Congratulations! You’ve tied the knot, celebrated with loved ones, and are now embarking on married life. While you’re basking in the post-wedding glow, there’s one crucial step many newlyweds need to tackle: updating your identification documents, starting with your passport.
Having a passport that matches your new legal name is absolutely key for seamless international travel. Imagine booking flights and hotels under your new name, only to arrive at the airport with a passport showing your old one – a recipe for unnecessary stress! Let HitchSwitch help you navigate this process smoothly. For an in-depth outline of the name change process, please click here to check out our guide.
So, how do you get your passport updated with your married name in 2025?
Here’s what you need to know:
Determine Which Passport Form You Need
The U.S. Department of State uses different forms depending on when your current passport was issued. Knowing which form applies to you is the first step:
- DS-82 Form: Use this form if your passport was issued more than one year ago. This is a standard renewal form.
- DS-5504 Form: Use this form if your passport was issued less than one year ago. This form is specifically for making a change (like a name change) on a recently issued passport.
- DS-11 Form: This is typically the application for a first-time passport.
Understand Processing Times
Once you’ve gathered everything, you’ll submit your application. It’s important to be aware of the estimated processing times:
- Routine Processing: The standard timeframe is typically 4 to 6 weeks.
- Expedited Processing: If you have upcoming travel and need your passport sooner, you can pay an additional $60 fee to expedite the process. This usually shortens the timeframe to 2 to 4 weeks.
- Important Note: Processing times are measured from the date your application is received by the State Department, not the date you mail it.
- Don’t Forget Global Entry & TSA PreCheck! For our frequent flyers, updating your passport is just the first step. In order to maintain those smooth airport experiences, you’ll also need to update your Global Entry and TSA PreCheck cards with your new name. The good news is that updating these is typically free of charge unless your card has expired.
Feeling Overwhelmed by the Paperwork?
- Don’t let paperwork overwhelm you—take control of the process and ensure everything is for your new chapter together. HitchSwitch simplifies the entire name change process, providing you with the exact forms you need, pre-filled with your information where possible, along with detailed instructions for each step. We help you understand which passport form to use and guide you through gathering the necessary documents, taking the guesswork out of the process.
Ready to make updating your passport and other documents after marriage stress-free?
Let the Passport Now App manage your passport needs with ease, or explore the comprehensive support offered by the HitchSwitch Platinum package, which handles all your name change paperwork from start to finish.
