Real ID question UPDATE POST 27

[zoo2tycoon]

I have all my documents but have a question

on my passport name is
Jane Lynn Doe Smith

on social security card
Jane L Doe Smith

on address documents (W-2 and insurance policy)
Jane Smith

Am I out of luck getting a real ID? I’m going tomorrow but am getting paranoid!

 

[TheFloatingBear]

I have all my documents but have a question

on my passport name is
Jane Lynn Doe Smith

on social security card
Jane L Doe Smith

on address documents (W-2 and insurance policy)
Jane Smith

Am I out of luck getting a real ID? I’m going tomorrow but am getting paranoid!

I'm not sure but based on my recent experience, you may have an issue. My understanding is that your name on your lawful presence document and you SSN document need to match to get a Real ID. Mine did not match and it was a bit of a hassle. I had changed my name when I got married, so I had a SS card with the correct new name, but when I got my driver's license (lawful presence) they lopped off part of my name, so they didn't match. I had a document to show the name change and both SS cards, so I was able to do it, although there was much grumbling. At the facility where I went, there was someone assessing the documents and such when you came in - like a triage or sorts, so that person may be able to tell you if you'll have an issue.

ETA: just for clarity, the new license lopped off my middle name...

 

[TheFloatingBear]

But your names aren't exactly different, it looks more like on one it is just the initial, so maybe there won't be an issue?

 

[bcla]

In most states an original SSN card isn't a specific requirement. It could be something like a 1099 or a W-2 with the SSN listed. If you have anything like that with your full name it should work if you're really worried.

However, if you're really worried about it you can request a new SSN card with a complete name. I don't believe they've used middle initials in a while on SSN cards.

I found this from the Pennsylvania DMV:

https://www.dmv.pa.gov/REALID/Pages/Name-Changes.aspx​

Middle Names vs. Middle Initials​

Another common scenario is that a proof of identity document (birth certificate or passport) will show a person's full legal name, but subsequent documents (social security card, proof of residency) will only show a middle initial. As long as the middle initial on the subsequent documents is the same as the first initial of your middle name as reflected on your proof of identity document, it is acceptable for REAL ID.​

​

For example, if your birth certificate shows "John James Doe" and your social security card and proofs of residency show "John J. Doe," this is acceptable for the purposes of REAL ID verification.​

​

However, REAL ID regulations require that your full legal name (not middle initial) is shown on your REAL ID driver's license or photo ID card. If your current driver's license or photo ID only includes your middle initial, PennDOT staff will be required to process a name change so that your full legal name is reflected on your REAL ID product.​

 

[TheFloatingBear]

It didn't look like the W-2 had the same (or full) name either...but just to add, at least in my state you can't use the same document for two purposes, so if you use the W=2 for the SS#, you'd need something else for address, although there are lots of things for that...

 

[bcla]

It didn't look like the W-2 had the same (or full) name either...but just to add, at least in my state you can't use the same document for two purposes, so if you use the W=2 for the SS#, you'd need something else for address, although there are lots of things for that...

The problem is that it's been kind of haphazardly addressed in different states. I did find the PA DMV description that stated it wouldn't be an issue. However, some states have changed their policies midstream, the readjusted them. It doesn't violate the Real ID requirements to collect something with just a middle initial, but this hasn't been all that clear.

https://www.abqjournal.com/1033852/middle-name-or-initial-ok-for-real-id.html​

“Well the state of New Mexico strikes again. I went to renew my drivers license thinking I had all the documentation that the Motor Vehicle Division required. Wrong. The Social Security card that I have had since 1969 didn’t have my middle name, only the initial.​

​

“I asked the girl why we weren’t aware of this problem, and she said it was only decided a week ago that it would be invalid and it was left up to the employee of MVD to let the applicant know. The same name with the initial was on all my 1099s that I had with me, but that didn’t make a difference. Returning home, I called the federal Social Security people who confirmed that the document I had was completely legal and should never have been in question. Now I am suppose to go to Social Security in downtown Albuquerque and request a new card and hope that the new one arrives before my expiration date at the end of the month. WHAT A MESS.”​

