Is name change in passport after marriage required or suggested?

by Elane
(PA, USA)

Question: After I get married and change my name, is a new passport "required" or just suggested? Also, if an updated passport is required to go to another country, then shouldn't it just be $20, or is there a "government processing fee" attached to that?

Thanks for your help.

Answer: The short answer is that it depends. Some countries will accept your current passport with your name prior to marriage IF accompanied with a marriage certificate. Other countries require the name in your passport match that on your plane ticket or any other document they might request (e.g., driver's license).

Keeping the current name in your passport would necessitate two things. One, you would need to contact the consular section of every country you intend to visit to ask concerning this issue and, two, you would possibly have to take your marriage certificate with you each time you travel.

The only way to avoid this is to change the name in your passport. If your passport was issued less than a year ago, there is no fee for this service (unless you request expedited service). If your passport was issued more than a year ago, you will have to apply for a passport renewal and pay the appropriate fee.

For complete details, visit the following web page.

Passport Name Change

Comments for Is name change in passport after marriage required or suggested?

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Keeping Maiden Name
by: Anonymous

Question: I am getting a passport and would like to keep my maiden name on my passport as I am in the process of separation/divorce. However, my legal name is my married name which is on my driver's license. Can I just use my birth certificate and get a passport in my maiden name?

Answer: While it is perfectly legal to apply for your passport in your maiden name, such name must be supported by the identification documents you submit with the application.

This means you also need to present an ID in your maiden name. You can either have your driver's license changed or submit a combination of secondary IDs to support the name you enter in the application form.

Name change
by: Anonymous

Question: I changed my name when I got remarried so it’s reflected on the certificate however, I have not changed it yet on my social security. Can I have my married name on my new passport even if non of my other documents have been changed? I.e drivers license, social security?

Answer: As long as you can submit the original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, you may apply for a passport name change.

Divorced and remarried but using surname of previous husband.
by: Very Popular

Question: I am divorced and I have kept my divorced husband's name so I can have the same last name that our children have. All of my IDs are in the surname of my divorced husband.

Now I have married again but have never used my new husband's name for anything at all. Is it legal for me to apply for a passport in the same name of my previous husband that I have been using all these years?

Answer: Yes, it is legal.

Hyphenated Last Name
by: Anonymous

Question: Hello. My wife hyphenated her last name after we got married, and is now trying to renew her passport with her new last name. Our marriage certificate lists her maiden name only, but she was able to use this as proof to change her name on other documents such as her Social security card. Will our marriage certificate suffice as proof of name change, or will she need to provide another court document to prove her hyphenated name change?

Answer: Your marriage certificate will be acceptable proof of legal name change.

Passport Renewal
by: Anonymous

Question: I am due to renew my passport which has my maiden name. I have legally changed my last name due to marriage. Can I renew with my maiden name and do I have to include in the application that my name is legally changed?

Answer: You may renew your passport in your maiden name if you wish to keep it that way. You may enter your new married name under Question #9 (List all other names you have used).

Passport name change--date/place
by: Anonymous

Question: I got married in Florida years ago and have since changed my last name to my husband's on everything except my passport. I am trying to do that now.

If my marriage certificate only lists my maiden name, is that still fine to submit as my proof of name change? Also, what do you put on the application as the date of name change and place of name change? Is it when I actually got it changed at the social security office in Atlanta or is it the date/place of marriage (what's listed on the marriage certificate)? Thank you for your assistance.

Answer: Hello! Your marriage certificate will be accepted as proof of legal name change through the assumption that you are taking your spouse's name after marriage. Also, the date and place of name change must the when and where your marriage was solemnized (wedding).

Names
by: Anonymous

Question: I was reading a thread before me. So I am still legally married and all documentation is under my married name. My passport just expired in my maiden name. Can I still renew it with the maiden name??

Answer: Yes, you can renew in your maiden name.

Passport name
by: Bela

Question: My passport is under my maiden name. I am still married but have been separated for 2 years now. My legal name on SS# and DL is my married name. Can I renew my passport by mail and keep my maiden name?

