Guidance

United States: Knowledge Base profile

Updated 2 October 2025

About: United States

This document contains useful information about the United States which will assist His Majesty’s Passport Office staff process passport applications.

Contacts

If you have any questions about the document and your line manager or senior caseworker cannot help you or you think that the document has factual errors then email the Guidance team.

If you notice any formatting errors in this document (broken links, spelling mistakes and so on) or have any comments about the layout or navigability of the document then you can email the Guidance team.

Publication

Below is information on when this version of the document was published:

• version 8.0
• published for Home Office staff on 22 September 2025

Changes from last version of this document

This document has been

• updated:
  • to give more information about middle names in US passports
  • with current gender recognition information
  • to explain HM Passport Office will not ask for name alignment when there is a space between surname and surname prefix, for example MC or MAC
  • to tell staff the date of marriage shown on the customer’s birth certificate is not sufficient to confirm parental responsibility, the customer will need to provide the marriage certificate
• reformatted in the Legitimacy and parental responsibility section to make searching for this information in each state, territory or federal districts easier to find

United States: names

This section gives HM Passport Office operational staff information about names in the United States including the suffix JR, character limits on US passports, using initials for middle names, how people can change their name in the US and name alignment for US passports.

The United States passport may include:

• forename – in full
• middle names – in full or as initials
• surname – in full

Children can also have the suffix ‘JR’ added to their surname on their birth certificate and this will also be replicated on their United States passport.

The United States passport has space for up to 40 characters in both the forename and surname fields.

Some United States passports contain a space after a surname prefix, such as MC or MAC. The Department of State does not have specific guidance for how this should be formatted. It can be down to the preference of the passport holder.

Change of name

Name changes are legal in the United States. People living outside the United States can apply in person at a United States embassy or consulate to change their name.

A change of name is allowed under the following:

• marriage
• civil partnership
• court order
• divorce or dissolution of civil partnership
• widowed applicants reverting to former or birth name
• change of name deed or statutory declaration
• adoption
• change of name through usage (used for five years or more)

The United States passport may include an observation to record a ‘known as name’, if the holder does not meet the name change criteria mentioned in the bullets above but has assumed a name for professional or other bona fide reasons.

Name alignment

HM Passport Office will not ask the customer to align their United States passport if:

• the name on the British passport application is shown in an observation on the United States passport
• a customer applies for a British passport showing their middle names in full but where the United States passport shows the middle names as initials
• a customer applies for a British passport where the surname has a prefix, for example MC or MAC, and the United States passports show a space between the prefix and the surname

United States: nationality

This section gives HM Passport Office operational staff information about nationality in the United States.

Dual nationality is allowed, except for people working in certain government jobs.

Everyone born in the United States has automatic citizenship, with the exception of children of foreign diplomats.

United States: legitimacy and parental responsibility

This section gives HM Passport Office operational staff information about legitimacy and parental responsibility in the United States.

Legitimacy

Each state has its own laws on legitimacy.

HM Passport Office has information for all states, territories and federal districts.

Parental responsibility

Parental responsibility (PR) in the United States can be referred to as custody in some states, territories and federal districts.

HM Passport Office has information for all states, territories and federal districts.

Staff will need to check the information for each state, territory and federal districts if parents are married to confirm if being married gives both parents PR as there may be other requirements.

For HM Passport Office purposes, the date of marriage on the birth certificate is not acceptable. The customer will need to provide the parents’ marriage certificate even if there is a date of marriage on the customer’s birth certificate.

Where parents are not married each state has its own laws on parental responsibility for unmarried fathers. The mother will have custody of a child in all states, territories and federal districts but there may be times when an unmarried father also has custody depending on the state, territories or federal district laws.

Legitimacy and PR information for all states, territories and federal districts

Press Ctrl (control) key and F together and type in the name of the state, territory or federal district that you need the information for.

Alabama: legitimacy

Alabama recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered:

• legitimate:
  • if the parents were married at the time of the birth
  • from the time of the marriage, if the parents marry after the birth
  • if established by a court order
• illegitimate if the parents never marry

Alabama: parental responsibility

Both parents will have custody if:

• they marry after the child is born; or,
• it is granted by a court order

Alaska: legitimacy

Alaska recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered:

• legitimate:
  • if the parents were married at the time of the birth
  • from the time of the marriage, if the parents marry after the birth
  • if born before 1 July 1997 and the father acknowledges the child in writing
  • if born after 1 July 1997 and both parents acknowledge the child in writing
  • established by a court order
• illegitimate if the parents never marry

Alaska: parental responsibility

Both parents have custody if they are named on the birth certificate unless a court order removes it.

