Key Takeaways:
- Update Your Passport After Marriage: Updating your passport after marriage ensures your travel documents match your legal name, which helps you avoid potential disruptions during international travel.
- Required Documents: You’ll need a certified marriage certificate, the correct application form (DS-5504, DS-82, or DS-11), a current passport photo, and possibly a fee, depending on your situation.
- Stay Organized: Ensuring all documents are correct and complete will streamline the name change process.
Did you recently change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order and need to update your passport?
If so, you've come to the right place! Changing the name on your passport after marriage is one of the many steps you may need to take on the journey of being newly named.
Once you've registered your name change with the Social Security Administration, you're free to start updating your name elsewhere.
If you plan to travel internationally, you'll want to get your new name on your passport. This guide will help you navigate the passport name change process.
Why You Need To Update Your Passport After Marriage
Your passport is one of the most important identity documents you own. It’s the ticket that lets you explore the world, breeze through airports, and prove who you are, so it’s crucial that the information inside matches your current legal name.
Avoid Travel Hassles With Matching Documents
After you get married and decide to change your name, your marriage certificate provides legal proof of your new name. But your passport doesn’t automatically update itself to reflect that change. If you’re planning a honeymoon, business trip, or any international travel, the name on your plane ticket must exactly match the one on your passport. Even a small mismatch can lead to headaches at security checkpoints and the risk of being denied travel.
Other Reasons To Keep Your Passport Current
Beyond airports, an up-to-date passport is often required for other major life moments: applying for visas, processing legal paperwork overseas, or even something as simple as checking into certain hotels abroad. Keeping it current protects you from unnecessary holdups and lets you focus on the fun stuff, like planning your next adventure. Ultimately, updating your passport after marriage is an essential step to ensure all your travels (and other life transitions) go as smoothly as possible.
Passport Name Change Checklist
If you’re planning to update your name on your passport, a little prep work goes a long way. Here’s a quick checklist to help you stay organized and make sure you don’t miss any important steps:
- Review your travel calendar
- Gather the required documents
- Fill out the proper passport application for name changes
- Update your passport photo
- Decide if you want to pay for expedited service
- Determine your passport name change fee
- Submit your passport name change application
- Next steps
In the sections that follow, we’ll walk you through each of these steps in detail. So, you can complete your passport name change with less stress and more confidence.
Step 1: Review Your Travel Calendar
Do you already have travel plans in your former name? If so, wait until you return home before starting your passport name change.
Changing your name on your passport after marriage can be a pain in the butt if you already have travel reservations because the identification you present at the airport must match your ticket. If it doesn't, you will likely not be able to travel.
If you have no plans to travel right after you change your name, try to wait until you have your new passport in possession before preparing for a new trip.
The passport application process can take anywhere from two to six weeks to complete. And your new passport will have a new number and expiration date.
So, if your ticket booking requires you to input passport details, you won't be able to provide the right information.
The safest course is to wait to make plans until after you have your new passport if you plan to change your name after marriage.
Contact your travel provider if you think any passport name change issues may arise.
Step 2: Gather The Required Documents
In addition to the passport name change application form, you will need to provide two documents: 1) your valid and unexpired U.S. Passport and 2) either the original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court-ordered name change document. With these documents in hand, you're ready to begin the application.
Step 3: Fill Out The Proper Passport Application
Next, determine which passport application form you need to fill out to change your name. Choose from the following three options:
- DS-82: If your passport was issued more than one year ago, use Form DS-82.
- DS-5504: If your passport was issued less than one year ago, use Form DS-5504.
- DS-11: Use Form DS-11 if your passport was issued more than 15 years ago or has expired for over five years.
The forms themselves are not very long, and you don't need to mail in the instruction pages (typically the first four pages of the PDF). However, refer to these instruction pages if you have any questions.
Step 4: Update Your Passport Photo
Your passport name change application must include a recent color photo. If you’re applying in person, many acceptance facilities offer photo services for an additional fee. Alternatively, you can have it done at locations like CVS, the UPS Store, Walgreens, or Walmart. If you’re applying by mail, you’ll need to attach your photo to the application.
The most basic picture requirements are:
- Correct Size: Photo must be 2x2 inches.
- Head Placement: Your head should measure between 1 and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
- No Glasses: Glasses are not allowed in passport photos.
- Proper Background: Use a plain white or off-white background. Don’t digitally alter or remove your body from the background. This can lead to rejection.
- Photo Quality: Print on matte or glossy photo paper only.
- No Filters Or Edits: Avoid filters and digital edits; only red-eye removal is permitted.
- Undamaged Image: Photos must be free from rips, tears, scratches, or other defects.
For more detailed instructions, see the U.S. Department of State's Passport Photo Guidelines.