Answer: Yes, you can.

Old Married Name
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport is in my correct now married name, but the renewal is asking for an old married name, do I still need to put that in even though I did that the last time?

Answer: Yes, you must enter all names that you have used in the past.

Passport Names
by: Anonymous

Question: I did my passport before I got married and my wife did her own too before we got married. Can we travel with our different names?

Answer: Yes, you may. Just make sure to book tickets to match your passports to avoid issues with TSA.

Maiden name on passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Married name is on both my SSN and driver's license, but because of covid maiden name is still on the passport, will it be an issue?

Answer: It's not going to be an issue as long as you book your tickets in your maiden name to match your passport.

Driver License with maiden name
by: Anonymous

Question: I have an appointment to get a new passport with my married name which still has my maiden name but just adding my spouse's last name to it.

I already went for my new social security card which I should get by the time I go for the appointment. But my driver's license will still have my maiden name only. My appointment for the DMV is 2 days after. Will it cause a problem? Cause it says that I need a valid ID and I dont think that they will accept my social card for any document.

Answer: You need to present a government-issued ID bearing the name you want on your passport. A driver's license is considered primary ID and does not need to be presented with an additional ID. On the other hand, the SS card will be accepted if presented with another ID bearing the same name.

Our advise is to reschedule your appointment after you get your name changed on your license.

Delayed Name Change
by: Anonymous

Question: Hello, I am traveling to Europe and got married in May. The trip is in September but I am worried about the turnaround time of updating my passport. Is it fine to use my current passport (with my maiden name) and then update my Passport after my trip?

Answer: You may use your current passport for travel as long as it meets the entry requirements of your destination. Also, you need to make sure your tickets match the name printed on your passport to avoid issues with TSA.

No name change
by: Anonymous

Question: I took on my husbands name and it’s on the marriage license. However, I didn’t legally change it (DMV, social security etc.) and I decided not to. Can I still renew my passport under my maiden name?

Answer: Yes, you may.

Maiden Name
by: Anonymous

Question: I got married last year in May. I legally changed my last name on my Drivers License. But due to COVID, I never got around to updating my passport. My passport still has my maiden name and it's valid until 2026. Can I use it to travel to Switzerland?

Answer: Yes, you may travel with your current passport. Just make sure to book tickets in the name that appears in it to avoid issues with TSA.

Renewal and name change
by: TSJ

Question: My passport expires in 2023 and I changed my name. If I apply for a name change will I get a new expiration date? Or do I need to apply for an entirely new passport and name change?

Answer: You will be issued a new passport with 10 years of validity from the new date of issue.

Getting married — delayed license
by: Anonymous

Question: I am getting remarried in the Bahamas tomorrow. I will not receive my marriage license for 8-10 weeks. I had another overseas trip planned in July. It’ll take that long to get my marriage license. What can I do?

Answer: You will not be able to marry if you do not have a marriage license. If you mean your marriage certificate and you are concerned about changing the name in your passport, it should not be cause for concern.

As long as your tickets are booked in the name that's in your current passport, you may travel without issues.

Passport Renewal
by: Anonymous

Question: Hello, do I need to complete line # 9 on the DS82 form for a passport renewal if I’m keeping my maiden name on my passport? Thank you?

Answer: Yes. You should still list all names that you have used or are using in that section of the form. The name on your passport will not be changed if you do not provide any form of legal name change document.

US Passport Renewal
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi, I have been married for 10 years but I still use my maiden name. Can I renew my passport and still keep my maiden name? Is the DS-82 the correct form to use? Thanks.

Answer: Yes, you may keep your passport in your maiden name and renew your passport using Form DS-82.

Getting married and only just got a new passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi I’ve just applied for my new passport as it's a 10-week waiting period. But I’m due to get married in October and then go away a week and a half after the wedding. I had to book the holiday and my passport in my maiden name.

Can I still travel with my maiden name on my passport? As I don’t want to pay again to change my name on my passport as I’ve just paid for it.
Thanks.

