Do I need to show name change documents?
You only need to show name change documents if your legal name is different than what appears on your proof of identity document, such as a birth certificate or passport.
You do need to show name change documents if:
- Your birth certificate or passport shows a maiden name, and your current legal name reflects a married name or another name change.
- You’ve legally changed your name due to marriage, divorce, adoption, or court order.
- You’ve added, removed, or changed any part of your name (first, middle, or last) and your identity document doesn’t reflect the change.
- You use your maiden name as a middle name and your documents do not clearly show a logical connection between names.
You do not need to show name change documents if:
- Your legal name already appears on your proof of identity document (e.g., your passport shows your married name).
- Your other documents (like your Social Security card or proof of residency) use a middle initial that matches the middle name on your identity document.
- Your passport or birth certificate shows a middle initial, and your other documents spell out the same name in full — as long as the initial matches.
If your documents show a clear and logical connection between names, you may not need to take further steps. If there’s any uncertainty, bringing legal proof of a name change can help avoid delays.
Accepted name change documents
If your proof of identity document does not match your legal name, you must provide one of the following:
- A certified marriage certificate issued by the county court where your marriage license was processed
- Court order granting a name change
- Adoption records
- An amended, certified birth certificate with a raised or embossed seal issued by a government office
Types of name changes
Maiden name change
If your name changed due to marriage and is not reflected on your proof of identity document, you must provide legal documentation.
Marriage certificates will only be accepted if they:
- Are certified copies (no photocopies).
- Were issued and certified by county office such as Orphans Court, Registrar of Wills, etc.
Marriage certificates will not be accepted if they are:
- Commemorative certificates signed by an officiant (clergy, celebrant, justice of the peace, etc.).
- Marriage licenses (a license is an application to marry, not proof of marriage).
Using maiden name as middle name
If you changed your middle name to your maiden name (e.g., "Jane Marie Smith" to "Jane Smith Johnson"), your documents must show a logical connection between names.
Example:
- Birth certificate: "Jane Marie Smith"
- Certified marriage certificate: "Jane Smith married Fred Johnson"
- Social Security card/proof of residency: "Jane Smith Johnson"
Married outside of Pennsylvania
If you were married outside Pennsylvania, contact the county office in which the marriage license was issued to request a certified copy of your marriage certificate. Requirements typically include, but may vary:
- Full names of both spouses at the time of marriage.
- Date and location of marriage.
- Purpose of request.
- Relationship to the individuals named on the certificate.
- Contact information.
Middle name vs. middle initial
Your REAL ID must display your full legal name as shown on your proof of identity document, unless you provide legal documentation of a name change.
- If your proof of identity document includes a full middle name (e.g., "John James Doe") but other documents only show an initial (e.g., "John J. Doe"), this is acceptable for REAL ID.
- If your proof of identity document shows a middle initial (e.g., "Mary J. Doe") but other documents spell it out in full (e.g., "Mary Josephine Doe"), the REAL ID will reflect the name on your proof of identity document ("Mary J. Doe").
Confirmation or other additional names
If you use a confirmation name or another additional name as your middle name but do not have legal documentation (such as a court order) to verify the change, it will not be accepted for REAL ID.
If your other documents (such as a Social Security card) include a confirmation name not listed on your proof of identity document, you have two options:
- Use the name on your proof of identity document. Update other documents (Social Security card, proof of residency, etc.) to match.
- Obtain a court order to legally change your name.
What if my name changed after getting a REAL ID?
Your REAL ID must always reflect your legal name. If your name changes, you must:
- Update your name with the Social Security Administration first.
- Bring legal documentation of the name change (such as a certified marriage certificate or court order) to a PennDOT Driver License Center.
- Surrender your current REAL ID (you can only have one REAL ID at a time).
- Have a new photo taken and pay the replacement fee for a new REAL ID with your updated name.