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Recently divorced and changed back to maiden name

by Stephanie
(Portland, OR, USA)

Question: I still have my old driver's license and old bank debit card with my married name and my new license and bank debit card with changed name. My checkbook still has my married name on it. The bank said that doesn't matter since they go by bank account number, not name.


I'm wondering if the same goes for my passport.
My passport has my married name on it. It doesn't expire until 2017 so I'd rather not get a new one if possible. I also want to keep the stamps from past trips.

My friend and I want to take a weekend trip to Vancouver, BC, Canada (we live in the Pacific Northwest) and I'm wondering if I can provide my birth certificate and divorce papers along with my old/new licenses and passport and still be able to cross the border there and back?
Or is it necessary that I get a new passport?
What should I do?

I thank you ahead of time for your advice.

Answer:

You must travel with your passport in your current legal name. If your name has been legally changed due to divorce, then you should apply for a passport name change before you travel.

Since the passport was issued more than one year ago, you need to apply for a passport renewal using form DS-82 and include evidence of the name change such as the official divorce decree.

You also need to submit one recent passport photo and your current passport. The passport will be returned to you along with the new one.

The application process takes 4-6 weeks for routine service. You can request that it be expedited and receive the passport in 2-3 weeks. If you need to have the name changed more quickly, then you can either visit the Seattle Passport Agency or employ the services of a professional passport expediter.

Comments for Recently divorced and changed back to maiden name

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Divorce
by: Anonymous

Question: I'm currently separated from my husband, working on getting a divorce. My last name is still my maiden name, it was never changed.
What do I put on the form since I am separated from him?

If I get my passport now do I have to do anything after the divorce?

This is my first passport too.

Answer: Since you are not divorced yet, you need to indicate that you are married. However, since you're still using your maiden name, there will be no need to do anything with your passport after the divorce is finalized.
Old passport name changed since
by: Anonymous

Question: I had my first passport issued in 1999 under my married last name. It's been over 23 years and never renewed it. I have no idea where it is now and I have been divorced since 2003. Do I need to provide divorce documents if applying for a new one today?

Answer: There will be no need to submit your divorce decree if you have reverted to your maiden name and your primary ID (driver's license) also bears that name.

You need to submit the following in person at an acceptance facility:

1. Form DS-11
2. Proof of U.S. citizenship: birth certificate or naturalization/citizenship certificate (submit the original or a certified copy plus a photocopy)
3. Proof of identity (present the ID and submit a photocopy)
4. One passport photo taken in the last 6 months
5. Payment for fees

Please note that standard processing currently takes 10 to 13 weeks while expedited service (with $60 fee) takes 7 to 9 weeks. These processing times do not include shipping on the front and back end. If you have plans to travel, we strongly recommend waiting until the new passport arrives before making any final travel arrangements.
Maiden name passport, married/divorced, passport still in maiden name
by: lils

Question: I got my passport with my maiden name when I was single in 2010. I got married in 2011 and changed my name but never updated my passport with my married name. My passport with my maiden name expired in 2020.

My divorce was finalized last year (2022). My divorce decree states I will revert to my maiden name. I am in the process of changing my name to my maiden name with SS and obtaining an updated drivers license (this week).

I was counting on renewing my recently expired maiden name passport since that is the name I will be using moving forward. But I'm not sure what to put in the renewal application where it says 'List all other names you have used'. Does this mean I have to apply for a new passport in person or can I just renew my maiden name expired passport since that will soon be my legal name? Do I have to include my divorce decree at all?

Thanks!

Answer: You may renew your passport in your maiden name. Listing your old married name in the form will not affect your application.
Name change
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi! I’m in the process of obtaining a passport as an adult. The last time I had a passport it was as a child and my mother lost it. I did get married and changed my last name legally to my married name, but now I’m divorced. My DL still has my married last name. Do I need to show anything as far as the divorce decree? I’m still waiting to change my last name to my maiden name. But it’s a process and I need to travel internationally in the next 4 months. Will I have to get my passport in my maiden name or my married last name?

Answer: You may apply for your new passport in your maiden name as long as you can present identification documents (SS card, company ID, voter's registration, etc) in that name.

If all your IDs are still in your married name but want to apply in your maiden name, you may try and submit your divorce decree. There is no guarantee that your application will be approved and it if it is, it can take longer than usual.

