Passport Name Change Help

[RPTB2014]

My husband and I had our legal wedding in February in Jamaica. I have changed my name legally at home (Social Security Administration, DMV, etc) but am having issues getting my name changed on my passport. I submitted all of the requirement information, including a certified copy of the marriage certificate with my application. I received a letter from the National Passport Center stating I need to submit "A certified copy of the court order or marriage certificate reflecting your legal change of name. Photocopies and notarized copies of these documents are not acceptable for passport services."

 

The person I spoke with initially stated that what I submitted was an "unacceptable" document. I submitted the certified copy of the marriage certificate that the pastor handed to us after he announced us as husband and wife. They keep telling me I have to submit the certified copy and when I tell them that is what I have submitted and it is the only thing I have, they tell me that is "unacceptable". I asked them what is an acceptable document and they repeat "a certified copy of the marriage certificate". I am clearly unable to get any assistance as I have spoken with the NPIC and they have sent 3 separate notifications to another office to have someone call me. It has been 5 weeks and I still haven't spoken with someone. 

 

Has anyone else had this same issue that could provide me some assistance? Thank you in advance.

[soulgroovy]

@@RPTB2014  So sorry to hear you are dealing with this issue. May I ask are you in the States? 

 

Nicole

[1BeachBride]

Sorry to hear about your troubles. It sounds like the pastor gave you the signed marriage license. You have to use that to get an official marriage license from the Registrar General's office. Try this link

 

http://kingston.usembassy.gov/family_issues2.html

 

Good luck! Hope it helps.

[1BeachBride]

I meant to say official marriage certificate- This is what the US is trying to ask you for as proof.

It is different from the signed marriage license which is what I believe you were given at the ceremony. The marriage certificate is not available immediately at the ceremony so I don't think that's what you have.

[JanelleMcLeod]

Does anyone know how long it takes to get a passport name change? We are getting married August 1st, then Honeymooning on October 4th. Both are out of the country- will I have enough time to get a name change on my passport in 8 weeks??

[acw271011]

Does anyone know how long it takes to get a passport name change? We are getting married August 1st, then Honeymooning on October 4th. Both are out of the country- will I have enough time to get a name change on my passport in 8 weeks??

 

It should only depend on how long it takes to get a passport. Don't know for the US how long it takes, but in canada as long as you submit the proper documentation, they just issue you a passport in your new name, usually within a couple of weeks. of course there are times of the year when it takes longer due to higher volumes but generally you can get a new passport within about 2 to 3 weeks. The main thing will be finding out what the documentation is that's required by the passport people.

My husband and I had our legal wedding in February in Jamaica. I have changed my name legally at home (Social Security Administration, DMV, etc) but am having issues getting my name changed on my passport. I submitted all of the requirement information, including a certified copy of the marriage certificate with my application. I received a letter from the National Passport Center stating I need to submit "A certified copy of the court order or marriage certificate reflecting your legal change of name. Photocopies and notarized copies of these documents are not acceptable for passport services."

 

The person I spoke with initially stated that what I submitted was an "unacceptable" document. I submitted the certified copy of the marriage certificate that the pastor handed to us after he announced us as husband and wife. They keep telling me I have to submit the certified copy and when I tell them that is what I have submitted and it is the only thing I have, they tell me that is "unacceptable". I asked them what is an acceptable document and they repeat "a certified copy of the marriage certificate". I am clearly unable to get any assistance as I have spoken with the NPIC and they have sent 3 separate notifications to another office to have someone call me. It has been 5 weeks and I still haven't spoken with someone. 

 

Has anyone else had this same issue that could provide me some assistance? Thank you in advance.

 

We were married in Jamaica. All we received while we were there was a photocopy of the register showing the date we were married. Our actual marriage certificate with a seal didn't come for a couple of months afterwards. It's on paper that looks like paper that money is made from. From what I was told, the photocopy was only to show you had been married. Anything that required legal documents had to wait until you received your actual marriage certificate. Our resort sent us two originals, which was nice of them since we didn't have to pay extra. We have put one into a security box, just in case. I didn't change my name so I didn't need to worry about documents, but we have the other original at home in case we needed it for spouse life insurance or health insurance benefits. No problems so far.

[dgreens550]

Not sure where you are located but in my city is a local office that you can go to for passport renwal/change