Divorced but passport was orginally maiden name

by Shelley
(Mandeville, la USA)

Question: I received my passport in 1998 before I was married, then once I got married, I sent it in for the stamp that shows my married name. I am now divorced and went back to my maiden name. I need to renew my passport.

Do I have to mail in my divorce decree? I cant find it. My drivers license, original passport, social security card all have my maiden name on it. (which is what I need it to say)

Thank you,

Answer: You must submit the official document that proves the legal name change. Even though your passport originally had your maiden name in it, it was apparently amended with your married name. That will be the name that is on record with the State Department.

If you were divorced in Iowa, you can obtain a certified copy of the divorce decree at the Clerk of District Court in the county where the divorce was granted. If the divorce was not granted in Iowa, click the link below for more information.

Vital Records Information