Your best option is to apply in your married name and then apply for a new one after you change the names on your IDs.
Married unexpired passport
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport is in my married name and does not expire until 2028. I have since restored my name to my maiden name. Can I continue to travel with my unexpired passport in my married name although it's legally been reverted back?

Answer: Yes, you can. Just make sure to book tickets in the name that appears in your passport to avoid issues with TSA.
Maiden to married to maiden
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport is expired (2016) and in my maiden name. I got married, changed my name, and then divorced and went back to my maiden. My current legal name matches my expired passport but they ask if I have ever been married and same ever been divorced and not sure if I can apply by mail or has to be in person?

Answer: You can only apply for a renewal by mail 5 years after your passport expires. Since has been over 5 years, you need to submit a new application in person. You should indicate your former married name in the section where it asks for other names used. It will not affect your application.
Applying for a new Passport but with an SSN with unmarried name
by: AVK

Question: My passport is expired and was issued more than 15 years ago when I was an adult and with my unmarried name. My social security card was updated with my married name but I have lost that card.

I have the original SSN card in my unmarried name.
I have my marriage certificate. I obtained US citizenship through my parents’ naturalization when I was a child.

Can I use the expired Passport as proof of citizenship, or do I need to get a new replacement SSN card?

Answer: If the old passport is undamaged, you may use it as evidence of U.S. citizenship.
Recently Divorced
by: Anonymous

Question: I am recently divorced. Per my divorce decree, my name will revert back to my maiden name. I need my passport to travel soon but this will be my first time ever having a passport. I have not updated my DL to match my maiden yet but I wanted to go ahead and set an appointment and fill out the application for a passport.

My question is: May I apply for the passport in my maiden name although I have not updated my DL yet? Also, my divorce decree was emailed to me-am I able to use that for my name change proof?

Answer: There is no need to submit proof of name change since this is your first passport.

It is best that you update your license first since it is your primary ID. You may have to provide additional documentation if you submit your application with an ID not matching the name on your application form.
Change name and renewal
by: Sheila Marie Murphy

Question: I just received my passport in the mail today but my divorce decree with my name change paperwork was not included!
When will I get my divorce decree paperwork back?

Answer: Hi, Sheila. You will receive the supporting documents in a separate mailing. Mailing times vary across the country so there is no definite timeline as to when you will receive the said document.
Passport with maiden name
by: Anonymous

Question: Hello,

I still have my passport with my maiden name on it. I am post-divorce and have changed my name back to my maiden name as well (so matches my passport). Just making sure my passport is still valid to use at this point since I've changed my name back from my married name to my maiden name.

Answer: As long as your passport has not expired, it is valid for travel.
Can I renew passport in my ex-husbands name
by: Anonymous

Question: Hello. I am a dual citizen. I have divorced my husband 10 years ago. I have a passport in his last name and in May, I need to renew my US passport.

In my native country, I switched to my maiden name (the system automatically does this unless otherwise stated). But my naturalization certificate, driver's license, and social security card are in his name. He also gave me a letter of permission (apostille stamped and notarized)to use his last name. Do I still need to renew the passport with my maiden name? Thanks.

Answer: There is no need to change back to your maiden name on your passport. You may simply renew your passport in the name that's currently in it.
Divorce decree does not state maiden name
by: Anonymous

Question: I was divorced in 2014 and my passport is currently in my married name (issued 2015, expires 2025). I want to change my passport back to my maiden name. My divorce decree does not state my maiden name and I cannot find a location on the form DS 82 to state my maiden name, which I want my new passport to be in. Do I renew or apply for a new passport?

Answer: Your divorce decree may still be used as evidence of legal name change. On Form DS-82, please place your maiden name in #1 and on top of page 2. Your married name that's currently on your passport must be entered in #10.
Passport renewal
by: Anonymous

Question: My boyfriend lost his passport 10yrs ago. He didn't report it lost or stolen. Do we use an application for a new passport or renewal?

Answer: He needs to submit a new passport application. Please prepare the following:

1. Form DS-11
2. Evidence of U.S. citizenship (original or certified copy)
3. Proof of identity (photocopy)
4. One new passport photo
5. Payment for fees

Routine service currently takes 8 to 11 weeks while expedited service takes 5 to 7 weeks. These processing times do not include mailing times which vary from state to state. If you are planning a trip, we recommend not making any final travel arrangements before receiving the passport.
Name change after divorce
by: Anonymous

Question: I just had my passport renewed when my divorce was finalized. Is there a fee? It has been less than a year.

