How do I make sure I get my old passport and marriage license back?

by Leah
(Kansas City, KS)

Question: I read that to help reduce the risk of my old passport and marriage certificate getting lost or misplaced I should "choose a two-way overnight delivery method in order to have your passport and marriage certificate returned to you more quickly."

Is this a form I fill out with you or at the post office? Also, does two-way overnight delivery method cost extra?

Thank you.

Answer: There is no full-proof method that can guarantee that your old passport and marriage certificate will not be lost. It can and does happen although not frequently. The measures you take are to minimize the risk and not to eliminate it.

The reasons for using two-way overnight delivery is to minimize the time your documents spend in transit. It is just one measure you can take. Overnight delivery does cost more so you may opt for a slower delivery method.

The important factor is that the delivery method you use be traceable. If you mail the application form directly to the address on the form, then you need a method that delivers to a P.O. Box. FedEx does not do this. The U.S. Postal Service provides various options.

You should also use secure packaging such as a Tyvek envelope to protect the contents.

There is a way to avoid having to send your old passport and original marriage certificate but it is time consuming and costs more. Instead of applying for a passport renewal, you can apply for a new passport.

Applying for a new passport does not require you to send your old passport. However, you would have to appear in person at an application acceptance facility. There is an additional $25 execution fee besides the $110 application fee.

In order to provide evidence of your name change, you can apply for an certified copy of your marriage license through the vital records office of the state in which you were married. Again, you would have to pay a fee and wait for the certificate to arrive before you could apply for a passport.

If you use secure packaging and a traceable delivery method, then you should get your documents returned to you. Millions of Americans apply every year and documents are lost on rare occasions. Taking the precautionary measures listed above will minimize any risk of loss.