Answer: Yes, you may travel with your passport in your maiden name. Also, if you apply for a passport name change within a year of the issue date, it will be processed at no cost to you.

Traveling After Marriage
by: Sasha

Question: Hello,

I am traveling to another country a month after I get married. However, my current passport expires before the wedding date. I plan to change my last name. What do I do?

Answer: You may renew your passport in the name it currently has and book travel tickets in the same name. You can then apply for a name change when you return from your trip. The name change is free of charge if you apply within a year of the passport's issuance.

Congratulations and best wishes!

Name changed twice since passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Hello, the passport that I currently have needs to be renewed but it was in my previous married name. I since have been divorced, went back to my maiden name, and am now married with a new last name. My proof of name change is my current marriage license but it only reflects my maiden name and current married name. It does not have my previous married name that is on my passport which I need to renew.

Will this marriage certificate be sufficient even though it doesn’t reflect my passport name that is being changed?

Answer: Please submit both your divorce decree from the previous marriage and marriage certificate from the current. Both documents need to be original or certified copies.

Name change
by: Anonymous

Question: Hello, I need to renew my passport with my new married name. My marriage certificate does not reflect my new name which is hyphenated, just my husband's last name. The form does not have a clear place indicating what I changed my name to (social security/drivers license) and the marriage certificate does not indicate it either. What should I do?

Answer: Indicate your new name in Question 1 (page 1) and on top of page 2 of Form DS-82. The old name on your passport must be entered in Questions 9 and 10. The passport will be issued in the new name since your name change document shows both your married and maiden names.

Proof of name change
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi, I recently sent in my passport renewal for a name change. I did send it with my marriage certificate. My marriage certificate shows my last name and my spouse's last name. Would that be an issue?

Answer: It will not be an issue. The name change will proceed on the premise that you are taking your spouse's last name after marriage.

Maiden name appears on passport
by: Anonymous

Question: My maiden name appears in the given name section and my married name is in the surname section. Is this normal? It is causing problems.

Answer: It is normal. If you want to eliminate your maiden from your passport, you must apply for a new one.

Apply for a New Passport

Using old passport with non maiden name
by: Anonymous

Question: I have been married before, but I just got remarried. My passport is from my last marriage and not my maiden name. Can I still use my current passport if my flights and old passport are the same? Even if I have recently changed my name again?

Answer: Yes, you may travel with your current passport as long as your tickets are booked in the name that appears in it.

New passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I am about to do a fresh passport, and I have been married for over 10 years now. I did not do any change of name on any of my documents. My question now is. Can I use my husband's name or continue with my maiden name for the fresh passport?

Answer: If you cannot provide any identification documents (driver's license, SS card, etc.) with your married name in them, it will be hard to have your married name printed on your passport. The Department of State will likely ask you to submit at least five verifiable documents with your married name on them.

Conflicting Name Change Information
by: Anonymous

Question: Hello,

I married 6 years ago but did not decide to legally change my name until this year. I have legally updated all the documents but I cannot fill out either the renewal or new application because my passport book was issued after the date of my marriage (I had not legally changed my name).

Do I fill out a paper copy and take it for in-person renewal? Again, I did not assume my married name until 6 years after marriage.

Answer: Even if you just assumed your married name, the date of your wedding is taken as your date of the name change since that is what's printed in your name change document (marriage certificate). This is why you're having a hard time completing the form online. The name change precedes your passport's issue date.

You can still send a renewal by mail but you need to complete the form by hand. Make sure you write legibly in capital letters and use black ink. Send the form, your most recently issued passport, the original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate, a new photo, and payment for fees to the appropriate address indicated in the form.

Please note that standard service currently takes up to 14 weeks to complete. If you request and pay for expedited service, processing will be down to 10 weeks. These turnaround times include processing and mailing on the front and back end.

If you need to get your passport faster, you may employ the service of a trusted courier like Rush My Passport. Their average renewal turnaround time is currently 4.5 weeks.

