Do I need a marriage certificate to apply for a passport?

Question

I tried poring through the State Department's website, and I'm more confused than when I started.

If I got married three years ago, and kept my maiden name as my middle name, do I have to bring a marriage certificate to apply for a passport? I looked at the Affidavit Regarding Change of Name form, and it seems to only apply for "drastic" name changes or name changes not associated with a marriage.

Under the required documentation section on the State Department site, there is no mention of documentation of marriage, which I think would apply to a lot of people.

Am I overthinking this? I just don't want to waste my lunch hour only to find out I don't have what I need.

Answer 1

My wife kept her maiden name as her middle name and we just got passports last year.  She did not need that; we took our Birth Certificates and Drivers License.  I would suggest you go to a local drug store aka CVS or Rite Aid and get your picture taken there.  You will save yourself a lot of money.  The Post Office was charging over double.

Answer 2

I think you would only need it if you had a passport with your maiden name and it was expiring and you wanted your new passport with your new last name.

Answer 3

It depends on the country where you are

Answer 4

I didn't need a marriage license or my divorce decree to get a passport.  I needed my birth certificate and my drivers license.

Answer 5

My wife and I had to take a notarized marriage certificate to get our passports.