Answer: Since it has been less than a year, there is no fee to change the name on your passport. Please mail the following to the address on the form:

1. Form DS-5504
2. Current passport
3. Original or certified copy of divorce decree
4. One new passport photo

Standard service currently takes 8 to 11 weeks. If you need your passport sooner, you need to include a check for the $60 expedite fee. Expedited service by mail takes 5 to 7 weeks.
New or Name change only?
by: Carol Ann

Question: I got my passport after my divorce but with my married name. I since went back to my maiden name and my passport expires in 2022. I need to change it to my maiden name. Can I do a name change? A postal employee told me I need to apply for a new one.

Answer: You were informed correctly. Since the name change predates the issue date of the passport, you need to submit a new application.
Divorced
by: Anonymous

Question: I am divorced and already changed to my maiden name on my DL and SSC. Can I use those documents to change my name on my passport?

Answer: Government-issued IDs cannot be used as proof of legal name change. You need to submit the original or a certified copy of your divorce decree when you apply for a renewal with name change.

If you want to use your IDs to change the name on your passport, you will need to submit a new application as if it's your first. This requires you to submit the application in person and pay the extra $35 execution fee.
Use of Passport for Citizenship
by: Anonymous

Question: I am recently divorced and have changed my DL, SSC, and other info back to my maiden name, but not my passport yet. Can I use the passport with my old married name as I9 verification for a job to prove citizenship?

Answer: Yes, your passport may be used to prove your U.S. citizenship.
Soon to be divorced
by: Anonymous

Question: My divorce will be finalized Dec. 1 and I'm traveling out of the country Dec. 28. My last name is being changed back to my maiden name. Will that affect my passport? Can I wait to change my name on my passport when I come back?

Answer: As long as you book your tickets in the name that appears in your passport, there should be no issue. You may apply for a renewal with name change when you get back.
Renewal
by: Kaybee

Question: My passport is set to expire March 2021. It is in my maiden name. However I got married and divorced in 2015. I hyphenated my last name. I want my renewed passport in my maiden name. Do I need to submit any documentation of divorce?

Answer: There is no need to provide documentation on your marriage and divorce since there will be no name change.
Passport in maiden name but legally use ex-husband’s name
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport is in my maiden name, it expired over 10 years ago. I legally use my ex-husband’s last name. What documents do I need to submit in order to get an updated passport?

Answer: Since your passport has been expired for 10 years, you now need to submit a new application. There will be no need to submit additional documents if the name you enter in the application form is supported by the ID you submit with it.
Recently divorced
by: Anonymous

Question: I recently divorced and will be going back to my maiden name. My question is do I need to apply for a replacement if my maiden name is listed as my middle name on my passport.

Answer: You may continue to use your current passport until it expires. Just make sure to book tickets in the name printed in your passport to avoid issues with TSA when you travel.
Documents
by: Anonymous

Question: I was married and got divorced. I never change my last name to his. I do have to still provide a marriage license and divorce papers for a passport?

Answer: There is no need to provide marriage and divorce documents.
No mention of name change in divorce decree
by: Anonymous

Question: I'm divorced and I have a passport in my married name. I legally changed my name back to my maiden name (license, SS card, birth cert.) and want to update my passport. Can I just apply for a new passport since my divorce decree may not show proof since it doesn't mention anything about a name change?

Answer: Yes, you can.
Recently Divorced
by: Anonymous

Question: I was recently divorced but my name has not been legally changed yet. However, my passport is still in my maiden name. I was wondering if I can get my passport renewed in my maiden name?
Also, what needs to happen so passport can be in maiden name?

Thanks!

Answer: Yes, you can apply for a passport renewal and elect to have your maiden name in it.
Recently Divorced
by: Anonymous

Question: I was recently divorced but my name has not been legally changed yet. My passport is still in my maiden name. I was wondering if I can get my passport renewed in my maiden name?
Also, what needs to happen so passport can be in maiden name?

Thanks!

