Genealogy Chat

Does anyone know if it was possible in the late 1950's/early 60's to apply for a passport using a common law name i.e. my grandmother may not have been married to my grandfather but had a passport in his name. I've drawn a blank on finding a marriage record and can't see how else she could have done it. Sue

hi sue as far as i am aware a passport must be applied for in your legal name if you change your name you must have the deed poll records to prove this i would think this has always applied she may have changed her name by deed poll lorraine

I got my first passport in 1968 and all I had to provide was a copy of my marriage cert - this was because I wanted a passport of my own. I am failry sure (but not certain) that a wife could still go on her husband's passport. Things didnt really tighten up until about ten years ago. I stupidly let my passport lapse and had to jump through hoops, not only having to supply my full birth cert, but both marriage certs AND both sets of divorce papers! OC

You can change your name without a Deed Poll - an advert to say words to the effect that 'I Jane Bloggs will in future be known as Wilhelmina Clutterbuck' would be sufficient, or just changing your name and letting everyone who deals with you know how you wish to be known in future. The essential element is that you should not be doing this in order to defraud etc. As far as a passport goes I've just filled in an application form and there was a section to fill in previous name if you were changing your name. This required marriage certificate or divorce document or 'your change of name deed or a statutory declaration (see our website for more information)' In case of changing back to maiden name they ask for a birth certificate and 'a statement confirming that you will be using your maiden name for all purposes' As OC says things have tightened up in recent years so back when your grandmother got her passport she certainly wouldn't have needed more than this and may have needed less.