subject: US Passport Renewal After Divorce [print this page] US Passport Renewal After Divorce US Passport Renewal After Divorce
Ending a marriage is never easy. Even in the relatively unlikely event that the split is amicable, there's a lot of work to be done when it comes to rearranging your life. One item you may need to attend to is applying for a US passport renewal. This guide will walk you through the paperwork to make getting a corrected passport less of a hassle.
First, determine if you'll need to get a new passport. If you're keeping your married name, this won't be an issue. But do check the emergency contact information on your passport. If you've put your now-ex-spouse as your emergency contact, consider whether or not this is still appropriate and correct it if necessary. Hopefully, you used a pencil.
If you plan to change your name, you'll need to change it on your passport as well. The procedure for doing so depends on how long ago your passport was issued to you. If it was less than a year ago, you're in luck. There's no need to apply for a passport renewal, and you can simply get your passport corrected free of charge. Here's how:
Fill out form DS-5504.
Send it to the address indicated, along with a your passport and a copy of your divorce decree and/or a court order corroborating the name change.
Include a new photo if your passport was issued more than 3 months ago.
If you need expedited service, include payment for the $60 expedite fee.
If your passport was issued more than a year ago, you'll have to apply for a US passport renewal. The good news is that once you get your new passport, you won't have to apply again for another 10 years. The bad news is that you will have to pay to renew. Here's how:
Fill out form DS-82
Send it to the address on the form with your current passport and a copy of your divorce decree referencing your name change.
Enclose one new passport photo and a check or money order for the renewal fees. Current prices can be found on the Department of State's website.
Wait about 6 weeks for the new passport to arrive. Add a $60 expedite fee if you need your US passport renewal issued more quickly this will reduce processing time to about 3 weeks.
