How can I have my passport name match my other documents?

by Jenelle
(Ravensdale, WA)

Question: Hello, Thank you for your time in answering my question. My husband and I are going on a surprise cruise in 4 weeks!!! I need to get a passport, however, my drivers license has my current married name, but my birth certificate and social security has my maiden name.

I need to make sure all names used are correct and the same. What is the quickest way for me to get a passport and be safe? I am not sure of the steps or timing of changing my social security to my married name and then having the passport have that name and be here in time? Please let me know what steps I can follow to make sure I can get a legal passport in time (by Jan 20th 2011) Thank you so much...I hope this makes sense.

I would love for my passport to have my married name "Sloan" but if I need to change it to my maiden name due to timing...that will have to work...love surprises ;)

Thank you so very much, please enjoy your day and I look forward to your replay.

Answer: You must apply for a passport in your current legal name which, I assume, is your married name. If you have never had a passport, then you need to apply for a new passport using form DS-11. Besides the regular requirements, you should also submit an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate showing the change to your married name.

Standard processing usually takes 4-6 weeks but can take longer during holiday seasons. You can request expedited service for processing in 2-3 weeks. Note, this can sometimes take longer due to holidays, bad weather and/or problems with submitted documents.

The only way to "guarantee" your passport application is processed speedily is to either visit the Seattle Passport Agency or employ the assistance of a qualified passport expediting service.

Note, you may want to verify the need for a passport before you submit the application. Passports are not required for closed-loop cruises.