American Samoa: legitimacy

American Samoa recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered:

• legitimate:
  • the parents were married at the time of the birth
  • from the time of the marriage, if the parents marry after the birth
  • established by a court order
• illegitimate if the parents never marry

American Samoa: parental responsibility

Both parents have custody if:

• they are named on the birth certificate; or,
• father acknowledges he is the father of the child

Arizona: legitimacy

Arizona does not recognise a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births. All children are born legitimate whether their parents were married or not.

Arizona: parental responsibility

Father will be given joint custody with the mother if:

• he is named on the birth certificate; and
• a court order gives him it

Arkansas: legitimacy

Arkansas recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered:

• legitimate if:
  • the parents were married at the time of the birth
  • from the time of the marriage, if the parents marry after the birth and the father recognises the child
  • the parents marry after conception
  • the parents never marry, and the father acknowledges the child in writing
  • the parents never marry, and the father signs the birth certificate
  • established by court order
• illegitimate if the parents never marry and the father:
  • does not acknowledge the child
  • does not sign the birth certificate

Arkansas; parental responsibility

The mother will have sole custody unless the father is granted joint custody by a court order.

California: legitimacy

California does not recognise a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births. All children are born legitimate whether their parents were married or not.

California: parental responsibility

Both parents have custody if they are named on the birth certificate unless a court order removes it.

Colorado: legitimacy

Colorado does not recognise a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births. All children are born legitimate whether their parents were married or not.

Colorado: parental responsibility

Both parents have parental responsibility if they are named on the birth certificate unless a court order removes it.

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: legitimacy

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands does not recognise a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births. All children are born legitimate whether their parents were married or not.

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: parental responsibility

Both parents share custody if a parental relationship is established

Connecticut: legitimacy

From 1 January 2022 Connecticut does not recognise a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births. All children are born legitimate whether their parents were married or not.

Before 1 January 2022 Connecticut recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered legitimate if:

• the parents were married at the time of the birth
• established by a court order
• the parents were not married at the time of birth and:
  • the father acknowledges the child either in Connecticut or another state; or,
• the biological parents are listed on the birth certificate

A child will be considered illegitimate if the parents never marry and the father does not acknowledge the child.

Connecticut: parental responsibility

Both parents have custody if they are named on the birth certificate unless a court order removes it.

Delaware: legitimacy

Delaware recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered:

• legitimate if:
  • the parents were married at the time of the birth
  • from the time of the marriage, if the parents marry after the birth
  • both parents are named on the birth certificate
• illegitimate if the parents never marry and the father is not named on the birth certificate

Delaware: parental responsibility

Both parents have custody if they are named on the birth certificate unless a court order removes it.

Florida: legitimacy

Florida recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered:

• legitimate if:
  • the parents were married at the time of the birth
  • from the time of the marriage, if the parents marry after the birth
  • the parents never marry, and the father acknowledges the child in writing
  • established by a court order
• illegitimate if the parents never marry and the father does not acknowledge the child

Florida: parental responsibility

The mother will have sole custody unless the father is granted joint custody by a court order.

Georgia: legitimacy

Georgia recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered:

• legitimate if:
  • the parents were married at the time of the birth
  • from the time of the marriage, if the parents marry after the birth and the father recognises the child
  • the parents never marry, and the father acknowledges the child through a Paternity Acknowledgment Form filed with the Georgia State Office of Vital Records if the child is born between July 1 2008 and July 1 2016
  • established by a court order
• illegitimate if the parents never marry and the father does not acknowledge the child

Georgia: parental responsibility

Both parents will have custody if:

• the birth is legitimate; and,
• it is granted by a court order

Guam: legitimacy

Guam recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered:

• legitimate if:
  • the parents were married at the time of the birth
  • from the time of the marriage, if the parents marry between conception and the child’s 18th birthday
  • both parents are named on the birth certificate
  • established by a court order
• illegitimate if the parents never marry and the father is not named on the birth certificate

Guam: parental responsibility

Both parents will have custody if the birth is legitimate.

