Us Code § 1551 - Correction of name after separation from service under an assumed name

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 1551 — Correction of name after separation from service under an assumed name, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 1551. Correction of name after separation from service under an assumed name

The Secretary of the military department concerned shall issue a certificate of discharge or an order of acceptance of resignation in the true name of any person who was separated from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force honorably or under honorable conditions after serving under an assumed name during a war with another nation or people, upon application by, or on behalf of, that person, and upon proof of his identity. However, a certificate or order may not be issued under this section if the name was assumed to conceal a crime or to avoid its consequences.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 116; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(3)(Y), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3821.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised sectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)
1551 5:200.

34:597.

Apr. 14, 1890, ch. 80; restated June 25, 1910, ch. 393, 36 Stat. 824.
  Aug. 22, 1912, ch. 329, 37 Stat. 324.

The word "shall" is substituted for the words "is authorized and required". The word "separated" is substituted for the word "discharged", since the revised section covers acceptances of resignations as well as certificates of discharge. The words "enlisted or" and "while minors or otherwise" are omitted as surplusage. The words "the War of the Rebellion" are omitted as obsolete. The word "with" is substituted for the words "between the United States and". The words "honorably or under honorable conditions" are substituted for the word "honorably".


Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "Marine Corps, or Space Force" for "or Marine Corps".


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Personnel Freeze for Service Review Agencies

Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title V, §541, Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2019, provided that, during fiscal years 1999, 2000, and 2001, the Secretary of a military department could not carry out any reduction in the number of military and civilian personnel assigned to duty with the service review agency for that military department below the baseline number for that agency until: (1) the Secretary had submitted to Congress a report that described the reduction to be made and the rationale for that reduction, and specified the number of such personnel that would be assigned to duty with that agency after the reduction; and (2) a period of 90 days had elapsed after the date on which such report had been submitted.

About This Section

10 U.S.C. § 1551 is part of Title 10 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 10 U.S.C. § 1551. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 1551

What does United States Code § 1551 cover?

Section 1551 ("Correction of name after separation from service under an assumed name") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 1551?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 1551" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 1551 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.