Is name change in passport after marriage required or suggested?

by Elane
(PA, USA)

Question: After I get married and change my name, is a new passport "required" or just suggested? Also, if an updated passport is required to go to another country overseas, then shouldn't it just be $20, or is there a "government processing fee" attached to that?

Thanks for your help.

Answer: The short answer is that it depends. Some countries will accept your current passport with your name prior to marriage IF accompanied with a marriage certificate. Other countries require the name in your passport match that on your plane ticket or any other document they might request (e.g., driver's license).

Keeping the current name in your passport would necessitate two things. One, you would need to contact the consular section of every country you intend to visit to ask concerning this issue and, two, you would possibly have to take your marriage certificate with you each time you travel.

The only way to avoid this is to change the name in your passport. If your passport was issued less than a year ago, there is no fee for this service (unless you request expedited service). If your passport was issued more than a year ago, you will have to apply for a passport renewal and pay the appropriate fee.

For complete details, visit the following web page.

Passport Name Change