Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

Re: Name Change

Thanks for your email. As both an attorney, and someone that used to work at the Dept. of State (the agency issuing passports), I do know the answer to this one.

First, you must LEGALLY change your name. The procedure to do so varies from state to state, but most require a court order. If you are in the process of a divorce, the court can order a name change as part of your dissolution.

Secondly, you must Complete form DSP-19, Passport Amendment/Validation Application, AND enclose a certified copy of a marriage certificate or your name change court decree, and mail your valid U.S passport to the nearest passport agency.

Photocopies and notarized copies of any documents are not acceptable for passport purposes.

Afterwards, from 2-10 weeks, you will receive the new passport with ONLY your new name on it. There is not a listing for AKAs on a passport, so only your current legal name will appear. The Dept of State computer system, however, will continue to have both names as part of your passport history.