Passport Renewal and Name Change

by Karen
(Andover, MA)

Question: I need to renew my passport as well as change my name (married). Do I need to submit both DS-11 AND DS-82 forms?

Answer: If you meet all the criteria for renewing a passport by mail, then you only need to submit form DS-82.

You need to submit the completed application form, your most recent passport, a recent passport photo and payment for fees. Since your name changed due to marriage, you need to submit the original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate.

For complete details, click the link below.

How to Renew a Passport

If you are not eligible to renew your passport by mail, you will need to apply in person at an application acceptance facility and submit Form DS-11 and all required supporting documents.

How do I renew and change my name on a passport at the same time?

Question: I need to renew an expired passport but also change my last name on it.

Answer: Mail completed application form DS-82 along with your current passport, two passport photos, legal documentation of the name change and payment for the fee to the address on the application.

You must include a certified copy of the legal document that verifies your name change. "Copy" does not mean a mimeographed copy. This must be an original, certified document.

For complete instructions, click the link below.

How to Renew a Passport

Renewal of passport with married name change fees

by Erina
(Cincinnati, Ohio)

Question: I was married since I received my passport. I have one in good condition and want to know which of the fees I need to have to pay. Also, would the $60 for expediting be added to this fee?

Answer: If your passport was issued less than one year ago, you need to complete form DS-5504. Submit your current passport, an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate and two passport photos. There is no application fee for this service but you need to pay the $60 for expedited service if you want the passport name change processed quickly.

If your most recent passport was issued more than one year ago, you need to apply for a passport renewal by submitting form DS-82 and the same documents listed above. The application fee is $75 and the expedited service fee (if you choose to request it) is $60.

When requesting expedited service, you should write the word "expedite" on the outside of the envelope. You are encouraged to use a two-way overnight delivery method that is traceable and can deliver to a P.O. Box.

Expedited service will get your passport name change application processed in 2-3 weeks. If you need it sooner, you will either have to visit the regional agency or authorize an expediting service to get it for you. For more information click the links below.

Detroit Passport Agency

Apply to Expedite Passport Renewal

Do I need to send legal documents if my passport already has a name change amendment?

by Katy
(Charlotte NC)

Question: My original passport was issued on Feb 2001 and had my maiden name listed. I was married on October 3, 2003. In August 2005 I sent in the documents needed for the name change and my passport was amended. Of course the name change is listed in back of passport.

So, now it is time to renew but I'm confused on what name I put on my application when they ask what is the most recent name listed on the passport? Also do I have to resend my marriage license for the renewal in order to have my married name listed on the front?

Answer: If you passport was amended, the most recent name listed would be your current legal name. Concerning legal evidence of the name change, you do not need to send any documents to the fact since the process has already been completed.

All you need is the completed passport renewal application, your current passport and two recent passport photos. The fee is $110 unless you request expedited service for which there is an additional $60 fee.

I have an expired passport that I need to renew but also have to change the name due to marriage.

Question: I have a passport that expired but my name has changed due to marriage. What do I need to do to get a new passport with my new name?

Answer: The answer depends on the date the passports was issued and how old you were when it was issued.

If the passport was issued more than 15 year ago or you were a minor when it was issued, then you need to apply for a new passport using form DS-11 and submit all required documents. If this is the case, click the link below.

How to Get a New Passport

If the passport was issued less than 15 years ago and your were 16 or older when it was issued, then you need to apply for a renewal using Form DS-82 and submit all required documents. If this is the case, click the link below.

Apply to Renew Passport

In either case, you need to submit evidence of the legal name change by sending the original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate.

Currently, routine service is taking 4-6 weeks. Expedited service takes 2-3 weeks. For faster service, you can visit a regional passport agency or employ the services of a registered passport expediter.

What is considered as official documentation for a name change?

by Chelsie
(NC)

Question: Would a social security card be documentation or a copy of my military ID card suffice?

Question: Primary evidence of a legal name change include a marriage certificate or a court order. Persons whose names have been changed through use must submit the following information.

Change of surname and/or complete given name without a court order:

A passport shall be issued in the assumed name only when the applicant provides acceptable documents of identity in the assumed name and acceptable evidence which shows exclusive use of the name for at least five years.

1. Three or more public documents (such as school records, military records, employment records, tax records, or other public records) showing exclusive use of the assumed name for at least five years are required.

2. Affidavits (Form DS-71) executed by two or more U.S. citizens attesting that they have known the applicant by both names, and that the applicant has used the assumed name exclusively for all purposes for at least five years, may be provided in place of one of the public documents if the applicant cannot obtain a third public record.

Generally, the attesting U.S. citizen comes into the passport unit to complete the affidavit. A U.S. notarial is provided at no cost. For a list of locations in your area, click the link below.

North Carolina Passport Offices

Assumption of new name as "known as" name:

If the assumed name has been used for at least five years, it may be included in the passport as a "known as" name. The applicant must sign the application with both names and provide acceptable identification in the "known as" name.

An applicant who has assumed a new name as a "known as" name should also submit public documents (such as school records, military records, employment records, tax records, or other public records) showing use of the assumed name. Three or more public documents should be sufficient.

Affidavits (Form DS-71) executed by two or more U.S. citizens attesting that they have known the applicant by both names, and for what purpose(s) the applicant uses each name, may be provided in place of one of the public documents if the applicant cannot obtain a third public record.

Do I have to renew my passport after my name changes before taking a honeymoon?

by Candice
(Milwaukee, WI USA)

Question: My current passport expires 10/29/10. I am getting married 6/5/10 and will be changing my name. We will be taking a honeymoon outside of the US sometime in June.

If I renew now, will I be able to travel with the passport after my name changes? (Can you use your passport if your name has changed due to marriage?

Or Can I travel in June with my current passport and wait to renew later or is it too close to expiration?

Answer: Concerning the name in the passport, you can wait until after the honeymoon to request a change. However, you should consider some of the following matters.

Passport holders are encouraged to renew their passports approximately 9 months before the expiration date. Whether you actually need to renew yours before your honeymoon depends on the country or countries you plan to visit during the trip.

Many countries require your passport to have at least six months validity remaining beyond your stay before they will allow you to enter or issue a visa. To discover the requirements for your destination(s), click the link below.

Foreign Entry Requirement

In the case that you need to renew your passport, click the link below for instructions.

How to Renew Passport

If you request a passport renewal before the wedding and the passport has your maiden name in it, you should book your flight in your maiden name. The Secure Flight Program requires the name on your ticket and boarding pass to match that of your government issued travel document.

If you plan to renew your passport after the honeymoon, you should consider the fact that passport fees will be increasing soon. Presently, the fee to renew a passport is $75. When fees increase, you will have to pay $110.

If you do renew your passport before your honeymoon, you should apply for a name change soon after returning to the U.S. If the request is made within the first year from the passport's issuance date, there is no fee. If you wait longer than a year, you will be required to apply for a renewal and pay the applicable fees.

Renewing your passport after the wedding but before your honeymoon will only be possible if there are at least a few days interval. If you want to travel on your honeymoon with your married name in your passport, you will be required to expedite the process.

You can do this by either visiting the nearest regional passport agency or submitting the application through a professional passport expediting service.