Does anyone know how many characters are allowed for a last name on a NJ Driver's license? (live, airports)

[NickDT]

I'm in the process of changing my last name. My current last name is very short so I've never had to worry about it, however my new last name is very long. 19 characters including spaces, 17 without.

I found an article from 2012 that says the character limit is 17 but I've found other sources that say 14 and others they say they're working on eventually lengthening it. If it's 17 they'll have to eliminate the spaces which isn't ideal but, whatever. At least the whole name will fit that way. I'm just worried about it being less and running into issues in the future.

http://articles.philly.com/2012-05-3...-letters-names

It seems like they should have a better system in place. My aunt's first name (Antoinette) doesn't even fit on her license due to the 9 character limit for first names.

[Dodge Rams]

Originally Posted by NickDT

I'm in the process of changing my last name. My current last name is very short so I've never had to worry about it, however my new last name is very long. 19 characters including spaces, 17 without.

I found an article from 2012 that says the character limit is 17 but I've found other sources that say 14 and others they say they're working on eventually lengthening it. If it's 17 they'll have to eliminate the spaces which isn't ideal but, whatever. At least the whole name will fit that way. I'm just worried about it being less and running into issues in the future.

Do you have three names? Not in New Jersey - philly-archives

It seems like they should have a better system in place. My aunt's first name (Antoinette) doesn't even fit on her license due to the 9 character limit for first names.

Sorry, just curious, no offense. Im assuming since your name is Nick, that you're a dude. SO why would u be changing your last name?

[Gerania]

Stop by and ask if there's one in the area, or call. Real people answer the phone... eventually.

[NickDT]

Originally Posted by Dodge Rams

Sorry, just curious, no offense. Im assuming since your name is Nick, that you're a dude. SO why would u be changing your last name?

Haha, good question. My dad was a deadbeat. I've been meaning to change my last name for a while and I finally have the time/money/etc to do it. I'm taking my mom's last name since she and her family raised me.

Originally Posted by Gerania

Stop by and ask if there's one in the area, or call. Real people answer the phone... eventually.

Yeah, I was gonna do that once the name change got closer to being final but I figured I'd ask on here too.

[HalfFull]

I have a friend who had this issue a few years ago. I think the limit was 9 or 10 letters (which seems way too short). And it sometimes did cause a delay at airports because the name on the tocket did not exctly match the license.

[PDD]

NFN but if you're changing your last name why not make it something easy to write?

How about easy and catchy?

Nick Knack good if you're into ceramics
Nick Oteen good smokers name
Nick D'Quick good if you're a running back

Sorry I mean no disrespect just trying to be helpful.

[NickDT]

Originally Posted by HalfFull

I have a friend who had this issue a few years ago. I think the limit was 9 or 10 letters (which seems way too short). And it sometimes did cause a delay at airports because the name on the tocket did not exctly match the license.

That's what I'm worried about. I know it's 9 for the first name. Like I said my aunt's first name (Antoinette) is also cut off. The 2 numbers that keep popping up online for last names are 14 and 17. If it's 14, a few letters will be cut off. If it's 17 they'll all fit without spaces which is better than being cut off I guess. Supposedly NJ has 9 months to comply with the REAL ID requirement which would have a 40 character requirement for last names.

Originally Posted by PDD

NFN but if you're changing your last name why not make it something easy to write?

How about easy and catchy?

Nick Knack good if you're into ceramics
Nick Oteen good smokers name
Nick D'Quick good if you're a running back

Sorry I mean no disrespect just trying to be helpful.

Haha. Thanks for the laugh! My friends suggested that too, but I really want to take my mom's last name to honor her and her family.

[HalfFull]

Originally Posted by NickDT

That's what I'm worried about. I know it's 9 for the first name. Like I said my aunt's first name (Antoinette) is also cut off. The 2 numbers that keep popping up online for last names are 14 and 17. If it's 14, a few letters will be cut off. If it's 17 they'll all fit without spaces which is better than being cut off I guess. Supposedly NJ has 9 months to comply with the REAL ID requirement which would have a 40 character requirement for last names.

Now that you mention it, I think it was the first name that was the issue.

I'd go with the suggestion of another poster to call and try to get a live person. I might take some effort, but that's probably your best bet short of going in person.

[boater1]

First name = 9 characters
Middle initial- 1 character
Last name = 17 characters

No spaces or any non-letter allowed

[NickDT]

Originally Posted by boater1

First name = 9 characters
Middle initial- 1 character
Last name = 17 characters

No spaces or any non-letter allowed

Thanks for the response! I've seen the 17 number floating around on a few different websites. Where did you get this information?