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renew my passport but not legally divorced yet

Question: I want to renew my passport but I am not legally divorced yet even though I have been living separately from my husband for 4 months now . My concern is what marital status should I choose while filing the application online? Can I select divorcee? I need to renew my passport and can't wait until the divorce process is over. Please guide.

Answer: No, you cannot select divorcee on the passport application. You are not officially divorced. Until you file for divorce and the process is finalized, you are still legally married. Therefore, you must check that you are married on the application and cannot check the "divorced" box.

If you do file for divorce and change your name, you can apply for a passport name change. If you make the request within one year from the issuance of the passport, there is no fee.

Comments for renew my passport but not legally divorced yet

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Proceedings in process but not complete
by: Anonymous

Question: I have filed for divorce, we have signed the final judgement forms, submitted them to court and are just waiting on the final judgement from the court. Can i put divorced on my application? and if so what would be the divorce date, the date of filing?

Answer: You need to wait for the official document (divorce decree) from the court to be issued. This way, you will be able to indicate the divorce date as the date it was made final and official by the court.

First passport. Second marriage.
by: Anonymous

Question: Do I need both marriage certificates and my divorce decree? Is just my most recent marriage certificate adequate for applying for my first passport?

Answer: Since it's your first time applying, there is no need to submit your marriage certificates and divorce decree. You only need to have your primary ID (driver's license) to match the name you enter in the application form.

Husband
by: John

Question: If I’m recently married & I’m the husband, do I have to bring in my original marriage certificate when I apply?

Answer: No, you do not need your marriage certificate unless you are changing your name through the marriage.

Passport Renewal
by: Anonymous

Question: I’m not legally divorced yet, but would like to renew my passport and keep my maiden name, same information on my old passport. Should I enter my maiden name in line #1? For other name use do I enter my married name in line #9 even if I have kept using my maiden name during the marriage?

Answer: Yes, enter your maiden name for line 1. If you never used your ex's last name, you do not need to indicate it in line 9.

Not legally divorced and name won't change after divorce
by: anonymous

Question: I have divorce proceedings coming up. I have been separated for over 2 years and this is first time I am applying for a passport. Divorce is to be finalized in 3 months and my name will not change as I kept my maiden name after marriage. should I wait for divorce to be finalized before applying for passport? I don't want his name associated with my name in records.

Answer: You may apply for your first passport now. However, passport forms must be completed with information that is true and correct. You will still need to enter details of your most recent marriage whether you submit the application before or after the divorce is finalized.

passport renewal problem
by: Anonymous

Question: What marital status should I choose while filing the application online? Can I select divorcee? I need to renew my passport. Please guide. I want to renew my passport but I am not legally divorced yet even though I have been living separately from my husband for 30 years now . My concern is what marital status should I choose while filing the application online? Can I select divorcee? I need to renew my passport. Please guide.

Answer: You are not legally divorced until you file a petition for divorce and it is granted.

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About the Author: For over 20 years, the U.S. Passport Service Guide team has helped hundreds of thousands of travelers with their travel document questions and shared advice about how to make traveling abroad simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.

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