Many people have dual citizenship and therefore multiple passports. Having multiple passports can be convenient, e.g. when travelling, as visa policies can vary according to your nationality. So, what happens if your passports do not show the same personal data? This article explains more about dual citizenship and changing your name so your passports match.

Different passports, different problems

It may seem cool to have different passports, but there can be complications. When travelling, many countries ask you to show the same passport with which you entered the country when leaving the country. Border control wants to check that you have left. You may therefore have to show both passports. Particularly if the passport with which you travelled the first part of your journey on and the one with which you shall continue or take your return journey on are different.
If your passports do not match, that is a certain recipe for additional security checks and intensive questioning at airports. Being compared to James Bond with your double identity is no fun when you are being detained by immigration.

In addition, having different names on different passports may also affect other areas of your life. For example, if your degree or professional qualifications show a different name to your registered personal data, it may complicate job hunting. You will have to elaborate (and prove) to your potential employer that you are the same person.

Why would my passports not match?

Regarding name changes, the law of your nationality is applicable. Each country decides independently how its citizens are named. So each passport will contain your name according to that nationality. A foreign court has no jurisdiction over the name given to you by a sovereign state. You will have to apply to the country of your nationality to change your name. For example a dual British and Dutch citizen can change their name by deed pole in the UK, but this change is not valid in The Netherlands.

If you changed your name in one country, that changes the name on your passport of that country. It does not affect your other passport.
Unless you legally change your name in all of the countries you are a national of, you may end up having passports with different names. You may also always have had two different names on your passports because of local rules or customs about spelling or order of names when you gained dual citizenship.

How can I correct my passports to show the same name(s)?

It is advisable to check the requirements of all countries where you have been issued a passport prior to deciding to change your name.

In The Netherlands, changing your first name requires a court procedure. You may request to change your name so that it matches your other passport. Changing your surname is not always possible to achieve in The Netherlands as the administrative procedure only lists limited grounds for surname change. Please remember that you have to have Dutch nationality before you can change your name here.

If you have any questions about how to go about correcting passports or name change, we are happy to discuss the options with you, so you know beforehand what is and is not possible.

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