Updating a Passport Following a Marriage

It is quite simple to update a woman’s passport after her marriage date, particularly if she is obtaining the passport with the idea of going on an out of country honeymoon. When applying for her passport, she must use either her maiden or current name (whichever she is currently using). Therefore, when the passport is issued, it will be in the woman’s current name.

Following the marriage and the honeymoon, it is possible to have the passport updated free of charge for up to a year from the issue date of the passport. All that is needed is the original passport, two additional passport photographs, and a certified copy of the marriage license. All of the information can be sent to the National Passport Processing Center and a new passport will be issued with the woman’s married name.

If it has been more than a year since the marriage occurred or if the passport was not obtained solely for honeymoon purposes, it will be necessary to pay a processing fee of $75.00 to the U.S. Department of State. Again, the same information will be required – the original passport, two additional passport photographs, and a certified copy of the marriage license.

If a passport needs to be updated, the form DS-82 needs to be filled out. Because the form is a renewal/update form, it is not necessary to visit your local passport acceptance facility. The form and information required can be mailed directly to the National Passport Processing Center, Post Office Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.