts, license...etc is all under the name John. What name will his passport be under? If he has to submit his birth certificate, what other ID will he need if it all says John?

Answer: Each situation is different. It is difficult to say exactly what will be required because agents vary with thier verification process.

We recommend your father present additional identification documentation showing exclusive use of the name John for 5 years or more. Usually, at least 5 documents are requested.

We also suggest he invite an identifying witness.

Finally, he should submit a letter explaining his name change and a notarized affidavit by someone who has known him for over 10 years to verify the use of the name.

An alternative would be for him to apply for a court order name change and submit that document when it arrives.

For more information, visit Identification Documents for Passports

What if I legally only have one name?
by: Anonymous

Question: Does anyone know what happens in this situation? On my birth certificate and drivers license I only have one name (hippy parents). I need to purchase tickets but I don't know how my name will be on my passport (still processing). Any ideas? Will it be Dan Unknown?

Answer: You should not purchase tickets until your passport arrives since you will also need the passport number. Passports are usually issued in the name requested on the applications. One word names, if accepted, are entered as the last name. You can check the status of your passport application online.

AT LAST -- An answer that fits my situation
by: Anonymous

After much searching on internet, finally I found a situation, same as mine! Thank you for the FAQ section!!! There is so many different situations and new rules, these days, we are all going in circles, trying to apply for Passports!! Thanks, again

Which name do I use on Passport?
by: Vera

Question: What kind of link is necessary?

Answer: Links between names are established through the presentation of legal documents such as birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption decree and court order.

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