Get Passport Fast

Changing name after 10 years of marriage
by: Anonymous

Question: I would like to change my name on my US passport and other documents. I am a dual citizen of France/USA and was married in France over 10 years ago.

I was told at the US embassy it was not necessary to change my name on my US documents since we were living in France. I am now living half the time in the US and would like to have the same name on my US and French passports. I also have my former married name on my US documents since I never changed names after my divorce. Would it be possible to just add my married name to the current name I use, or should I just change everything to my husband's name? My husband doesn't live in the US at all at this time. It's just me because I have a job in the USA. I need help. Where should I start?

Answer: If your marriage predates your passport's issuance, you need to submit a new application. The passport will be issued in the name you enter in the application form as long as it is supported by the IDs you present with it.

Proof of name change
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport expires in 3 months. I need to renew but with a name change since I am now married. My marriage certificate has my maiden name on it not my new married name. Can I still use it as proof of a name change and renew online or do I need to apply for a new passport using my driver's license?

Answer: You may complete the renewal form online but you still need to print the form and mail it to the appropriate address.

Your marriage certificate will be accepted as proof of legal name change since it lists your name and your spouse's name. Please submit the original or a certified copy.

NAME CHANGE
by: ANDREA

Question: I changed my last name and first time applying for a passport. Do I need anything since my last name is not the same as my birth certificate?

Answer: You need to present and submit a copy of a primary ID or a combination of secondary IDs bearing your new last name. You may also be asked to provide proof of your legal name change.

Delayed name change
by: Anonymous

Question: Hello. I was married in 2014 and renewed my passport in 2015 but kept my maiden name. I now want to change to my married name but the online form will not accept the date of name change since it is BEFORE my last passport was issued. Can I still change my name?

Answer: Yes, you can still have your married name printed in your passport. But since your name change (marriage) predates your most recent passport's issuance, you need to submit a new application instead of a renewal.

Please prepare the following and submit them in person at an acceptance facility:

1. Form DS-11
2. Proof of U.S. citizenship (original or certified copy)
3. Government-issued ID bearing your married name
4. One new passport photo
5. Payment for fees

We recommend printing the application form and completing it by hand.

Help Name Change
by: Anonymous

Question: I got married outside of the US. My maiden name was listed ONLY. My US driver's license and SS number have my new last name. How can I renew my passport with my new name if it is not listed on the marriage certificate? My state only changes the last name if married in that state.

Answer: Your passport should still be renewed in your married name with your marriage certificate as proof of legal name change. It will be accepted on the assumption that you will take your spouse's name through marriage.

Can I renew with maiden name even though I got married and changed last name?
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi, my US passport recently expired. I had my maiden name on my passport but I have since married and changed my last name on my DL and social security.

Can I still renew my passport and keep my maiden name on it? The reason is I have dual citizenship and the passport of the other country has my maiden name so I just want it to match the US passport for ease of travel to that country. Changing other country’s documents is out of the question. Thanks so much!

Answer: Yes, you may renew your passport in your maiden name. While not ideal, you are allowed to do that. However, you may have issues with the DMV when you apply for a Real ID license and your documents don't match.

Name Change flight postponed due to COVID
by: Anonymous

Question: I got married in August 2019 and we planned our honeymoon for September 2019 (booked in early March). We booked the flight in my previous name as that would match my passport. The flight was postponed for a year due to COVID. Now my passport will expire before I travel. I have changed my name with SSN and Driver's License. Can I apply for passport renewal in my old name so my name matched my plane tickets and then apply for a name change after the trip?

Answer: It is best that you renew your passport and have your maiden name printed on it. You may just present your marriage certificate when you board or when questions arise.

Having said that, we recommend that you contact the airline you are traveling to confirm that they will allow travel with these documents. Some airlines impose their own regulations.

Renewing passport using existing name
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi! I’m renewing my passport expedited. I’m a US citizen but a Canadian Permanent resident. While tending to my terminally ill mother in the US, my passport expired. I don’t have access to my marriage certificate to change my name to my married name which I use on my SS card, etc.

