To change your last name on your passport after marriage, you'll need to apply for a passport amendment or renewal, depending on your country's procedures. Most countries allow married individuals to update their names through a simplified process.
Start by gathering required documents: your current passport, a certified copy of your marriage certificate, and a completed passport application form (requirements vary by country). Some nations accept name changes through postal renewal if you're also renewing an expiring passport; others require in-person submission.
In the United States, you can apply for a passport amendment by mail or in person at an acceptance facility, providing your current passport and marriage certificate. In the UK, you'll need to apply for a new passport and provide your marriage certificate as proof of the name change. Canada and Australia have similar processes involving certified marriage documentation.
Processing times vary: some countries complete amendments within weeks, while others take several months. Expedited services may be available for an additional fee.
Before applying, check your specific country's government passport office website for exact requirements, forms, fees, and processing times, as procedures differ significantly. Some countries may require notarized documents or certified translations if your marriage certificate is in a foreign language.
Note that changing your passport name doesn't automatically update other documents like driver's licenses, bank accounts, or insurance policies—you'll need to contact those institutions separately with your updated passport as proof.