Congratulations! You just got married! Now what?
After months—or years—of planning for your special day, you have finally made it down the aisle and married the love of your life. Once the wedding bells ring and the reception hall is packed up, you may realize there is still a ton of work left to do and you are not sure where to start.
With a new ring on my finger and a lifelong partner at my side, I made the personal decision to change my last name to his. With this decision, I realized all the documents and accounts that I would have to be change to my new married name and began to feel a little overwhelmed.
Once you start the process of changing your name, you need to change everything over with it. Since traveling is one of my biggest passions, I wanted to get my new passport as soon as possible, so I could start booking plane tickets without worrying about my name and any extra fees.
I know that I am not the only one that has experienced this stress, so I wanted to share the process and timeline of getting a name changed on a passport to get you back to traveling—this time with your spouse at your side.
Note: This article is a guide of the process and my personal experience. Please use https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/apply-renew-passport/change-correct.html for more information.
Process:
Get a new Passport Photo
I got mine taken at a local CVS for $13. Some libraries or town halls offer the services as well.
Download Travel.State.Gov Change a Passport Form
You can access the correct forms here
Mail:
Passport photo
Your valid passport
Travel.State.Gov Change a Passport Form
Original copy of Marriage License
A check
Timeline:
Passport Photo taken 4/2/2018
Form printed and filled out 4/2/2018
Materials sent by mail on 4/3/2018
New Passport received 4/18/2018
Important! Your new passport and the materials you sent in will be mailed back in two separate envelopes. So, keep your eyes out for two envelopes with your materials in it. If you are expecting a passport and card, then you should expect three envelopes.
Congratulations and go see the world!