My Canadian PR card is in my former name that is on my now expired passport. Can I just renew in my name now showing on my expired passport and Canadian permanent resident card? My husband in Canada has been diagnosed with a brain tumor so I need the fastest way to get home!

Answer: We're sorry to learn about your circumstances. And yes, you may renew your passport in the name that is currently in it.

name change and kids passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I had changed my name due to marriage and got a new passport, do my kids from my previous marriage need a new passport? or can they travel with me using the same passport? Thanks so much.

Answer: Your children may still use their current passports.

Passport renewal
by: Anonymous

Question: I need to renew my passport. Now, I am married and added my husband’s name to my SS and license. Do I need to submit the marriage license as well or will I just need to submit the new license since it has my old and new last name?

Answer: You need to submit the original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate as proof of legal name change. There is no need to submit either the marriage license or new driver's license.

Currently Living Abroad and Getting Married
by: Anonymous

Question: I met my fiancé (Egyptian) while I've been working abroad. I've just finished one of the five years that my business visa covers and plan to continue working in Saudi Arabia for a few more years before we move to Egypt.

The nearest consulate is a few hours away and I can't change my SS Card or Driver's License anyway, but I wasn't sure about my passport requirement. I just really don't want to go through the hassle of having to go back to the States to get a new visa when I already paid $500 for the last one...

Basically....nobody cares about my marital status on my passport, right? It's possible to get married and not try to change my name until the visa expires? As long as I keep all my documents under the same name?

Answer: Yes, you may continue to use your passport.

Name change on a passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Due to my parents getting a divorce, I recently changed my last name to my mother's maiden name. I have updated this name change on my State ID and Social Security Card, but not my US Passport.

I will be going on a domestic flight and then on a cruise to the Caribbean in a few months. I booked my flight before this name change, so it is currently under my previous last name, which matches my passport.

Would I need to update my passport to match this name change? Or would I be able to wait until after the trip--August 2020--to make this update?

Answer: You may wait until after your trip to change the name on your passport.

Do I have to renew?
by: Anonymous

Question: I got married almost a year ago and finally changed my SS card and drivers license before the end of last year. My passport was issued in early spring of 2018 and I just missed the year cut off after I got married late spring of 2019 so I haven't renewed my passport yet. We plan to go on a cruise that goes to Jamaica and Coco Cay in September and I am trying to figure out if I have to update my passport at all for this trip. I have my previous drivers license still as well so if my passport and drivers license match do I need to renew my passport or can I continue to travel with it until it expires? Also when I got married and changed my name I kept my maiden name and took my husbands so I wasn't sure if that would also help since my new license still contains my maiden name.

Answer: You may still use your current passport. Just make sure to have reservations in the name that appears in your passport to avoid issues/questions.

Do I need to change my name on my passport
by: Anonymous

Question:I recently just got married. My social security and drivers license are already changed to my new name, but my passport has not been updated. I am planning to travel to the Dominican Republic for vacation. Can I just book my tickets with my maiden name and still use my passport?

Answer: Yes, you may travel with your current passport as long as it matches your tickets.

Travel to Mexico
by: Anonymous

Question: I recently just got married. My social security and drivers license are already changed to my new name, but my passport has not been updated. I am planning to travel to Mexico for vacation. Can I just book my tickets with my maiden name and still use my passport?

Answer: Yes, you can.

Canada
by: Anonymous

Question: I need to go to Canada next week to transport my friend's dogs. My passport is still valid but is in my maiden name. My driver's license is in my married name. Will I have any problems with this? Should I take my marriage license and updated Social Security Card just in case?

Answer: Please take your marriage certificate, not the license.

Going from AZ to Mexico for a day trip
by: Anonymous

Question: My wife never changed her passport to her married name after we got married in 2011, but it is still valid. We are planning a day trip into Mexico while we are in Arizona. Can she use her current passport with our marriage license, or does it need to be changed? We are just planning on walking across the border to shop for the day.

Answer: Your wife may use her current passport without issues.

