Book every honeymoon flight and reservation in the exact name shown on the passport you will use. You do not need to change the passport before the trip solely because you got married.
Travel with the current passport and change the name after the honeymoon when the trip is close. Update the passport first when you want to travel under your married name.
Choose the Best Timing for Your Honeymoon
| Your situation | Best action |
|---|---|
| Your passport and honeymoon reservations use your previous name | Travel under that name and complete the passport name change after you return. |
| Your reservations use your married name, but your passport does not | Change the reservations to match the passport or replace the passport before travel. |
| You have enough time and want to travel under your married name | Obtain the certified marriage certificate, submit the correct application, and wait for the new passport before finalizing tickets in the new name. |
| Your honeymoon is within 14 days and the passport name must change | Request a passport agency appointment or use a registered passport courier. |
A registered passport courier can review the application and handle agency submission and pickup when you can't travel to a regional agency yourself.
Choose the Correct Passport Form
The form depends on when the passport was issued, when the legal name changed, and whether the passport can be renewed by mail.
| Situation | Form and cost |
|---|---|
| Both the passport and legal name change are less than one year old | Use Form DS-5504. There is no application fee for routine service. |
| More than one year has passed since either the passport was issued or the legal name changed | Use Form DS-82 when you meet the renewal requirements. Standard renewal fees apply. |
| You cannot renew by mail | Apply in person with Form DS-11. Standard application and acceptance fees apply. |
Passport name changes cannot be completed through online renewal.
Online renewal requires the applicant to keep the same name and other personal information.
Documents Required for a Marriage Name Change
A mail-in name change normally requires:
- The correct completed passport form.
- Your most recent U.S. passport.
- An original or certified marriage certificate or other legal name-change document.
- One compliant passport photo.
- Payment when Form DS-82, Form DS-11, expedited service, or optional delivery fees apply.
The State Department replaces the passport rather than adding an amendment. The new passport has a new passport number. Your old passport and supporting documents are returned separately after processing.
Passport Name Change Fees
- Form DS-5504: No application fee when both one-year conditions are met.
- Form DS-82: $130 for a passport book, $30 for a passport card, or $160 for both.
- Form DS-11: $130 for an adult passport book plus the $35 acceptance fee.
- Expedited service: Add $60 to the applicable government fee.
Check the current passport fee schedule before mailing or submitting the application.
Allow Enough Time Before the Honeymoon
Routine processing is currently 4 to 6 weeks, and expedited processing is currently 2 to 3 weeks. Mailing time is not included and can add time before and after processing.
Do not submit the name-change application until you are ready to give up use of the current passport. Mail-in applications require you to send the passport with the application, so it is unavailable for travel while the new passport is being processed.
Review current passport processing and mailing times before choosing whether to apply before or after the honeymoon.
Make Every Travel Booking Match the Passport
The airline ticket must use the same first and last name shown on the passport presented for the trip. Use that same name for cruises, tours, hotels, and other reservations whenever possible.
A marriage certificate connects the previous and married names, but it does not replace a matching passport and ticket. Contact the airline or travel provider before departure when a reservation uses a different name.
Check existing visas before changing the passport. A destination can require a visa transfer or a new visa after the passport number and name change.
Urgent Name Change Options
Travelers with international travel within 14 calendar days can request an appointment at a regional passport agency. Bring the required application, current passport, legal name-change evidence, photo, fees, and printed proof of travel.
A registered passport courier can handle agency submission and pickup when the nearest agency is difficult to reach. Form DS-11 applicants must still appear at a local acceptance facility so an agent can verify identity, witness the signature, and seal the application.
Compare the courier fee with the full cost of attending a passport agency yourself, including transportation, lodging, parking, and time away from work.
Marriage and Passport Name Change FAQs
Yes. Book the airline ticket and other reservations in the exact name printed in the valid passport. Change the passport after the honeymoon when there is not enough time to complete the process safely.
Use DS-5504 when both the passport and legal name change are less than one year old. Use DS-82 when more than one year has passed and you meet the renewal rules. Use DS-11 when you cannot renew by mail.
A qualifying DS-5504 application has no application fee. DS-82 and DS-11 applications require the standard fees. Expedited processing adds $60.
No. Online renewal is not available when changing personal information such as your name.
Yes. The State Department issues a replacement passport with a new passport number.
Request a passport agency appointment and bring proof of international travel. A registered courier can handle agency submission and pickup when you cannot make the agency trip yourself.
Last reviewed: July 2026
Our role: U.S. Passport Service Guide explains the official name-change process and helps travelers compare urgent service options. The State Department decides application eligibility, approval, issuance, and delivery.
Planning note: Marriage certificate availability varies by state and county. Obtain the certified certificate before starting the passport application, and confirm all airline, cruise, visa, and destination requirements before the honeymoon.
