Many Polish nationals living in the United States use an American equivalent of their first name (for example, Grażyna → Grace, Kazimierz → Casey) and, over time, may formally change their first and last name. This is usually done for practical reasons, such as ease of pronunciation or spelling in an English-speaking environment.

An informal name change happens when someone starts using a different name in everyday life - at work, school, or socially - and that name is later used on various documents. In the past, U.S. driver’s license and ID applications allowed flexible name entries, which made American versions of Polish names very common.

As a result, the modified name may appear on documents such as driver’s licenses, bank accounts, credit cards, utility bills, and even children’s U.S. birth certificates. However, even if the name is widely used, there is no formal legal record confirming that the name was officially changed.

In cases of dual citizenship or when applying for a Polish passport, any changes to a first or last name made in the United States must also be formally registered in Poland. Polish authorities require consistency across all vital records and identity documents. Name change registration in Poland is completed through an administrativeprocedure, which involves submitting an application to an Office of Civil Registration. Supporting documents - such as U.S. court orders, marriage or divorce records, and proof of long-term use of the name - are often required.

This process is different from changing a last name due to marriage. A marriage-related name change in Poland is handled as part of marriage registration, where spouses declare the last name they will use after marriage. No separate administrative name change procedure is required in this case, as the chosen married name is recorded directly on the Polish marriage certificate.

Once the administrative name change is approved, Polish vital records must be updated before a passport or national ID card can be issued. Our office assists clients throughout this process, including preparing the application, gatheringand translating supporting documentation, and obtaining updated Polish birth and/or marriage certificates reflecting the approved name change.