Can a Passport Use Your Maiden Name?

Are you recently married? You may want to know if you can use a passport that lists your maiden name instead of your married name.

Or, maybe you’re recently divorced. You may wonder if you can return to using an old passport that lists your name from before the marriage.

Whatever your situation, here’s what you need to know about using a passport with a maiden name.

Using a Passport with Your Maiden Name After Marriage

The easiest way to travel with a passport with your maiden name on it is to book your travel in your maiden name. Doing this will ensure that everything lines up when TSA personnel check that your travel documents match your legal documents.

However, you may not want to use your maiden name to book your travel, mainly if you’ve already changed your name in every other area of your life. In these cases, you still don’t have to apply and wait around for a new passport. 

Instead, bring documentation showing TSA agents that you’ve changed your name, just not on your passport. Your marriage certificate will suffice, showing both your maiden name and spouse’s name. This certificate will allow agents to link your passport’s maiden name with the new name on your travel reservations. 

Then, when it’s time to renew your passport again, be sure to get an updated passport with the name you currently use. 

Using a Passport with Your Maiden Name After Divorce 

Photo: Eric Jones of The Vacationer – Eric’s Passport Book

You may use your maiden name again if you’ve recently divorced, such as on your travel documents. In that case, you can return to using an old passport with your maiden name on it, no problem. (Of course, ensure the old passport is still valid and that it didn’t expire during your marriage.) 

What if, however, your travel reservations list your married name? But you want to use a passport that lists your maiden name, the last name you intend to use again, moving forward?

If that’s your case, you’ll need to bring some documentation. You have to prove the connection between your two names. In the case of divorce, bring a divorce decree or similar court documents with you. This will show security personnel that a link exists between your married and maiden names and that you are, in fact, the same person.

Then, moving forward, ensure all new travel reservations list the maiden name on your passport.

How to Change the Name on Your Passport Following Marriage or Divorce

Considering all the above, sometimes traveling with a passport with the incorrect name is more trouble than it’s worth. Not only is traveling with extra documentation like a marriage certificate or divorce decree a hassle, but it also comes with risks. The last thing you want to do is lose essential paperwork while on vacation.

For this reason, unless you’ve just married or divorced and don’t have time to get a new passport before you travel, it’s always best to ensure that the name you’re using is the name listed on your passport. 

If you have extra time, though, how do you change the name on your passport so everything lines up?

According to the U.S. government, you only need to apply for a new passport using your new name. 

If the Department of State issued your current passport less than a year ago, and your name changed within the last year, you can apply for a new passport at no cost. You’ll only need to pay if you want to get your new passport expedited. Otherwise, your new passport application will require:

• Form DS-5504, a particular form for replacing passports issued in the last year
• Your most recent passport
• One passport photo
• Proof of your name change, which can include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order

If, however, your current passport was issued more than a year ago or the name change occurred more than a year ago, the standard passport fees will apply. 

In these cases, you’ll need to send in:

• Form DS-82 (if you’re eligible to renew your passport by mail)
• Your most recent passport 
• One passport photo
• Proof of your name change, which can include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order
• The necessary fees 

If you aren’t eligible to renew your passport by mail (which might be the case if your current passport was issued more than 15 years ago, or when you were 15 years old or younger, or if you don’t have a passport to turn in or your passport is damaged), you’ll need to apply for a new passport in person. 

The one time you don’t need to show proof of a name change when getting a passport? 

Note: If you apply for a new passport using a name changed due to marriage and apply in person using Form DS-11 and show evidence of your U.S. citizenship and a valid ID showing your new name, you do not need proof of your name change. 

Featured Image: Eric Jones / The Vacationer

By Holly Riddle

Holly Riddle is a freelance travel, food, and lifestyle journalist who also dabbles in ghostwriting and fiction. Her work appears in publications ranging from Global Traveler to Golf Magazine, Mashed to Forbes, and Bloomberg. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring the mountains near her home in the Adirondacks. Her favorite travel destinations include Chicago and New Orleans.