Name change with marriage
by: Anonymous

Question: I'm traveling to Mexico for New Years and just realized my passport is still in my maiden name. I changed it a few years ago but haven't done any traveling since. Can I still go if i have my marriage certificate or will that not be enough?

Answer: Your valid passport should be enough.

Item 11 for Passport Renewal
by: Anonymous

Question: I got married in 2006 but didn’t change my name until 2009. I’m renewing my passport and for box 11 ‘Name Change Information’ I checked ‘Changed by Marriage’ but I’m not sure which date to enter (I don’t even remember what date in 2009 I filed for the name change) and am concerned because my recently expired passport issue date (box 10) is listed as 6/18/2008. Do I just enter the date of my marriage in box 11?

Answer: Yes, please indicate your wedding date as date of name change.

Is name changed required for driving into US from Canada?
by: Anonymous

Question: So I legally changed my last name 5 years ago. Last year my wife and I moved to Alaska. We are planning on driving back down to the lower 48 later next year. My passport is valid still but has my original last name. I have changed my name on my Drivers license and my social security card but I do not have the certified copy of my name change paperwork as it is in storage back in the lower 48. So I cannot complete a renewal with my legally changed name on my passport. If my wife drives us through the border, can I present my valid US passport as the passenger and gain entry? Thank you.

Answer: Yes, you may use your passport to re-enter the United States.

Name change
by: Anonymous

Question: Do I have to change my passport to my married name? I use my maiden name for some things and married name for others. As long as it matches my airline ticket, does it matter?

Answer: It should not be an issue as long as your passport and tickets match.

Middle Name is mis-spelled on my marriage license
by: Anonymous

Question: I recently got married and I need to update my passport. Since I got my passport < 1 year ago I know that I can use the DS-5504 application form.

My middle name is mis-spelled on my marriage license, this is due to when I applied for my marriage license, my driving license had the incorrect spelling. The county clerk has informed that the marriage license can not be updated. Since then my driving license has been updated to match the correct spelling which is listed on my birth certificate.

My question is will this affect me during the application process for name change on my passport. If so what documents do I need to submit to show the correct spelling of my middle name. Do I need to submit a copy of my birth certificate?

Answer: You do not need to submit your marriage license for the application. You need to submit the original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate.

Booked ticket in new name, old passport
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport has my old name before I got married. I booked tickets in new married name but passport is in old name. Can I still fly?

Answer: TSA requires that the name on your tickets match that on your passport. You need to either re-book your tickets or apply for expedited renewal with name change.

Passport, Visa and Ticket
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi. My hubby is petitioning for a spousal visa for me with my married name to the US but I have not done a legal name change. My passport is my maiden name and my confirmation page is my married name which means my visa will be in my married name. Do I have to change my passport name or legal change of name before my US interview in Nigeria and also when am travelling? My passport is still valid will expire in 2 years.

Answer: Please contact the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the Consulate General in Lagos regarding your concern.

Travel to Puerto Rico
by: Anonymous

Question: I am getting ready to travel to Puerto Rico and have not changed my name on my passport. Is my passport still valid if I carry my marriage license with my passport or do I need to change my name on my passport to reflect my name change?

Answer: If your tickets are booked in your maiden name, there is no need to do anything. If it's in your married name, you need to change the name on your passport.

Just got married
by: Anonymous

Question: Hello my husband and I just got married and we might travel out of the country by November. Is my passport still okay? The expiration is 2021, what should I do? Do I really need to change my last name even though the expiration is 2021? Thank you and hope to hear from you.

Answer: You may still travel with your current passport. Just make sure to book tickets in the name that appears in your passport to avoid issues with TSA.

Citizenships certificate not change to marriage
by: Anonymous

Question: I got married in 2014 but I never change my citizenship certificate. I did change my social security and drivers license, can I still get a passport card?

Answer: Yes, you can.

Getting legally married prior to a cruise
by: Anonymous

Question: I’m getting married just prior to a cruise to Canada. Will my passport need to reflect my new legal name or will my maiden name suffice as long as the passport matches the tickets?

How soon after should we update our passports?

