The United States simply does not have organized legislation about names. The law about names is mostly at the state level, and there are 50 of them (plus some territories, commonwealths, etc.). We have executive branch agencies, especially DMVs, doing their own thing with scant regard for the law or the desires of individuals. Plus, the states have mostly not disturbed English common-law naming customs (even though a good many of us don't have English ancestors).
In view of this, I look for reasonable certainty that the name on the document is a name that the person before me is entitled to use. I consider the ID documents presented and naming customs. Unlike notaries in some states, I'm allowed to connect the dots, but for me, the connections between the dots should follow the naming customs I'm familiar with. Sorry, but it's beyond my ability to know about naming customs for the whole world, so some signers might have to find a notary who knows them or produce a credible witness we both know.
In walthz's case, I'd be wondering where the middle initial came from. If it matched the maiden surname from the birth certificate, that would be OK. Otherwise, I'd want a plausible story plus supporting documentation. |
