Do I need a certified copy of my marriage certificate to change my name on my passport?

by Ann
(Kansas)

Question: To change my name, will a photocopy of my marriage certificate do, or do I need to send in a certified copy?

Answer: In order to apply for a passport name change, you must include the original document or a certified copy of your marriage certificate. Photocopies are not accepted.

If you prefer not to send the original, you can obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate through the vital records office of the state where you were married.

The cost of a certified copy of marriage certificate in Kansas is $15.00 each. Send your request to the following address.

Office of Vital Statistics
Curtis State Office Building
1000 SW Jackson Street, Suite 120
Topeka, Kansas 66612-2221

Additional copies of the same record ordered at the same time are $15.00 each.

If you were married in a different state. You can find the correct address of the vital records office by clicking the link below.

Where to write for vital records.

Note, if your passport was issued less than one year ago, all you need to do is apply for the name change. If your passport was issued more than a year ago, you must apply for a passport renewal by mail.

For full details, click the link below.

Apply for passport name change.