Answer: You may continue to use your passport for travel until it expires. Just make sure that tickets match the name that appears on it.

Passport renewal
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi I’m getting married this September and we are booking our honeymoon a week or two after on a cruise to the Mediterranean. I need to renew my passport because it expires soon. Would I have enough time to legally change my name on my passport? Or can I just use my maiden name?
Thank you.

Answer: You may use your maiden name when you renew. Just make sure to book tickets in your maiden name as well.

When you get back from your honeymoon, you may apply for a passport name change. If you apply within a year of the passport;s issuance, you do not need to pay any fee unless you request for expedited service.

Traveling to Britain with maiden name
by: Anonymous

Question: If I am traveling to the UK or Germany with my passport bearing my maiden name, will I be granted entry? My driver's license and social security name change has already gone through, so the ID should not match the passport.

Answer: There should not be any issues as long as the names on your passport and tickets match. You will most likely not be asked to present your driver's license or SS card when you travel internationally.

Married but still use maiden
by: Anonymous

Question: I have been married for 10 years and have never changed my name. Now I will like to apply for my first passport would that be a issue because I never changed my name?

Answer: You should not have any problems applying for your first U.S. passport.

Daughter now married but paid for Visas
by: KevinOMReb

Question: My daughter got marred in 2017. She will be traveling to Bolivia in December 2019 for a wedding. She has been there before and paid nearly $200 for the VISA. That was before she was married. How does she change her name and keep the VISA?

Answer: If your daughter's passport still meets the validity requirement of Bolivia, she may still travel with it.

However, if she needs to renew your passport and do a name change at the same time, she has to contact the Embassy of Bolivia about transferring the visa to the new passport.

Traveling to Portugal with maiden name on passport
by: Anonymous

Question: My wife and I recently got married in March of this year (2018). We are planning a trip to Portugal next year. Her passport has her maiden name and expires in 2020. We are trying to avoid the hassle of renewing the passport until the end date. Would it be okay to fly with my wife having her maiden name on her passport, despite already updating her drivers license and Social with married last name?

Answer: Yes, it is okay for your wife to use her current passport as long as her tickets are booked in her maiden name.

Do I need to change my passport if everything is still in my maiden name?
by: Anonymous

Question: I recently got married in June 2018. Everything I have (my passport, drivers license, bank cards) are still in my maiden name. I have not changed my name with social security or anything either.

If I book my ticket to Mexico with my maiden name, will I have a problem? Or should I try to get everything changed to my new married name before I go to Mexico?

Answer: You should be able to travel to Mexico with your current passport as long as you book tickets in the name that appears in it.

Hello
by: Anonymous

Question: I am applying for a spouse visa. Is it necessary that I change my maiden name in my passport to my husband's name before applying for a spouse visa?

Answer: Please contact the National Visa Center regarding U.S. visas.

ID has married name, Passport has maiden name
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport has my maiden name on it but I recently got married and haven't changed it you match my drivers license which now has my married name on it. We were planning on going to Canada for the day this weekend, can i still use my passport if i have my marriage license?

Answer: You may still use your passport. If you are traveling by air, please book your tickets in your maiden name.

Changing of family name
by: Anonymous

Question: Hello!i just want to ask about changing my status in my passport.I am a Filipina who just got married to an Italian man. I was a widower before and I used my late husband's family name. Should i change my family name? Passport will expire on 2020. Thanks. Good day!

Answer: If you have a Philippine passport, you need to contact the Philippine Embassy or the Philippine Consulate that has jurisdiction over your state of residence in the United States.

Can I use my new passport with my maiden name after marriage?
by: Anonymous

Question: My boyfriend and I are taking a trip to Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark this year (2018). All tickets, rail passes and my passport have my maiden name listed on them. My question is that IF we get married just before our trip, do I have to update my passport with my married name? F.Y.I. I was issued my very first passport in early 2018.

Answer: There is no need to update your passport and booking. You may travel with your current passport without issues as long as it matches your tickets.

Marriage Certificate dated prior to most recent passport renewal
by: Melinda G. C.

