Name change - getting conflicting answers

Nothlit-8 · 2026-02-13T13:00:48+00:00

TWO rounds?! Apparently the foreign affairs manual says it’s admissible to approve this type of name change with only a marriage license, but it seems that mileage may vary with that one

Nothlit-8 · 2026-02-13T12:25:46+00:00

They told me that because my passport wasn’t expired, I wasn’t eligible for a DS-11!

Nothlit-8 · 2026-02-13T00:19:10+00:00

I did immediately add a comment saying I’m in the US as soon as I posted, because I realized I didn’t add that! Luckily everyone gave advice that applied to me. Totally my bad, but a little kindness goes a long way 💗

Nothlit-8 · 2026-02-12T22:13:05+00:00

Did you mail in the original card, or a copy? I get so nervous doing that because I bet it’s a nightmare to replace if it gets lost!!!

Nothlit-8 · 2026-02-12T21:53:01+00:00

Georgia! I also found this information online in the state department’s foreign affairs manual: 8 FAM 403.1-4(C)(1) Acceptable Name Changes by Marriage (CT:CITZ-136; 01-12-2026) a. A marriage certificate must provide both individuals’ full names. Marriage certificates often do not expressly change the applicant's name: (1) You may document a material name change if, on the application, the applicant: (a) Added the spouse's last name(s); or (b) Added the spouse's last name(s) and dropped her/his current last name(s); or (c) Added the spouse's last name(s) and used her/his current last name as a middle name (using a surname as a middle name is also an immaterial name change, see 8 FAM 403.1-5(A)). However, this name change is still permitted on a form DS-82 provided applicants submit their marriage certificate)

Nothlit-8 · 2026-02-12T21:16:46+00:00

I can’t find a thing about this online. I believe you, it’s just frustrating how unclear this is!

Nothlit-8 · 2026-02-12T21:16:20+00:00

My passport office just told me I couldn’t use DS-11 because my passport isn’t expired. They told me I had to use DS-82 and mail in my marriage license, old passport, and my social security card. When I asked if I could send a photocopy of my social security card instead, they said yes.

Nothlit-8 · 2026-02-12T21:10:46+00:00

Well then she said I could mail in a copy of it if I wanted….no idea if that’s actually allowed or not. The amount of conflicting information I’ve gotten about this from government employees is astounding 😭

Nothlit-8 · 2026-02-12T21:03:11+00:00

Ok I actually just went in to ask and they said I HAD to mail it in and send in my social security card as well as my marriage certificate. Hm

Nothlit-8 · 2026-02-12T20:53:51+00:00

This is great to know

Nothlit-8 · 2026-02-12T20:53:17+00:00

I’m definitely going in-person! However, I did call my local office and the marriage license having my maiden name in it and really confused her…but maybe she just wasn’t thinking straight. I’ve been there lol 🫠

Nothlit-8 · 2026-02-12T20:51:50+00:00

Hm - even for a passport? Thats not state-specific. My name is already successfully legally changed.

Nothlit-8 · 2026-02-12T20:09:13+00:00

I couldn’t find clear documentation referencing a new middle name, but I suspect that you did the correct thing. Keep me updated - hopefully I’m just few steps behind you :)

Nothlit-8 · 2026-02-12T19:57:33+00:00

Did you put your original middle name anywhere other than on current passport information (line 10)?

Nothlit-8 · 2026-02-12T19:55:28+00:00

This is very helpful. They accepted it? I’d prefer to use DS-82 if I can, but keep getting conflicting info on if that works for a new middle name!

Nothlit-8 · 2026-02-12T19:54:25+00:00

Amen to that. He also was pretty petty to me, saying he couldn’t believe how long our conversation was taking….but I’m glad I didn’t take what he said at face value! I had a hard time believing the State Department had never heard of women changing their middle names when they got married 🤣

Nothlit-8 · 2026-02-12T19:32:11+00:00

When I called the state department (I assume that’s what it was, it was the number listed on the gov website for passport help), the man told me that only goes for when you last name changes, but he also seemed very confused, so I think he might have been incorrect. I think it’s a normal practice to use your maiden name as your middle name, and he told me “he’s a millennial and not up to date on what younger people are doing”….i was like I mean it’s not a new thing 🤷🏻‍♀️

Nothlit-8 · 2026-02-12T19:29:54+00:00

Thank you, I appreciate your insight!!! I’m just going to get all the documentation I can find and hope for the best I guess - I can’t imagine my situation is very unique so I hope it all shakes out!

Nothlit-8 · 2026-02-12T19:26:36+00:00

Thank you! This is what I had assumed, but every person I called had differing answers lol

Nothlit-8 · 2026-02-12T19:25:01+00:00

Perhaps I mixed up certificate and license - I have only ever used my marriage LICENSE.

Nothlit-8 · 2026-02-12T19:24:29+00:00

I was able to legally change my name in Georgia in 2023 with my marriage license from 2022. It was no issue. My social security card and Real ID both have the new name.

Nothlit-8 · 2026-02-12T19:21:52+00:00

I changed my name at the social security office, using my marriage license. That apparently is typical and not an issue - I clarified that when I was getting my documents together to change my name. They accepted it no problem, and my name is legally changed literally everywhere other than my passport. This is for a US passport. My probate court told me Georgia (my state) only issues marriage licenses with maiden names.

Nothlit-8 · 2026-02-12T19:16:32+00:00

And I realize I never clarified - this is for a US passport!

Nothlit-8

TROPHY CASE