Hawaii: legitimacy

Hawaii recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered:

• legitimate if:
  • the parents were married at the time of the birth
  • from the time of the marriage, if the parents marry after the birth
  • the parents are named on the birth certificate
  • the parents provide written evidence of paternity
  • established by a court order
• illegitimate if:
  • the parents are not married
  • the father is not named on the birth certificate
  • the parents do not provide written evidence of paternity

Hawaii: parental responsibility

Both parents share custody unless a court order says otherwise.

Idaho: legitimacy

Idaho recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered:

• legitimate if:
  • the parents were married at the time of the birth
  • from the time of the marriage, if the parents marry after the birth
  • established by a court order
• illegitimate if the parents never marry

Idaho: parental responsibility

Both parents share custody if:

• they are both named on the birth certificate; or,
• the father files a voluntary acknowledgement of paternity with vital statistics; or,
• paternity is established by a court order

Illinois: legitimacy

From 1 January 2016 Illinois does not recognise a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births. All children are born legitimate whether their parents were married or not.

Before 1 January 2016, Illinois recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered legitimate if:

• their parents were at the time of the birth (even if the relationship is declared invalid after the birth):
  • married
  • in a civil union
  • in a substantially similar legal relationship, except as provided by a valid gestational surrogacy contract, or other law
• they were born within 300 days of a marriage, civil union or substantially similar legal relationship ending
• parents’ marriage, civil union or substantially similar legal relationship is declared invalid, but the person consented to being named as a parent on the birth certificate

A child will be considered illegitimate if the parents never:

• marry
• enter into a civil union
• enter into a substantially similar legal relationship

Illinois: parental responsibility

Father will be given joint custody with the mother if:

• paternity is established by a court; or,
• he acknowledges the child

Indiana: legitimacy

Indiana recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered legitimate if:

• the parents were married at the time of the birth
• paternity is established by a legal cause of action:
  • if the child is at least 20 years of age while the father was alive
  • if the child is under 20 years of age while the father was alive
  • if the child is under 20 years of age within 5 months of the father’s death
• from the time of the marriage, if the parents marry after the birth and the father acknowledges the child
• the parents are not married, and the father executes an affidavit of paternity

A child will be considered illegitimate if:

• the parents never marry
• the father does not execute an affidavit of paternity

Indiana: parental responsibility

Father will be given joint custody with the mother if:

• they file an affidavit of paternity; or
• it is established by a court order

Iowa: legitimacy

Iowa recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered:

• legitimate if:
  • the parents were married at the time of the birth
  • from the time of the marriage, if the parents marry after the birth
• illegitimate if the parents never marry

Iowa: parental responsibility

Father will be given joint custody with the mother if:

• he is named on the birth certificate or paternity is acknowledged; and,
• granted by a court order

Kansas: legitimacy

Kansas does not recognise a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births. All children are born legitimate whether their parents were married or not.

Kansas: parental responsibility

Both parents have custody if they are named on the birth certificate unless a court order removes it.

Kentucky: legitimacy

Kentucky does not recognise a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births. All children are born legitimate whether their parents were married or not.

Kentucky: parental responsibility

Both parents have custody if they are named on the birth certificate unless a court order removes it.

Louisiana: legitimacy

Louisiana does not recognise a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births. All children are born legitimate whether their parents were married or not.

Louisiana: parental responsibility

Father will be given joint custody with the mother:

• if he is named on the birth certificate or paternity has been established; and,
• granted by a court order

Maine: legitimacy

From 15 October 2015 Maine does not recognise a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births. All children are born legitimate whether their parents were married or not.

Before 15 October 2015 Maine recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered:

• legitimate if:
  • the parents were married at the time of the birth
  • from the time of the marriage, if the parents marry after the birth
  • established by a court order
• illegitimate if the parents never marry

Maine: parental responsibility

Both parents have custody if they are named on the birth certificate unless a court order removes it.

Maryland: legitimacy

Maryland recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered:

• legitimate if:
  • the parents were married at the time of the birth
  • from the time of the marriage if the parents marry or enter into a domestic partnership after the birth and the father acknowledges paternity either orally or in writing
  • the parents are not married or in a domestic partnership and the father acknowledges the child
  • the father has openly acknowledged the child (for example, signed any official documentation as the father)
  • established by a court order
• illegitimate, if:
  • the parents never marry
  • the father does not acknowledge the child whether married (or in a domestic partnership) to the mother or not

Maryland: parental responsibility

Both parents have custody if they are named on the birth certificate unless a court order removes it.

