In accordance with University System of Georgia (USG) identity verification standards, all newly admitted and readmitted students are required to verify their legal name before registering for classes. This process helps ensure accurate student records, supports identity security, and reduces the risk of fraud or impersonation.
This requirement applies to all student types, including:
- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
- Online students
- International students
- Dual enrollment students
- Guest or transient students
- Readmitted students
Students who do not complete the Legal Name Verification process by the required deadline may have a registration hold placed on their account or may be removed from enrolled courses.
What Is a Legal Name?
A legal name is the first and last name that appears on an official government-issued document. The legal name listed in the university’s student information system must match the name shown on the submitted documentation.
Students may also choose to provide a preferred name for use in select university systems and communications; however, the official student record must reflect the verified legal name.
Accepted Documents for Legal Name Verification
Students may submit one of the following approved documents:
- Driver’s License
- State-issued Identification Card
- Passport
- Certified Birth Certificate
- Permanent Resident Card
- Visa Documentation
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- Military Identification
- Certificate of Citizenship
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Court-issued Guardianship Documentation
- Adoption Certificate
- Marriage Certificate
- Divorce Decree
- Court Order for Legal Name Change
- Official Immigration Documents (including I-20, DS-2019, I-94, I-797, or other USCIS, CBP, or ICE documents)
- FAFSA verification data (if applicable and eligible)
International students may also submit:
- Official credential evaluations
- International academic transcripts
- Government-issued identification from their home country
Name Changes
If your current legal name differs from the name listed on your original documents, you must also provide supporting documentation showing the name change. Acceptable supporting documents include:
- Marriage Certificate
- Divorce Decree
- Court Order for Legal Name Change
- Other official government-issued documentation reflecting both names
Lawful Presence Documentation
In some cases, documentation already submitted for Lawful Presence Verification may also satisfy the Legal Name Verification requirement if it includes the necessary legal name information. Additional documentation may be requested if needed.
Need Assistance?
Find your dedicated admissions counselor here or by logging into your status check portal.
Office of Admissions
Address: P.O. Box 8024, Statesboro, GA 30460
Phone: 912-478-5391
Email: admissions@georgiasouthern.edu