changing your name on your Passport

Reading Niecey's post reminded me - I still need to change my name on my Passport. I downloaded the forms online and received my certified marriage certificate, but I'm a little hesitant mailing my original Passport out to get updated. I don't have any plans to leave the country any time soon, but I can picture the Govt taking their SWEET time sending it back to me, about 5 months later

On the other hand, I'd prefer to save the $60 or so and not send it 'rush, priority'.

How long did it take you all?

Re: changing your name on your Passport

I think I had mine back within a month. I don't recall it taking a long time at all. I didn't pay for the priority rush.

I must've sent it towards the end of May/early June - we went to Europe in early August, and I had it back in plenty of time.

Re: changing your name on your Passport

Go to the office. I would never send orginal stuff thru the mail. JMO.

Re: changing your name on your Passport

Funny..I just sent my back yesterday with all the paperwork. I sent it Fedex to make sure I could track it and I wouldn't have to deal with them saying they never got it.

Re: changing your name on your Passport

I just did mine recently, I sent everything certified so I could make sure they rec'd it. It only took about a month to get it back.

Re: changing your name on your Passport

They wont process it in the office. At least they wouldn't for me. I just made copies of everything before I mailed it to be safe.

I had mine within a few weeks as well.

Re: changing your name on your Passport

Michele - you can't bring it in anywhere - I think it's mailed to VA or somewhere out of state.

Good idea to track it via Fed Ex

Re: changing your name on your Passport

Teri- this is exactly why I am I want to get the second certificate and the reason for my post! : )

I am not too worried. When I got my original passport a couple years ago (oh the horror) I had to give my original birth certificate...that worried me but all was well. I rather just mail it all than go back to the horror office. I jut want to get it done because I still haven't done any form of photo id and I want to go to Mexico in May! It will make travelling easier.

Re: changing your name on your Passport

Niecey - I figured as much!

I guess I have no choice but sending it through the mail - but sending it via Fed Ex is a smart idea

Re: changing your name on your Passport

I took a day off to do this as I was not willing to let go of my original documents--marriage license, passport and change of name form/application for amendment. However, they don't do this service at the window. You have to mail it in. It takes about a month to get all the original documents back. I'd sent mine in about a week ago so we'll see. I recommend you sent it via registered mail with a returned receipt and the rest---pray to get everything--original documents back in one piece.

Re: changing your name on your Passport

My sister recently sent hers in - they were pretty quick and she got her original documents back. All they did was stamp it!

Re: changing your name on your Passport

I heard that you should just change your passport when it expires...and just book tickets in your maidan name...

my is due in may 04...so thats when I'll change my name...


...be careful if you have any visas...

Re: changing your name on your Passport

The Post Office on 34th Street and Eighth Avenue in Manhattan does not accept any applications for passport amendments. So, I had no choice but to send it in along with our certified marriage license by registered mail with a returned receipt confirmation. It'll take 4 weeks or so. The only place I have in mind to go outside of the U.S. this 2003 is Canada to see our Jr. GM. I'm not in a rush to get it done but having a second form of identification with my married name comes in handy these days especially after Sept. 11, 2001. I understood travelling has become stricter security now and I don't want a problem returning to the U.S. My driver's license already has my married name and I want consist documents with my married name. I don't want a problem when most of my documents have my married name and only my passport in my maiden name.

Plus, IMHO, a passport is a second form of identification.

Re: changing your name on your Passport

I just sent mine out today....am crossing my fingers!

Re: changing your name on your Passport

less than a month

Re: changing your name on your Passport

What form do you print it with and where do you send to to make this change? Do you get your original passport back too?

Re: changing your name on your Passport

I did it last year (got a new one the other was expired) when FH and I found out his step mom was on death's door (she got better thankfully). I did pay the rush fee and sent in the old passport. I also think I sent it certified (and insured). I paid alot but it came back quickly.

I sent mine at a post office - that's normally where you can get the forms so they know the best way to send these things.

I have to do that too, now with the name change, I can't believe I gotta do it all over again

Re: changing your name on your Passport

I was afraid to send mine in but I got it back within 3 weeks. You should be fine.