Step 5: Decide If You Want To Pay For Expedited Service
Processing times can vary, especially during peak travel seasons, so it’s smart to apply well in advance if you have upcoming travel plans. If you haven’t updated your name with Social Security yet, it’s recommended to do that first. Otherwise, your new passport may be delayed. Additionally, the name on your passport must match other travel documents for a hassle-free boarding experience.
On average, applications can take up to six weeks for standard processing or up to three weeks if expedited. Expedited Service (2-3 weeks) costs an additional $60. If you need to travel in a hurry, you may need to pay for expedited service. Need to update your passport ASAP? Visit a passport agency. Locations include:
- Aurora, CO
- Atlanta, GA
- Boston, MA
- Buffalo, NY
- Chicago, IL
- Dallas, TX
- Detroit, MI
- El Paso, TX
- Honolulu, HI
- Hot Springs, AR
- Houston, TX
- Los Angeles, CA
- Miami, FL
- Minneapolis, MN
- New Orleans, LA
- New York, NY
- Portsmouth, NH
- Philadelphia, PA
- San Diego, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Seattle, WA
- St. Albans, VT
- Stamford, CT
- Tucson, AZ
- Washington, DC
Step 6: Determine Your Passport Name Change Fee
Depending on the form you chose in Step 3, your processing fee will be different. With Form DS-82 and Form DS-11, you will need to pay $130 (or $190 total for expedited service).
If your previous passport was issued less than one year ago and you filled out form DS-5504, you do not need to pay a fee for routine service. Expedited service for DS-5504 costs $60.
Please note that the above fees apply to requests for a regular passport book.
The fee is reduced if you need a passport card (valid only for travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda). For the official pricing chart, see the U.S. Department of State's pricing page.
You can pay by check or money order if you’re mailing everything in, or by credit card at a passport acceptance facility. Make checks payable to "U.S. Department of State."
Step 7: Submit Your Application
You can renew your passport at an acceptance facility or by mail. If you mail your passport application, include all required documentation (current U.S. Passport, official name change document), the application with your photo stapled, and the fee in one envelope. You must use the United States Postal Service (USPS). If you use UPS, FedEx, or DHL, your application will be returned without processing.
Where you send your application depends on your location:
Routine Service (CA, FL, IL, MN, NY, TX):
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 640155
Irving, TX 75064-0155
Routine Service (other states or Canada):
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90155
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155
Expedited Service (any state or Canada):
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90955
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955
Write "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the mailing envelope.
Step 8: Next Steps
Hang tight! Once you've submitted your application, all you need to do is wait. You will receive your new passport, as well as your other documents, in the mail in the coming weeks.
Be aware that the new passport often arrives separately from your old one and supporting documents, so don't panic if they come in different envelopes.
As you wait for your passport, you can continue your name change elsewhere.
Best of luck with the rest of your name change!
Final Thoughts
Changing your name on your passport after marriage is one of those life admin tasks that feels daunting, but it doesn’t have to. At NewlyNamed, our mission is to take all that name change stress off your plate—so you can get back to dreaming about your next adventure or just enjoying your new chapter in life.
If you’re ready to dive in, our Print at Home Name Change Kit or the NewlyNamed Box have your back. They provide you with tailored instructions, all the necessary forms, and personalized checklists that keep you organized and confident every step of the way. Together, let’s make your name change as effortless as saying “I do.”
Read also:
- How To Change Your Name After Marriage [2025 Guide + Printable Checklist]
- Financial Advice For Married Couples: Smart Money Moves For A Stronger Relationship
- How To Organize Important Documents Without Getting Overwhelmed
Frequently Asked Questions About Passport Name Change After Marriage
How long does a passport name change take?
After submitting your application, a passport name change typically takes 4–6 weeks for routine service and 2–3 weeks for expedited service. For the latest processing times, visit travel.state.gov.
How much does a passport name change cost?
Form DS-82 (passport issued more than 1 year ago) and Form DS-11 (new passport) cost $130 for routine service and $190 for expedited service. Form DS-5504 (passport issued less than one year ago) is free for routine service and $60 for expedited service.
I just got married. When should I update my passport?
It depends on your travel schedule. If you have flights booked in your maiden name, wait until you return from those trips before updating your passport. The name on your passport must match your boarding pass exactly, or you may not be allowed to fly.
What if my passport with my maiden name still has a lot of validity left after I get married?
You can still use your passport with your maiden name until it expires, just make sure your plane tickets and travel documents match the name on your passport. If you want your passport to reflect your new name after marriage, you’ll need to apply for a passport name change. The good news is that you don’t have to wait until your old passport expires to initiate this change.
Will my passport number change after I change my name?
Yes, your new passport will have a different number compared to your old one. Whenever a new passport booklet is issued (which it is when your name changes), you receive a brand-new passport number. This is totally normal and nothing to worry about!
Is a court order necessary for a passport name change after marriage?
Nope! If you’re changing your name due to marriage, all you need is an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate (no court order required). Court orders are typically only necessary for name changes unrelated to marriage or divorce.
