How to Change Your Name on Your Passport

For a long time I've toyed with the idea of creating a blog focused on how to...well, be an adult.  Sounds kinda silly, but I've realized that most "adult" things (like paying taxes and officially changing your last name on legal documents) are not exactly straightforward/intuitive and require quite a bit of research to figure out just how to get it done.  If I were to start this "How to be an adult" blog, I would regularly tackle such painful processes and organize them in a way that would prove useful to anyone else who needs to learn how to get things done.  However, my time is currently being used up on learning how to effectively clean the litter box, organize my office, plan our weekly meals, and be a good wife.  The idea is still there, though...

For today, I figured I'd give it a go.  So, how does one change her last name on her passport?

First, if you received your passport within one calendar year, congratulations! You get to skip the fee and go straight to filling out DS-5504 found here.

If it has been over a year but you were at least 16 when you got your first passport (but not over 15 years ago), you get to fill out DS-82 (also found here) and submit it along with a new picture (that meets requirements), your current passport, a certified copy of your marriage license, and $110 check made out to the Department of State.  You will then mail this to the National Passport Processing Center at PO Box 90155 Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.

Now, where does one get a certified copy of your marriage license?  Great question! You need to return to the county that issued your marriage license, and request a certified copy from them.  For us, we got ours from Dallas County. If that's the case for you, click here and scroll to the bottom of the page.  You can download the form and fill it out, then print it before mailing it along with a $10 Money Order made out to the Dallas County Clerk. Send it off to Dallas County Clerk's Office ATTN: Marriage License 509 Main St Suite #200 Dallas, TX 75202.

If, like me, you have a Southwest Rapid Rewards membership, they also require a written letter with proof of your name change (a copy of your marriage certificate) mailed to them at PO Box 36657 Dallas, TX 75235.

Why am I just now making all of these changes after having been married almost two years?  Well, that brings me to the real point of this blog post.  Darren and I are excited to announce that we plan to travel to GERMANY this year (along with Darren's brother, Chris, and his lovely wife Krista) to visit some of Darren's side of the family.  EEEK! We are just so excited about this!!!!