Is changing name on DM so easy?
Jul 26, 2012, 9:11 pm
#1
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: DFW
Programs: AA 1M
Posts: 31,474
Is changing name on DM so easy?
Was surprised that I could change my wife's name online, without any documentation. There was a note that said they would get back to me if they had issues. Do they really get back?
Jul 27, 2012, 7:27 am
#2
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Cary, NC
Programs: US Gold; National Executive Elite; Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 41
Yes, its that easy. They never responded back to me and changed my last name.
I was surprised, since even to change my name on all the hotel reward programs I had to provide marriage license.
If I had to guess, perhaps they only contact you if it seems suspicious....such as changing first name and birthdate....which could mean you are transfering account to family member.
As a side note, I wish I would of kept my maiden name for DM since my passport was my maiden name. I had to get an entire new passport as if it was my first.
I was surprised, since even to change my name on all the hotel reward programs I had to provide marriage license.
If I had to guess, perhaps they only contact you if it seems suspicious....such as changing first name and birthdate....which could mean you are transfering account to family member.
As a side note, I wish I would of kept my maiden name for DM since my passport was my maiden name. I had to get an entire new passport as if it was my first.
Jul 27, 2012, 8:09 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: DFW
Programs: AA 1M
Posts: 31,474
What do you mean by transferring to a family member with the same birthdate ?
Jul 27, 2012, 7:24 pm
#4
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: BGM/ PHL
Programs: US (Silver, *A Silver), AA, Starbucks (Gold)
Posts: 2,242
Submit form DS-82 if ALL of the following are true:
Your Most Recent U.S. Passport:
*Is undamaged and can be submitted with your application
*Was issued when you were age 16 or older
*Was issued within the last 15 years
*Was issued in your current name or you can legally document your name change
Your Most Recent U.S. Passport:
*Is undamaged and can be submitted with your application
*Was issued when you were age 16 or older
*Was issued within the last 15 years
*Was issued in your current name or you can legally document your name change
If the passport was less than 12 months old, you can use form DS-5504. It's an even simpler process and you don't have to pay the passport fee again.
Jul 27, 2012, 9:09 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Pittsburgh
Programs: MR/SPG LT Titanium, AA LT PLT, UA SLV, Avis PreferredPlus
Posts: 30,989
She said "changing first name and birthdate" - I change Rich, born in 1985 to Steve born in 1980. i.e., transfer my account to a family member, my brother.
I would hope US has some way to prevent/detect such changes, especially if you can also change last name, address, etc. That would make fraud rather easy.
Jul 28, 2012, 8:22 am
#6
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Cary, NC
Programs: US Gold; National Executive Elite; Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 41
I'm not sure that's correct. Here's what I found on the DoS website for the standard mail renewal form (DS-82):
Wouldn't a marriage license constitute legal documentation of a name change? I know it's acceptable for changing your last name on your driver's license (at least in New York State).
If the passport was less than 12 months old, you can use form DS-5504. It's an even simpler process and you don't have to pay the passport fee again.
Wouldn't a marriage license constitute legal documentation of a name change? I know it's acceptable for changing your last name on your driver's license (at least in New York State).
If the passport was less than 12 months old, you can use form DS-5504. It's an even simpler process and you don't have to pay the passport fee again.
Jul 28, 2012, 8:29 pm
#7
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: BGM/ PHL
Programs: US (Silver, *A Silver), AA, Starbucks (Gold)
Posts: 2,242
Gotcha, I misunderstood - thought they made you apply as if it was original (in person at the post office, bring your birth certificate, etc....)