I can't renew or reapply for a US passport because I have UK settlement visa current

by Anita
(UK)

Question: Hi, I would like to change my last name on my passport as soon as possible. I am currently in Northern Ireland, UK. I have plans to have my wedding ceremony in HK at the end of March to April. Is it really a big problems if I change back my last name before my wedding date?

Here's my situation :

I was born in HK. I have HK birth cert. My HK ID was under my birth cert - my maiden name. I immigrated to USA in 1989. I changed my last name from maiden to my ex husband's last name in the United States. My citizenship, passport and all banking & legal documents have this last name on them.

I was divorced and re married 2010; but i didn't changed my last name back to my maiden.

I got married to a UK citizen. I applied for my UK settlement visa and it was granted; UK visa with permission to stay in the UK on my US passport.

My questions are:

I already have a marriage certificate that shows both my maiden name and my US passport name. However, my legal name in UK should be followed the US passport name; May I change my last name back to maiden? or My new husband last name, which is the easier and faster legally proper method to do?

Answer: U.S. passports can only be issued in your current legal name. If you have assumed the name of your husband, then you need to apply for a passport using that name. Since your marriage certificate shows the change from your maiden name to your husband's name and your passport has your ex-husband's last name on it, you will probably need to present evidence of the change from your ex-husband's last name to your maiden name (e.g., divorce decree) and, then, the change from your maiden name to your current last name (e.g., marriage certificate).

Please make an appointment at the American consulate for further assistance.

U.S. Consulate General in Belfast