Can I use my passport with my maiden name and my marriage certificate to travel?

by Heather
(Pittsburgh Pa)

Question: My driver's license has my married name but my passport still has my maiden name. If I have a certified copy of my marriage certificate, will I be allowed to travel like this?

Answer: All U.S. citizens need to travel in their current, legal names. It is recommended that you change the name in your passport before traveling abroad.

If it has been one year or less since your passport was issued and you can provide proof of the name change, then you can submit form DS-5504 to the address on the application. There is no fee for this service.

If it as been more than one year since your passport was issued and you can provide proof of the name change, then you must submit form DS-82 to the address on the application along with your most recent passport and two passport photos. The fee is $75.

Regular processing takes 4-6 weeks. You can request expedited service and get the name changed in your passport in just 2-3 weeks. There is a $60 fee for this service.

If you need the name changed in your passport in less than two weeks, you need to visit a regional passport agency or apply through an emergency passport expediter.