Changing my passport

Has anyone changed their passport to their married name? I don't understand why I need to send my ORIGINAL marriage license and passport out in the mail?! I am a nervous wreck that I won't get them back (esp the marriage license). Is there another way???? Need advice, please!!

Re: Changing my passport

I didnt do that yet.. but it is nerve wrecking! I know that you can also send your marriage cert to SS office in the mail, but I chose to go in person because I was too nervous! I would maybe give a call to see if there is an office you can go to, to do it in person rather then through the mail.

Re: Changing my passport

I want to do it in person. You can actually get it done a Main Post office. It can't be any post office, has to be a main one.

Re: Changing my passport

I did it by mail and they both came back in about 2 weeks - it was really fast!

Re: Changing my passport

I just called the post office and all they do is help you fill out the forms and then they mail the original passport and marriage license out for you. You can't do it there and get your marriage license back. It's really no different than doing it yourself.

Re: Changing my passport

oh so what you're saying is that either way, you'll still have to send out your marriage license.

which should be done first then...changing my name on the passport or on my SS card. i think my SS card first because that is what identifies you. cuz if i change my passport first then it will have my SS# under my maiden name. I have to have my new SS# before changing my name on my passport and NYS ID Card right?

Re: Changing my passport

It doesn't matter if you do your passport before your SS card. I would do the driver's license first just because that's your main photo ID. You do want to get your SS card changed before you file your taxes for the first year of your marriage.

Re: Changing my passport

So I can change it after I file for taxes? that sounds fine. I can do it right after I give my accountant the papers? LOL

Re: Changing my passport

I was nervous about mailing it in, but everything came back fine (in about 3 weeks).

All they do is TYPE a line in the back with an amendment stating your new name. I'm always amazed that security hardly ever looks for the amendment - that shows you how closely they're matching up names

Re: Changing my passport

you have to send in your BC too (when getting your first) its no different...they are used to handling the documents

if you are nervous...have the tickets written in your maidan name...OR...there is an espress center in CT...I think you would get it back in a week...you cannot go to the one day place unless you have a ticket travelling within 2 weeks

Re: Changing my passport

LisaT - I thought that was strange too that all they did was type something in the back.

Re: Changing my passport

ALIKING - what happened with Double G?? I have heard wonderful things about them. I'm curious

Re: Changing my passport

I too had this same fear of sending my only one original marriage certificate to the passport agency for my name change. I was very anxious and nervous to also send in my passport. You cannot change your name on your passport in person like you can submit your papers for a renewal. You get a form and send in your marriage certificate, passport and name change form (all original documents). The clerk at the Post Office suggested that I send it by Registered Mail. I was in such a panic that I got another copy of my marriage certificate in case if our only copy was lost. To obtain a second copy it was $15.00 which I got it in person but mailed the request form earlier.

In my opinion, the Passport Agency need all original documents as proof that your marriage actually taken place to process the name change. No fret. We got all the originial documents returned to us intact in about 2 months. It was a long time but thankfully I didn't need my passport at that time. Plan ahead that you won't need your passport or marriage certificate within that 2 months. Good luck.