What do I need for a passport?
February 11, 2025 6:16 PM Subscribe
My one and only passport was issued in 2006, so it's expired. I need a new one but not sure what documents I need to bring.
Passport was issued in my current married name, in 2006. So unfortunately I am past the period where I could have just renewed.
Trying to figure out what documents I need to bring. My married name obviously doesn't match my birth certificate. Will the passport office need to see some kind of documents regarding the married name change?
But wait, there's more! I've actually been married 3 times, changed my name each time, and briefly went back to my maiden name after my first marriage. From what I understand, applying for a Real ID requires documentation of all of these changes (and I have some, but probably not all, of the documents needed.) So that makes me nervous about that process, which I apparently need to deal with this year.
However, from looking at various websites it isn't clear if i need all that same documentation for a passport. What documents will I actually need?
Passport was issued in my current married name, in 2006. So unfortunately I am past the period where I could have just renewed.
Trying to figure out what documents I need to bring. My married name obviously doesn't match my birth certificate. Will the passport office need to see some kind of documents regarding the married name change?
But wait, there's more! I've actually been married 3 times, changed my name each time, and briefly went back to my maiden name after my first marriage. From what I understand, applying for a Real ID requires documentation of all of these changes (and I have some, but probably not all, of the documents needed.) So that makes me nervous about that process, which I apparently need to deal with this year.
However, from looking at various websites it isn't clear if i need all that same documentation for a passport. What documents will I actually need?
Response by poster: Thank you, Eyelash, that information is so helpful and reassuring since you've gone through the process recently in my state. Hopefully my experience will go as smoothly.
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 7:59 PM on February 11 [1 favorite]
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 7:59 PM on February 11 [1 favorite]
You need to make a chain that links your current identity to your birth certificate. So a marriage license + divorce decree from each marriage plus your current DMV ID should do it.
If you need an additional link you can also use the attestation of a passport holder who will show up and confirm you are the same person. State.gov has the details.
posted by blnkfrnk at 9:37 PM on February 11 [1 favorite]
If you need an additional link you can also use the attestation of a passport holder who will show up and confirm you are the same person. State.gov has the details.
posted by blnkfrnk at 9:37 PM on February 11 [1 favorite]
I also just got mine in Illinois after having had my last passport lapse in 2007. Since I still had my old passport, they accepted that in lieu of my birth certificate, but I'm not sure how your various name changes might impact that.
Do remember to bring photocopies of all the documentation you're providing and be sure to bring a check to pay for the passport fee. Otherwise, it was a much smoother process than I was expecting!
posted by merriment at 4:10 AM on February 12 [2 favorites]
Do remember to bring photocopies of all the documentation you're providing and be sure to bring a check to pay for the passport fee. Otherwise, it was a much smoother process than I was expecting!
posted by merriment at 4:10 AM on February 12 [2 favorites]
I just want to add here - I got my passport renewed in December 2024 after it being expired for more than 20 years. I renewed in person at our local office, as my kid needed his first passport and we had to go in person for that anyhow.
I had brought my photo ID, birth certificate, name change documentation, and my prior passport. As for merriment above, all the passport clerk submitted with my application was my long-expired passport. She handed the other documentation back to me and said the expired passport was sufficient. I don't regret bringing the other documentation but be aware that the old passport is probably all you need. Absolutely do fill out the form in advance and print it and bring it in -- it will save so much time and hassle.
Real ID is somewhat different in that its more of a background check. Getting a passport is really only about proof that you are a US citizen. So long as your current name and the name on your expired passport match, you should be ok.
posted by anastasiav at 5:51 AM on February 12 [1 favorite]
I had brought my photo ID, birth certificate, name change documentation, and my prior passport. As for merriment above, all the passport clerk submitted with my application was my long-expired passport. She handed the other documentation back to me and said the expired passport was sufficient. I don't regret bringing the other documentation but be aware that the old passport is probably all you need. Absolutely do fill out the form in advance and print it and bring it in -- it will save so much time and hassle.
Real ID is somewhat different in that its more of a background check. Getting a passport is really only about proof that you are a US citizen. So long as your current name and the name on your expired passport match, you should be ok.
posted by anastasiav at 5:51 AM on February 12 [1 favorite]
My local library helps with passport applications and renewals, including photographs, for free. Maybe this would be a resource for you?
posted by kyraU2 at 6:43 PM on February 12 [1 favorite]
posted by kyraU2 at 6:43 PM on February 12 [1 favorite]
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You will need your birth certificate, driver's license or state ID and most recent marriage certificate (plus you'll need to make photocopies to send in). You shouldn't need any other marriage or divorce certificates (though you will probably need to know your most recent divorce date for the form, plus you'll need to include all of the last names you've had where it asks on the form), but I would recommend filling out the DS-11 form in advance. It will let you know all of the information and paperwork that you need to gather and will make the process go a lot more smoothly to bring the form already filled out as much as possible (not signed since you'll do that in person).
posted by Eyelash at 7:25 PM on February 11 [2 favorites]