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Any problems with the middle name on passport and International Driving Permit not matching?

My passport has my birth middle name on it, but my US driver's license has my maiden name as my middle name. My IDP will therefore have my maiden name as middle name on it. Has anyone had any issues with this? I'll be renewing my passport next year and getting my IDP at the same time. It's a pain to change the name on the passport. I'm thinking if I have the same photos on the passport and IDP, it shouldn't be a problem. Any feedback on this is appreciated!

Posted by
21153 posts

The IDP name should match your driver's license name, since it is essentially a legal translation of your driver's license. I don't know why it has to be identical to your passport. Two different animals.

Posted by
8889 posts

Passport for crossing borders, Driving Licence and International Driving Permit for driving a car. You should never need to show you Passport and IDP at the same time, but your IDP should match your licence.
Middle names are not as common in Europe as in the USA. Many people (including me) don't have one. So they are often omitted.

Posted by
1056 posts

I've had the same issue but have not found it to be a problem. When signing anything where my birth name is on the ID requires, I just sign the whole name -- first name, middle name, maiden name and married name. No problems in over 30 years of travel.

Posted by
1829 posts

I cannot imagine it being an issue.
The chances of you having to show an International Driving Permit are extremely low to begin with and if so it meant to be used as a translation of your driving license not of your passport.