Full name too long for USA passport application. What to do?

Full name too long for USA passport application. What to do? - Woman Sitting on Ground and Embracing Brown Hat Full of Cabbage Leaves

I want to only submit a passport once and want everything to go well.

My full name is much too long to fit on the passport, and it says to add first, middle, and last name.

My mother's full name is even longer and is impossible to shorten and fit without initials.

Is it safe to use initials? The application states nothing about this, and I can't find any good info about this, but there's no other way without either withdrawing the middle name(s) entirely or using initials.

I don't want any delays or issues that will take longer to approve, but don't know what's safest to do.



Best Answer

The paper DS-11 form has only spaces for 21 characters for your last name, 17 for your first name, and 16 for your middle name. The online DS-11 form, which generates a file you must print, accepts 35 characters for each of first name, middle name and last name.

Unless you are this woman, that should be sufficient.

Your surname should not be truncated on the passport, but your middle or first names might be if they are too long. The names may also be truncated in the machine-readable data lines at the bottom of the information page. This doesn't affect your passport validity.




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Full name too long for USA passport application. What to do? - A Person Jogging on the Sidewalk



How do I correct error on my US passport?

Correct a Data or Printing Error can be corrected at no charge if the passport is still valid. To correct a data or printing error: Complete Form DS-5504. Submit form by mail with your passport, one color photo, and evidence of the error (e.g. your U.S. birth certificate showing the correct spelling of your last name).

Can I mess up on my passport application?

Avoid any kind of errors on the application \u2013 Cross-outs, white-out, or any other marks on the application are strictly forbidden. It's better to pay close attention while filling out the form and use black ink only. Filling the form online and printing is suggested.

How do I change my full name on my passport?

A: To change the surname in the passport, you have to apply for a "Re-issue" of passport and get the specified change done in the personal particulars. To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Advisor" link on Home page.

How long does it take to get incorrect info changed on passport?

How Long Does it Take to Change or Correct a Passport? No-fee service by mail will take up to 8 weeks. Expedited passport corrections by mail cost $60 in government fees and take 2-3 weeks to be processed.



How to Fill Out the DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport




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Images: Ron Lach, Charlotte May, Brett Sayles, Garrison Gao