Massachusetts: legitimacy

Massachusetts does not recognise a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births. All children are born legitimate whether their parents were married or not.

Massachusetts: parental responsibility

The mother will have sole custody unless the father is granted joint custody by a court order.

Michigan: legitimacy

Michigan recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered:

• legitimate if:
  • the parents were married at the time of the birth
  • from the time of the marriage, if the parents marry after the birth
  • both parents are named on the birth certificate
  • the father acknowledges the child
  • established by a court order
• illegitimate if the parents never marry and the father:
  • is not named on the birth certificate; or,
  • has not acknowledged the child

Michigan: parental responsibility

The mother will have sole custody unless the father is granted joint custody by a court order.

Minnesota: legitimacy

Minnesota does not recognise a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births. All children are born legitimate whether their parents were married or not.

Minnesota: parental responsibility

The mother will have sole custody unless the father is granted joint custody by a court order.

Mississippi: legitimacy

Mississippi recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered:

• legitimate if:
  • the parents were married at the time of the birth
  • from the time of the marriage, if the parents marry after the birth and the father acknowledges the child
  • established by a court order
• illegitimate if the parents never marry

Mississippi: parental responsibility

The mother will have sole custody unless the father is granted joint custody by a court order.

Missouri: legitimacy

Missouri recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered:

• legitimate if:
  • the parents were married at the time of the birth
  • from the time of the marriage, if the parents marry after the birth
  • established by a court order
• illegitimate if the parents never marry

Missouri: parental responsibility

Both parents have custody if they are named on the birth certificate unless a court order removes it.

Montana: legitimacy

Montana recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered:

• legitimate if:
  • the parents were married at the time of the birth
  • from the time of the marriage, if the parents marry after the birth
  • established by a court order
• illegitimate if the parents never marry

Montana: parental responsibility

Both parents have custody if they are named on the birth certificate unless a court order removes it.

Nebraska: legitimacy

Nebraska recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered:

• legitimate if:
  • the parents were married at the time of the birth
  • from the time of the marriage, if the parents marry after the birth
  • established by a court order
• illegitimate if the parents never marry

Nebraska: parental responsibility

Both parents have custody if they are named on the birth certificate unless a court order removes it.

Nevada: legitimacy

Nevada recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered:

• legitimate if:
  • the parents were married at the time of the birth
  • from the time of the marriage, if the parents marry after the birth
  • established by a court order
• illegitimate if the parents never marry

Nevada: parental responsibility

Both parents have custody if they are named on the birth certificate unless a court order removes it.

New Hampshire: legitimacy

New Hampshire recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered:

• legitimate if:
  • the parents were married at the time of the birth
  • from the time of the marriage, if the parents marry after the birth
  • established by a court order
• illegitimate if the parents never marry

New Hampshire: parental responsibility

Both parents have custody if they are named on the birth certificate unless a court order removes it.

New Jersey: legitimacy

New Jersey does not recognise a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births. All children are born legitimate whether their parents were married or not.

New Jersey: parental responsibility

Both parents have custody if they are named on the birth certificate unless a court order removes it.

New Mexico: legitimacy

New Mexico does not recognise a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births. All children are born legitimate whether their parents were married or not.

New Mexico: parental responsibility

Both parents have custody if they are named on the birth certificate unless a court order removes it.

New York: legitimacy

New York recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered:

• legitimate if:
  • the parents were married at the time of the birth
  • from the time of the marriage if the parents marry after the birth
  • established by a court order
  • established by clear and convincing evidence, for example a genetic marker test, the father has openly acknowledged the child
• illegitimate if:
  • the parents never marry
  • there is no evidence the father is the father

New York: parental responsibility

Both parents have custody if they are named on the birth certificate unless a court order removes it.

North Carolina: legitimacy

North Carolina recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered:

• legitimate if:
  • the parents were married at the time of the birth
  • from the time of the marriage, if the parents marry after the birth
  • established by a court order
• illegitimate if the parents never marry

North Carolina: parental responsibility

Both parents have custody if they are named on the birth certificate unless a court order removes it.

