Passport name change after marriage outside the U.S.

by Tina

Question: I was recently married in Jamaica and I am unsure of how to get a certified copy of my marriage certificate. I am unsure if there is a vital records for me to write to and I am uncomfortable sending the original document. Would a notarized copy be accepted to change my name?

Answer: In order to change the name in your passport, you must include an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate.

You can apply for a certified copy of your marriage certificate by clicking the link below.

Government of Jamaica - Application for a Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate

If you are unable to provide a certified copy, then you must send the original. To minimize the risk of loss, you should send your document by two-way overnight express and choose a traceable delivery method. You can also protect your marriage certificate from the elements by using a Tyvek envelope.

If your passport was issued less than a year ago, you only need to send completed Form DS-5504, Application for a U.S. Passport: Name Change, Data Correction, and Limited Passport Book Replacement and evidence of the name change.

If it has been more than one year since your passport was issued, you need to apply for a renewal using Form DS-82.

For complete details, click the link below.

Passport Name Change