Answer: You may renew your passport and still elect to have your maiden name on it. No additional documents are required.
Divorce decree spelling
by: Anonymous

Question: My divorce was recently finalized. However, there is a spelling error in my maiden last name. Since I’m returning to my maiden name and I have received a new social security card and drivers license. Can I just renew my maiden name passport?

Answer: If your most recent passport is in your maiden name, you may simply apply for a renewal.
Date of Name Change
by: Anonymous

Question: I am changing my name on my passport back to my maiden name due to divorce. I was divorced in 2017 and the decree contains the seal to authorize the name change. However I didn't actually proceed with getting my name changed back to my maiden name until 2019. So when asked on the passport renewal form, "What was the date of name change?" Originally I assumed I should put when I went to the Social Security Administration in 2019. But now I'm second guessing myself if I'm supposed to put the date from the actual divorce decree in 2017.

Answer: You need to indicate the date and place your divorce was finalized.
Divorced
by: Anonymous

Question: I recently got divorced but I still have my ex husband's last name and don't plan on changing it until my passport expires in several years. Just wanted to make sure it is still valid for travel.

Answer: Yes, it is still valid for travel. Just make sure to book tickets in the name that appears in your passport to avoid issues with TSA.
Change name
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi. After divorce can I travel with my ex husband's name on passport and permanent resident card or I have to change name before traveling?

Answer: You may travel with your current passport and green card. Just make sure to book tickets in the name that appears in your passport to avoid issues with TSA.
Passport name is hyphenated and drivers license has maiden name
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi, I got married back in 2012 and added my husbands name to mine (hyphenated). However, we divorced in 2017 and I dropped his name and continued using my maiden name. My passport however has both last names which is mine and his name hyphenated. I changed my drivers license, social security card and other documents back to my maiden name except for my passport which still has both names.

I’m planning a trip out of the country soon and was wondering if I present my passport (which has both names) along with my drivers license (which has only my maiden name)and divorce decree, will it be an issue?. My passport still has a few years left on it so I don’t want to spend the extra money to renew it if I don’t need to. Will they accept my ID and passport? Please help.

Answer: You may travel with your current passport as long as you book tickets in the name that appears in it. TSA requires that the names on your passport and tickets match for air travel security.
Divorced but never changed name in passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I was married in the fall of 2016 (and changed my name) and divorced 6 months later. I never got around to changing my passport to my married name and thus it's still in my maiden name. Is the passport still valid? Or do you need record of my name changes (to my married name and back to my maiden name)?

Answer: Your passport is still valid.
Divorced but traveling - when to change?
by: Anonymous

Question: My married name included my maiden name (like a hyphenated name but without the hyphen). My maiden name has been restored (the second last name has been dropped) but I have a trip booked in April using both last names on the ticket and the passport number that includes that information too.

Do I just leave all my credit cards, SSN, passport, etc as is until after this trip? Or update everything but the passport so it still matched the ticket? It looks like I can travel with court order showing divorce/name restoration to clear things up. What's the best way forward? I'd really like to be free and clear of this extra last name as soon as possible without incurring a lot of extra fees and trouble.

Answer: You may or may not update your IDs and credit cards before your trip. You will most likely be required to present only your passport and as long as the name on it matches that on your ticket, you should be okay.
Do I get my original documents back?
by: Anonymous

Question: If I send in the passport with the application form and the original divorce decree will I get the original documents back? Frankly this makes me nervous to send off such an important document.

Answer: The documents you send with your passport application will be returned to you once the process is completed.
Applying for New Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I am recently divorced and went back to my maiden name, I have my birth certificate, driver's license, and social security card with my maiden name, instead of sending in a certified copy or original divorce decree, can I just apply for a new passport?

Answer: Yes, you may simply apply for a new passport.
name changes
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport is in my ex-husbands name. I got name changed to maiden name then, before I could change my passport, got remarried and have a new legal name. I have already changed ss# to new married name. Do I have to file 2 forms; one for maiden name and another for new married name? Also what is the fee?

Question: You only need to apply to change the name in your passport one time. Submit both your divorce decree and new marriage certificate with the application form and other required documents.

The form you submit depends on when your current passport was issued and whether or not you can submit evidence of the legal name change. The fee also varies depending on which form you submit. Click the links below for more information.

How to Apply for a Passport Name Change

List of Passport Fees

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