North Dakota: legitimacy

North Dakota does not recognise a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births. All children are born legitimate whether their parents were married or not.

North Dakota: parental responsibility

Both parents have custody if they are named on the birth certificate unless a court order removes it.

Ohio: legitimacy

Ohio does not recognise a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births. All children are born legitimate whether their parents were married or not.

Ohio: parental responsibility

The mother will have sole custody unless the father is granted joint custody by a court order.

Oklahoma: legitimacy

Oklahoma does not recognise a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births. All children are born legitimate whether their parents were married or not.

Oklahoma: parental responsibility

The mother will have sole custody unless the father is granted joint custody by a court order.

Oregon: legitimacy

Oregon does not recognise a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births. All children are born legitimate whether their parents were married or not.

Oregon: parental responsibility

Both parents have custody if they are named on the birth certificate unless a court order removes it.

Pennsylvania: legitimacy

Pennsylvania does not recognise a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births. All children are born legitimate whether their parents were married or not.

Pennsylvania: parental responsibility

Both parents have custody if they are named on the birth certificate unless a court order removes it.

Puerto Rico: legitimacy

Puerto Rico recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered:

• legitimate if:
  • the parents were married at the time of the birth
  • from the time of the marriage, if the parents marry after the birth
  • established by a court order
• illegitimate if the parents never marry

Puerto Rico: parental responsibility

Both parents have custody if they are named on the birth certificate.

Rhode Island: legitimacy

Rhode Island recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered:

• legitimate if:
  • the parents were married at the time of the birth
  • from the time of the marriage, if the parents marry after the birth
  • established by a court order
• illegitimate if the parents never marry

Rhode Island: parental responsibility

Both parents have custody if they are named on the birth certificate unless a court order removes it.

South Carolina: legitimacy

South Carolina recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered:

• legitimate if:
  • the parents were married at the time of the birth
  • from the time of the marriage, if the parents marry after the birth
  • established by a court order
• illegitimate if the parents never marry

South Carolina: parental responsibility

Father will be given joint custody with the mother if:

• he is named on the birth certificate or paternity has been established; and,
• granted by a court order

South Dakota: legitimacy

South Dakota recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered:

• legitimate if:
  • the parents were married at the time of the birth
  • from the time of the marriage, if the parents marry after the birth
  • established by a court order
• illegitimate if the parents never marry

South Dakota: parental responsibility

Father will be given joint custody with the mother when:

• he is named on the birth certificate or paternity has been established; and,
• granted by a court order

Tennessee: legitimacy

Tennessee does not recognise a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births. All children are born legitimate whether their parents were married or not.

Tennessee: parental responsibility

The mother will have sole custody unless the father is granted joint custody by a court order.

Texas: legitimacy

From 14 June 2001 Texas does not recognise a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births. All children are born legitimate whether their parents were married or not.

Before 14 June 2001 Texas recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered:

• legitimate if:
  • the parents were married at the time of the birth
  • from the time of the marriage, if the parents marry after the birth
  • established by a court order
• illegitimate if the parents never marry

Texas: parental responsibility

Both parents have custody if they are named on the birth certificate unless a court order removes it.

US Virgin Islands: legitimacy

US Virgin Islands recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered:

• legitimate if:
  • the parents were married at the time of the birth
  • from the time of the marriage, if the parents marry after the birth
  • established by a court order
• illegitimate if the parents never marry

US Virgin Islands: parental responsibility

Both parents have custody if they are named on the birth certificate unless a court order removes it.

Utah: legitimacy

Utah does not recognise a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births. All children are born legitimate whether their parents were married or not.

Utah: parental responsibility

Both parents have custody if they are named on the birth certificate unless a court order removes it.

Vermont: legitimacy

Vermont does not recognise a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births. All children are born legitimate whether their parents were married or not.

Vermont: parental responsibility

Both parents have custody if they are named on the birth certificate unless a court order removes it.

Virginia: legitimacy

Virginia recognises a difference between illegitimate and legitimate births.

A child will be considered:

• legitimate if:
  • their parents were married at the time of the birth
  • from the time of the marriage if the parents marry after the birth
  • established by a court order
• illegitimate if their parents never marry

Virginia: parental responsibility

Both parents have custody if they are named on the birth certificate unless a court order removes it.

