General Discussion

I've never needed a passport, although I almost needed one to travel to Rwanda when my sister was injured there. The embassy guy helping out in the emergency advised that I get a passport in my birth cert name and just ignore all other ID. He didn't mention anything about SS verification (which would be in my step-father's name). I didn't end up needing to go, so didn't try to get the passport

I think the simplest for me at this point will be getting a court order to change birth name to the one I've always used. Here in WA the process is relatively simple, but the courts have been overwhelmed with people trying to straighten out name mismatches to get Real ID. They only do name changes a couple days a week. You show up with the petition and cash fee and wait around to be heard, which can take all day. You leave with an order, assuming it is granted. I have a little solo dog walking business these days. Of course the days the court does name changes are my busiest days. It is tough to cancel everything so I keep putting it off.

But, I do have to deal with it And soon.