Question: My husband and I married in September 2017, and had already booked our honeymoon for January 2018. Since my passport was expiring prior to January, I renewed it in my maiden name (to match my international tickets). When we returned from our trip, I began the process of changing my name in February, first visiting the Social Security office and successfully submitting my marriage certificate as proof of name change. I then mailed in Form DS-5504 with my (September 2017) marriage certificate. Two weeks later, it was returned to me as invalid, as "my name change had occurred prior to my most recent passport renewal application.

What do I need to do to ensure that the passport agency accepts my marriage certificate as proof when I submit it again? Would an accompanying letter be adequate explanation?

I have called the agency twice for a "call back" request (and told I would receive a return call within 10 days). Neither time have I received a phone call from an agency representative. Thank you!

Answer: The application should have been accepted since you are applying for the name change within a year of issuance. Re-sending the application with a letter of explanation may help.

Name change and traveling soon
by: Otuechere

Question: I recently got married less than a year ago. I am an American and my spouse is Nigerian. I went back to the USA and changed my government documents including my passport but my Nigerian visa is still valid for another year and it is in my name before marriage. I was told I could enter into Nigeria with my visa. It this true? I am traveling very soon and I have contacted the Nigerian embassy but I got no reply. The place I process my visa said it should be okay to travel with both documents. Can you confirm this?

Answer: We cannot confirm this as entry requirements constantly change. We recommend that you contact the airline you are flying with to verify travel document requirements.

Maiden name on passport, married name on ID
by: Anonymous

Question: Hello. I am going to the Dominican Republic. On my passport is my maiden name. If I book everything thing in my maiden name to match my passport, will I be okay to enter into the DR and back to the US with no problems?

Thank you.

Answer: Yes, you will be okay.

Passport
by: Nicol

Question: Hello. My daughter sent off for a new passport with her married name and when she got it, it still had her maiden name on it. So then she went to DC AND THEY MADE HER PAY ANOTHER 170.00 dollars for their mistake. Who can I talk to?

Answer: Passport corrections are processed free of charge. You may file a formal complaint through the National Passport Information Center.

Passport and visa
by: Jay

Question: Please, I need help. My wife (American citizen) and I (Nigerian citizen) got married in Nigeria late last year. Since she went back to the U.S., she has changed her maiden on her ID and now she wants to visit me again because her visa is valid for 2 years. Do we need to re-do her passport because of her name change and if "yes" what happens to the Nigerian visa?

Answer: Your wife may continue to use her passport until it expires. Her ID and passport do not necessarily have to match but her passport and airline tickets do.

Renewal
by: Andrea David

Question: My husband and I were married in California on November 26, 2016 and immediately returned to Florida where we live. We planned our honeymoon to Spain in January of 2017. Most countries require that a passport be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of a trip. Since my passport was going to expire sooner than that it was advised that I renew it prior to our travels. I had my passport renewed on December 29, 2016 and paid the fee. I had no way of renewing my passport with my new name because I had not yet been issued my certificate of marriage. I live in a different state then where my marriage took place. I had no way to submit a proof of name change. We didn’t receive our marriage certificate until February, 2017, after returning from our honeymoon. On our marriage certificate there is an issue date of February, 2017.

I received a letter in the mail from the department of state, with my marriage certificate and a DS-82 application, telling me to reapply for a new passport and pay another fee. When I called the National Passport Information Center, they advised me to reapply with a DS-11 application and pay another fee. It has been less than a year since I renewed my passport. I attempted to renew December, 2016 and paid the fee. I don’t understand why I should have to pay another fee? At this point, I don’t understand how I am supposed to move forward since I have been given conflicting instruction from the Department of State and the National Passport Information Center. I would really appreciate any help with my situation.

Answer: Since it has been less than a year since your current passport was issued, there should be no feewhen you apply for a name change unless you request expedited service.

The correct form to submit is Form DS-5504; mail it with the following to the address on the form:

1. Current passport
2. New passport photo
3. Original or certified copy of marriage certificate

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