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

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Marriage cert lists maiden name only
by: Anonymous

Question: I need to change my name on my passport since I got married. Is it okay to only submit my marriage certificate (that lists maiden name only) as my proof of name change form? In other words, the marriage certificate does not list my legal married name.

Answer: Since your marriage certificate also lists your spouse's name, it should be accepted as proof of legal name change.

Copy of Marriage Certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi! I am in the process of sending out all the documents for a name change. I got married about 3 months ago. When we returned the marriage certificate to the county after we got married, we asked for a certified copy of it. I've been using this copy for my social security and DL name change as well. Is it okay to send in the certified copy of it or does it need to be the original? Not sure if it matters, but we got married in Texas.

Answer: You may send the certified copy of your marriage certificate as proof of legal name change.

Expat married in Germany
by: Jeannette

Question: I have a valid US Passport but live and work in Germany under a freelance Visa. I recently married a German and my last name changed legally in Germany but I have not registered my marriage in the US yet.

1. Does the marriage certificate have to be from my US State back home? Or can it be the German documents?

2. Can I still travel with my US passport since in the US my last name has not changed and matches the name in my passport?

3. Am I able to change my passport to reflect my new last name locally at an embassy or consulate or do I need to send my important document originals via international mail back the US?

Answer: 1. Your German marriage document will suffice with a certified translation.

2. You may apply for a renewal with name change at the U.S. Embassy or any of the U.S. Consulates in Germany.

Hyphenated Name Question
by: Anonymous

Question: My marriage certificate (Virginia) does not have my new married name, which is hyphenated. Can I use the form DS-82 and mail in the form, fee, current passport, and original marriage certificate, even though it does not have my new hyphenated name? Or will I need to go in person and follow instructions for DS-11?

Answer: You may submit DS-82 by mail. Your name change document will be accepted since it lists your spouse's name which you will be hyphenating with your maiden name.

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