If you have recently married and plan to change your last name, one of the first official documents you will want to update is your U.S. passport. Whether you are planning international travel, applying for a visa, or simply want your identification to match your new marital status, you will need specific name change documents to support your passport application. The most critical document is a certified copy of your marriage certificate—not the marriage license. However, the process involves more than just submitting that one document. You must also fill out the correct application form, provide a new passport photo, and pay the appropriate fee. As of July 2026, the U.S. Department of State has streamlined the renewal process for name changes, but mistakes in documentation remain the top reason for delays. This guide walks you through every document you need and each step to ensure your passport is updated quickly and correctly.
Key Rule: To change your name on your U.S. passport after marriage, you must submit a certified copy of your marriage certificate (not the license) along with your passport application. The certificate must bear the official seal of the issuing authority. If your marriage certificate is in a foreign language, you must also provide a certified English translation.
What Documents Do You Need to Change Your Name on Your Passport?
The exact documents required depend on whether you are eligible to use Form DS‑82 (renewal by mail) or must use Form DS‑11 (application in person). However, the core set of documents is consistent. Below is a complete checklist.
| Document | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage Certificate | Certified copy with official seal | Must show the new name you are adopting. Photocopies are not acceptable. |
| Current Passport | Undamaged and valid (or expired within 5 years for DS‑82) | You will submit the original with your application. |
| Passport Photo | 2x2 inch, color, white background | Must meet State Department specifications (no glasses, neutral expression). |
| Application Form | DS‑82 (renewal) or DS‑11 (new application) | Fill out completely. For name change, indicate the new name on the form. |
| Proof of Identity | Driver's license or state ID (for DS‑11) | Must show your current name—if it still shows your maiden name, that is acceptable as long as you submit the marriage certificate. |
| Payment | Check or money order for the fee | Current fees: $130 for passport book (DS‑82) plus $30 execution fee if using DS‑11. |
Step‑by‑Step Process for Changing Your Name on Your Passport
The process differs based on whether you are eligible for renewal by mail (Form DS‑82) or must apply in person (Form DS‑11). The table below summarizes the eligibility criteria.
| Criteria | Eligible for DS‑82 (Mail Renewal) | Must Use DS‑11 (In‑Person) |
|---|---|---|
| Passport Age | Issued within the last 15 years | Issued over 15 years ago |
| Passport Condition | Undamaged | Damaged, lost, or stolen |
| Age at Issuance | Issued when you were age 16 or older | Issued before age 16 |
| Name Change | Yes, you can use DS‑82 with marriage certificate | Still can, but must apply in person |
Follow these steps based on your eligibility:
If You Are Eligible for DS‑82 (Mail Renewal)
- Complete Form DS‑82. Download it from the State Department website, fill it out online and print, or print and fill by hand. In the name change section, enter your new name.
- Gather your supporting documents. Include your current passport, one new passport photo, and the certified copy of your marriage certificate.
- Calculate the fee. As of 2026, the passport book renewal fee is $130. Write a check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of State."
- Package and mail. Place all items in a sturdy envelope. Use a trackable shipping method (e.g., USPS Priority Mail) to the address listed on the DS‑82 instructions.
- Wait for processing. Routine processing takes 6–8 weeks; expedited service (additional fee) takes 2–3 weeks.
If You Must Use DS‑11 (In‑Person Application)
- Complete Form DS‑11. Fill it out online but do not sign it until instructed.
- Gather your documents. Bring your current passport (if available), certified marriage certificate, a new passport photo, and a government‑issued ID (driver's license).
- Visit an acceptance facility. This is typically a post office, library, or county clerk's office. Make an appointment if required.
- Submit your application in person. A passport agent will witness your signature, and you will pay the $130 application fee plus a $35 execution fee (total $165).
- Wait for processing. Same timelines as above.
Common Mistakes That Can Delay Your Passport Application
Even small errors can cause your application to be rejected or delayed. Avoid these frequent pitfalls.
- Submitting a marriage license instead of a marriage certificate. The license is not proof of marriage—it only authorizes it. You need the certified marriage certificate.
- Using an uncertified copy. Photocopies or printouts of your marriage certificate are not accepted. The certificate must bear the official seal of the issuing authority.
- Incorrect passport photo. Photos that are too large, too small, or do not meet the background and lighting requirements will cause your application to be returned.
- Filling out the wrong form. Using DS‑11 when you are eligible for DS‑82, or vice versa, will result in a rejection. Check the criteria carefully.
- Insufficient payment. The fee amounts change periodically. Always verify the current fee on the State Department website before mailing your application.
- Forgetting to sign the application. Unsigned forms are returned unprocessed.
- Not including your current passport. If you are renewing, you must submit your most recent passport with the application.
- Using a married name that does not match the certificate. The name you put on the application must match the name shown on the marriage certificate. If you want to use a different variation, you may need a court order.
Additional Considerations for International Travel and Visas
Once you have your new passport in your married name, you may need to update other documents, especially if you have a visa or are planning international travel.
- Update your Social Security card first. It is recommended to update your name with the Social Security Administration before applying for a passport, as they will cross‑check the name.
- Check visa requirements. If you already have a valid U.S. visa in your previous name, you may need to carry both your old and new passports, along with your marriage certificate, when traveling. Alternatively, you may need to apply for a new visa with the updated passport.
- For international use of your marriage certificate. If you plan to use your marriage certificate abroad (e.g., to change your name on a foreign visa or residency), you may need an apostille from the state that issued the certificate. This is a separate step that adds time.
- Update your global entry or TSA PreCheck accounts. After your passport is updated, update these travel programs with your new name and new passport number.
If you are applying for a visa in your new married name, the embassy will typically require your new passport and a certified copy of your marriage certificate (often apostilled). Ensure you have extra copies of your marriage certificate with apostilles if you are moving abroad.
Related Guides
- Marriage Certificate vs Marriage License: What's the Difference?
- How to Get a Certified Copy of Your Birth Certificate by Mail
- How to Submit a US Background Check to a Foreign Consulate
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate for passport name change?
A: A marriage license is the document that allows you to get married—it is issued before the ceremony. A marriage certificate is the official record that proves the marriage took place—it is issued after the ceremony and is the document you need for your passport name change. The license is not accepted.
Q: Can I change my name on my passport by mail?
A: Yes, if you meet the criteria for using Form DS‑82 (passport issued within 15 years, undamaged, issued after age 16, and you are not applying for a first‑time passport). You will need to mail your current passport, the application, a new photo, and the certified marriage certificate.
Q: How long does it take to get a passport after a name change?
A: Routine processing takes 6–8 weeks. Expedited processing (additional fee) takes 2–3 weeks. Times may vary based on volume.
Q: Do I need to update my Social Security card before my passport?
A: It is not mandatory, but highly recommended. The State Department may cross‑reference with the Social Security Administration, and updating your Social Security card first can help avoid delays.
Q: What if my marriage certificate is in a foreign language?
A: You must provide a certified English translation along with the original foreign‑language certificate. The translation must include a statement from the translator certifying accuracy.
Q: Can I use my new passport immediately after receiving it?
A: Yes, as soon as you receive your new passport, it is valid for travel. However, if you have a visa in your old passport, you may need to travel with both passports until you obtain a new visa in your married name.
Q: Do I need an apostille on my marriage certificate for passport name change?
A: No, the U.S. passport office does not require an apostille for domestic passport applications. Apostilles are only needed for using documents in foreign countries that are members of the Hague Convention.