Washington state: legitimacy

Washington state does not recognise a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births. All children are born legitimate whether their parents were married or not.

Washington state: parental responsibility

Both parents have custody if they are named on the birth certificate unless a court order removes it.

Washington, D.C. (District of Columbia): legitimacy

Washington D.C. (District of Columbia) recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered:

• legitimate if:
  • the parents were married at the time of the birth
  • the parents are named on the birth certificate
  • established by a court order
• illegitimate if:
  • the parents never marry
  • the father is not named on the birth certificate

Washington, D.C. (District of Columbia): parental responsibility

Both parents have custody if they are named on the birth certificate unless a court order removes it.

West Virginia: legitimacy

West Virginia recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered:

• legitimate if:
  • the parents were married at the time of the birth
  • from the time of the marriage if the parents marry after the birth
  • established by a court order
• illegitimate if the parents never marry

West Virginia: parental responsibility

Both parents have custody if they are named on the birth certificate unless a court order removes it.

Wisconsin: legitimacy

Wisconsin recognises a difference between legitimate and illegitimate births.

A child will be considered:

• legitimate if:
  • the parents were married at the time of the birth
  • from the time of the marriage if the parents marry after the birth
  • established by a court order
• illegitimate if their parents never marry

Wisconsin: parental responsibility

The mother will have sole custody unless the father is granted joint custody by a court order.

Wyoming: legitimacy

Wyoming does not recognise a difference between illegitimate and legitimate births. All children are born legitimate whether their parents were married or not.

Wyoming: parental responsibility

Both parents have custody if they are named on the birth certificate unless a court order removes it.

United States: adoption

This section gives HM Passport Office operational staff information about adoption in the United States.

Adoption is legal in the United States.

Adoption is not usually identifiable on a birth certificate.

Adoptive parents in California and Texas complete a different form, which changes the format of the birth certificate.

United States: surrogacy

This section gives HM Passport Office operational staff information about surrogacy in the United States.

Surrogacy is legal in the United States.

When a surrogate birth is registered, the authorities can add the name of the commissioning parents to the birth certificate meaning the commissioning mother can appear instead of the birth mother.

United States: gender recognition

This section gives HM Passport Office operational staff information about gender recognition in the United States.

From 20 January 2025, transgender citizens are not recognised in the United States.

United States passports issued before 20 January 2025 with a sex marker which is different to the holder’s sex at birth remain valid until their expiry date.

United States: civil partnerships and marriage

This section gives HM Passport Office operational staff information about civil partnerships and marriage in the United States.

Rules surrounding civil partnerships and same sex marriage vary between states.

United States: documents

This section gives HM Passport Office operational staff information about documents from the United States.

Most states have one style of birth, death and marriage certificate. Some states have variations of the theme issued by county or towns. There is no central register for births, deaths and marriages in the United States, records are held at state level.

Birth certificates

Birth records are held in the individual state’s Bureau of Vital Statistics. Birth certificates should have a state or county seal on them and have either been filed within 1 year or issued within 3 months of the birth.

A number of states and the federal district of Washington D.C. (District of Columbia) issue birth certificates showing gender X, the states are:

• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Illinois
• Kansas
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• New York
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Utah
• Washington state
• Wisconsin (available for parent named on the form from July 2021)
• Washington, D.C. (District of Columbia)

From 1 April 2011, all birth certificates issued in the United States are full birth certificates (known as long form birth certificates).

If a mistake is identified on a birth certificate a new document is normally issued. This can vary between states and some amendments are shown at the bottom of the certificate.

Marriage certificates

The rules on recognising a marriage vary between states, religious weddings are recognised if the person conducting the marriage is licensed with the state. Marriages are recorded in the state the marriage took place.

If the customer cannot produce a marriage certificate, they can get a certified copy from the State or County Clerk confirming the marriage has been registered with them.

Death certificates

Death certificates are issued for all deaths. There is no central register.

Identity documents

The United States passport has space for up to 40 characters in both the forename and surname fields.

The United States allows customers to use an initial in place of their middle name in identity documents, depending on the form the customer completes to submit their application. Passports may include an observation explaining what the initial stands for.

The United States does not have a national identity card, proof of legal residency or immigration status is required for other types of identity, for example, driving licences, or to confirm legal visitor status.

A number of states and the federal district of Washington D.C allow the gender marker ‘X’ on their state identity cards, the states are:

• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington