Proof of Legal Name Change: Documents That Link Your Names
Proof of legal name change is an official document showing how your name changed from the name on one record to the name you use now. Agencies ask for it when the name on your application differs from the name on your birth certificate or other evidence.
What vital record do you need?
Choose your certificate to start your order.
What the State Department accepts
Under 22 CFR 51.25, the State Department recognizes a name change for passport purposes if it occurred in one of these ways:
- By court order or decree, including a divorce decree that specifically restores a former name
- By naturalization, with a Certificate of Naturalization issued in the new name
- By marriage, shown by a copy of the marriage certificate
- By state law, through government-issued legal documentation
- By customary usage, which requires long public and exclusive use of the adopted name, generally five years, with three or more public documents including a government photo ID
Other agencies
California's DMV tells REAL ID applicants that if their current legal name differs from the name on their identity document, they need name-change documents. USCIS issues a Certificate of Naturalization in the new name if the applicant shows a valid court order or other proof of a legal name change before naturalizing. After naturalizing, a name change can be handled with Form N-565 and proof of the name change.
Getting the document
A marriage certificate or divorce decree comes from the office that holds that record. Court orders come from the court. Each agency decides which documents it accepts, so check its instructions. This page is general information and not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is a marriage certificate proof of a name change?
For passport purposes, the State Department accepts a copy of the marriage certificate as one way a name change occurs.
Does a divorce decree work?
The State Department accepts a decree that specifically restores a former name.
Do I need certified copies?
Requirements differ by agency. Check the instructions for the office asking.
Sources
US Records is a private company and is not a government agency. Government agencies issue certified records; we help you order them.
Written By
US Records TeamThe US Records Team writes and reviews guides on birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates, using state statutes, agency instructions and court records as sources.
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