How Do I Change My Name in Washington?

Q: Can I use my passport with a different last name?

Using a passport with a different last name than your current identification can lead to complications during travel. It is advisable to ensure that your passport matches your other IDs. If your name has changed, you should update your passport to reflect your current legal name by providing the necessary documentation.

Q: Does my passport last name have to match my ID?

Yes, your passport last name should match your ID to prevent issues when traveling. Discrepancies can lead to delays or denied boarding. If your last name has changed, you should update your passport to ensure consistency across all your identification documents.

Full question:

I was overseas for 9 years, and changed my name there to reflect my last name and the last name of my wife (double last name, -------). i did no name changing at all in the usa, except for changing my passport. now i have moved back to the usa, and would like to get my birth name back (actually only on the passport. ssn card is still only my original name (---), as is the drivers license and car title, etc) how do i proceed? i am enlisting in the military guard under my birth name, and just want the passport to reflect what all of my other documents have.please respond.

Category: Name Change
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Washington

Answer:

The need for a legal name change may result from marriage, divorce, adoption or simply a desire to have another name. Generally, you cannot change your name for a fraudulent purpose, such as avoiding debts. Means of changing your name generally include usage (in some states using a name as your own has the affect of making it your name); court order (a court order is recommended to change your name and is required by most states); or a marriage certificate as proof of name change.

The petition is filed in the District Court in the county where the Petitioner resides. A person is not allowed to change their name in order to avoid judgments or legal actions against him or her, or to avoid debts and obligations. A person can not change their name to defraud any person. For an order of name change to be granted, the court must find sufficient reasons for the change and also find it consistent with the public interest. A change of name upon marriage, dissolution, or divorce meets these requirements. Any reasonable objections made to the court may influence the court's findings as to whether the change of name is consistent with the public interest.

The name change process begins with the filing of a petition for name change in the district court where the petitioner resides. A hearing will then be held. If there are no objections filed with the court, the court may enter the order granting change of name. Most entities will accept a legal name change order as proof of a name change in order to change records with that entity.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Does my passport name have to match my ID?

Yes, your passport name should match your ID to avoid issues when traveling. If there are discrepancies, it may lead to complications at security checkpoints or when boarding flights. If you have changed your name and want your passport to reflect that, you may need to provide legal documentation, such as a court order or marriage certificate, to update your passport.

What if my last name changed on my passport?

If your last name has changed on your passport and does not match your other identification documents, you should consider updating your passport. This typically involves providing proof of your name change, such as a court order or marriage certificate, and submitting a new passport application. It's important to ensure all your documents are consistent to avoid travel issues.

What if my name doesn't match my passport?

If your name doesn't match your passport, it can create problems when traveling. You should take steps to correct it by updating your passport to reflect your current legal name. This usually requires submitting a new application along with documentation that proves your name change, such as a court order or marriage certificate.

Can I use my passport with a different last name?

Does my passport last name have to match my ID?

Does my passport name have to match my birth certificate?

While your passport name does not have to match your birth certificate, it is important for it to be consistent with your current legal name. If you have changed your name since birth, you may need to provide legal documentation, such as a court order, to update your passport. Consistency helps avoid complications during travel.