NO2ID

Hi everyone

I wanted to shorten the name on my passport e.g. from 'john david james smith' to 'david smith'. I went to see a solicitor about this and he said with ID problems nowadays you might be giving yourself too much hassle. I've always used the shortened version (e.g. david smith) of my full legal name (e.g. john david james smith) on all correspondence. The full name is only on my passport, driving license and marriage certificate. He also says the passport office might give me hassle too about this.

1. Does anyone know anything about this? I've always thought it's one right to be known by whatever name one wants...???...

Also, I went to get my photos taken. The gentleman at the photo place told me I had to remove my glasses (which I wear all the time) as the passport office are now quite strict and he's had cases of photos being returned.

I looked through the application form and the photo guidelines. It says that one can wear them but you need to be careful about reflection and glare. But one could remove them too.

2. I'm worried that if I remove them I might get an ID problem at an airport or generally in the future...???..

3. Does anyone know anything about having passport photos with their glasses on. I'm wondering if it would make any difference if I used the check-and-send service at the post office and ask them what they think about my photos with the glasses on...???...

Thank you.

I have my passport photo with no glasses but when crossing the border I usually wear them. I only had funny looks given once when I simply removed the glasses for a few seconds so the immigration officer could compare my appearance with the passport photo.

Change solicitor-he's talking rubbish. Simply fill in a Deed on change of name ( does not have to be a deed poll) with a short covering letter explaining reasons for name change - your passport will be back with you in the normal time.

I renewed my passport two years ago, and my passport photo depicts me wearing glasses (I wear them all the time).

I recommend that if you want to get a passport photo depicting you wearing glasses, use a professional photography studio instead of a photo booth. My photo was taken at a photography studio and I was able to preview my photo before it was printed out, so I could check that there were no reflections on my glasses and that my eyes could be seen clearly (which is also important).

Thanks very much.



Do I have to give a reason?...the application form doesn't ask one to give a reason...???...

Thanks

Off the top of my head... it might be a sensible move, to pre-empt any future allegation that you changed your name for fraudulent purposes.

It is. However, all sorts of organisations don't like it, because it makes it more difficult to perform cross-checks on you. As long as you don't do it to defraud, however, it remains perfectly legal until the Identity Cards Act 2006 is fully in effect (and perhaps even then).



He isn't talking rubbish, for the reasons noted above. Bureaucracies regard unusual personal choices as inherently suspicious.

The description of procedure by the guest is inaccurate, and implies a misunderstanding. The only purpose in (historically) executing a deed poll, or (in modern times) making a statutory declaration of your change of name, is to produce an officially recognised connection between your former name and your new one.
(Procedure explained here: http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/family_parent/family/change_of_name.htm

As far as shortening your name by dropping middle names is concerned, then in practice you can probably just do it, since your first and last names, your address and date of birth are what matter to most clerical systems, and no conflicts are likely to be created in any significant records.

If you aren't breaking any law, then your worry is how the system will cope. As long as you don't introduce any conflicting information, then the system is likely to accept a tacit change. Doing things the "official" way by statutory declaration might be an unnecessary complication.

guest was me. Having changed my name several times I do understand the requirements of said "bureaucracies"

A deed on change of name is not a change of name through deed poll; it is simply a reinforcement of change of name through useage. This document does not require a solicitor. It is sufficient to supply this document along with a covering letter to the IPS (as mentioned to allay suspicioin and fears) to change one's name on ones passport. It is equivalent to first year law study.

Dear -Sir(s).I have recently changed my hair style, have two passport size photgraghs, and wished t have one attached to my present up to date passport.
Please could tell me what the procedure will be !
I remain yours.
Sincerley Delphina- Fisher. (Ms)