​

In a July 10 email, Ben Cloutier, director of communications for Tax and Rev, says “after hearing concerns from New Mexicans, the MVD sought federal guidance to make it easier for New Mexicans to obtain Real IDs. Requirements were adjusted so that applicants can present any documents with a matching first and last name with either a middle initial or spelled out middle name – as long as the names don’t conflict.”​

 

[TheFloatingBear]

The problem is that it's been kind of haphazardly addressed in different states. I did find the PA DMV description that stated it wouldn't be an issue. However, some states have changed their policies midstream, the readjusted them. It doesn't violate the Real ID requirements to collect something with just a middle initial, but this hasn't been all that clear.

https://www.abqjournal.com/1033852/middle-name-or-initial-ok-for-real-id.html​

“Well the state of New Mexico strikes again. I went to renew my drivers license thinking I had all the documentation that the Motor Vehicle Division required. Wrong. The Social Security card that I have had since 1969 didn’t have my middle name, only the initial.​

​

“I asked the girl why we weren’t aware of this problem, and she said it was only decided a week ago that it would be invalid and it was left up to the employee of MVD to let the applicant know. The same name with the initial was on all my 1099s that I had with me, but that didn’t make a difference. Returning home, I called the federal Social Security people who confirmed that the document I had was completely legal and should never have been in question. Now I am suppose to go to Social Security in downtown Albuquerque and request a new card and hope that the new one arrives before my expiration date at the end of the month. WHAT A MESS.”​

​

In a July 10 email, Ben Cloutier, director of communications for Tax and Rev, says “after hearing concerns from New Mexicans, the MVD sought federal guidance to make it easier for New Mexicans to obtain Real IDs. Requirements were adjusted so that applicants can present any documents with a matching first and last name with either a middle initial or spelled out middle name – as long as the names don’t conflict.”​

That's frustrating - yes, it would be good if they were all on the same page! I'm in MA...I can't really find anything that addresses middle name vs initial at all on the MA website, it just says that the names need to be a match and if it doesn't, you have to have a document to prove you name change. It was a pain because I could prove my name change to my married name, however they just lopped off my middle name with the new driver's license when I moved, with no initial or anything, so that was more the issue.

 

[JimMIA]

I have all my documents but have a question

on my passport name is
Jane Lynn Doe Smith

No, it's NOT, lol. I think you made that up!

 

[zoo2tycoon]

No, it's NOT, lol. I think you made that up!

you are correct only you know my true name!

 

[tazdev3225]

In most states an original SSN card isn't a specific requirement. It could be something like a 1099 or a W-2 with the SSN listed. If you have anything like that with your full name it should work if you're really worried.

However, if you're really worried about it you can request a new SSN card with a complete name. I don't believe they've used middle initials in a while on SSN cards.

I found this from the Pennsylvania DMV:

https://www.dmv.pa.gov/REALID/Pages/Name-Changes.aspx​

Middle Names vs. Middle Initials​

Another common scenario is that a proof of identity document (birth certificate or passport) will show a person's full legal name, but subsequent documents (social security card, proof of residency) will only show a middle initial. As long as the middle initial on the subsequent documents is the same as the first initial of your middle name as reflected on your proof of identity document, it is acceptable for REAL ID.​

​

For example, if your birth certificate shows "John James Doe" and your social security card and proofs of residency show "John J. Doe," this is acceptable for the purposes of REAL ID verification.​

​

However, REAL ID regulations require that your full legal name (not middle initial) is shown on your REAL ID driver's license or photo ID card. If your current driver's license or photo ID only includes your middle initial, PennDOT staff will be required to process a name change so that your full legal name is reflected on your REAL ID product.​

I got the real ID in Pennsylvania before last summer. My license has always had my full name and my passport just the middle initial. The DMV just changed my license/real ID to my middle initial to match my passport. Took no time at all.

 

[easyas123]

For what it's worth...
I'm a Jane. A. Smith-Doe legally (dumb move on my part for me, hyphenated name has been a PITA for darn near 30 years, but I digress)
My passport has said that as long as I've been married. My W2 and all my utility/mortgage bills have Jane Doe.
My SS card has Jane A. Smith

I took in my SS card w/ my maiden name, utility / mortgage statement in my married only name. And my old license and passport in my hyphenated name.

