You must apply in your FULL LEGAL NAME. Your full legal name must be the EXACT name and spelling as listed on your birth certificate, name change order, adoption decree, naturalization or immigration documentation. Initials are not acceptable unless initials are part of your full legal name.

If you are married and have not changed your name with the Social Security Administration or never assumed your spouse's last name on any educational, financial or legal documents, your full legal name would be your maiden name. If you have assumed your spouse's last name, your middle name may be your middle name as shown on your birth certificate, your maiden name, or both.

If you apply in a name other than as listed on your birth certificate, name change order, adoption decree, naturalization or immigration documentation, you must submit a copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree as proof of your current legal name.

A Social Security card, passport or driver's license cannot be used as proof of your full legal name.

Applications for U.S. citizens require a certified copy or legible photocopy of your birth certificate or naturalization papers.

If you need to obtain a birth certificate, here is a link to the National Center for Health Statistics to assist you in obtaining a birth certificate from each state.

If you need to obtain naturalization papers, here is a link to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to assist you in obtaining your naturalization paperwork.

If you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, here is a link to the Bureau of Consular Affairs to assist you in obtaining a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

Applications for all non U.S. citizens must include a fully completed and notarized "Affidavit of Non‑Immigration/Immigration Status" with all applicable documentation attached. The affidavit is available as part of the VBBE Online Forms.

Click here for a pdf version of the Affidavit of Non‑Immigration/Immigration Status.

If you need to obtain immigration papers, here is a link to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to assist you in obtaining your immigration paperwork.