No issues what so ever in getting the real ID documents confirmed w/ that combo of names and my original SS card Of course here in MD I already had real ID compliant license w/ the star or whatever it is that is on there but for one reaso.n or another they issued some licenses w/o FIRST getting paperwork so I still had to go in, even though I already had it. When I asked about it all the MVA chick could do is shrug her shoulders and tell me I wasn't by no means the only one in our state who had gotten the new license w/o first presenting the docs. She said, and I quote "this whole thing, it's a bit of a cluster...."

 

[Princess Mulan]

Apparently, it depends upon the state and even the individual clerk whether the names need to be exact on all documents. To avoid problems at the real ID office, I made sure my name was the same on all documents, which involved quite a bit of preparation and work. But at least now my name is consistent on everything.

Interestingly enough, all agencies, offices, businesses, etc., that I had to deal with were very understanding about the necessity of a consistent name. They are dealing with this quite a bit all across the country.

 

[Toolulu22]

I went and did this as well. I dropped my middle name when I got married, then had a hyphenated last name. Divorced, went back to my own last name without my middle name (which I just never liked). However, my middle name is on my birth certificate.

When I decided to go for my KTN and Real ID, I decided to make the effort to make my names consistent on all my official documents. I now have reclaimed my middle name and have one consistent name on everything. I never took my second husband’s last name BTW, he’s seen how much of a PITA this process has been and he is perfectly fine with that decision.

 

[bcla]

Apparently, it depends upon the state and even the individual clerk whether the names need to be exact on all documents. To avoid problems at the real ID office, I made sure my name was the same on all documents, which involved quite a bit of preparation and work. But at least now my name is consistent on everything.

Interestingly enough, all agencies, offices, businesses, etc., that I had to deal with were very understanding about the necessity of a consistent name. They are dealing with this quite a bit all across the country.

If TSA can figure this out, I'm not sure why all these state agencies can't. They could simply apply a little bit of common sense understanding the reality of middle initials being used. I had an issue where my passport contained my exact full name but my driver license didn't because of an issue. But ironically enough when I got a Real ID compliant driver license I got my full name back.

 

[Diznygrl]

Yeah honestly it really depends on what state, what particular DMV office, or whether or not the person who is processing you decides to be a hmmhole on a power trip. Very inconsistent across the board.

 

[Princess Mulan]

If TSA can figure this out, I'm not sure why all these state agencies can't. They could simply apply a little bit of common sense understanding the reality of middle initials being used. I had an issue where my passport contained my exact full name but my driver license didn't because of an issue. But ironically enough when I got a Real ID compliant driver license I got my full name back.

I agree: States (and the clerks who actually do the work) should be able to figure this out. I’ve learned, though, not to depend upon them having common sense.

 

[bcla]

I agree: States (and the clerks who actually do the work) should be able to figure this out. I’ve learned, though, not to depend upon them having common sense.

We had a complete mess up when someone at the California DMV got confirmation from DHS that their plan for two proofs of residence could include one proof being that the license was received at the address. The had to clean it up with a mailing to the address that was responded to if the mailing to the address was originally considered one proof - either by signing that the address is correct or including two copies of documents indicating the mailing address.

https://www.latimes.com/travel/la-t...residence-drivers-license-20190708-story.html
I don't quite get why California was singled out. I've read that other states consider the previous driver license with the mailing address to be one proof of residence.

 

[avengerspoilerer]

Why are you worried about a Real ID when you have a passport?

 

[bcla]

Why are you worried about a Real ID when you have a passport?

Not everyone wants to carry around a passport since it doesn't quite fit in a wallet. That being said, I initially got my passport card because my state was slow in getting Real ID compliant and because there was no guarantee that the feds would keep on issuing waivers.

I have a Real ID compliant driver license now, but I still plan on renewing my passport card. I think it's useful and the cost isn't that much.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Probably OP doesn't want to carry a passport on domestic flights?