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U.S. citizens living outside the country · .gov-verified Last verified 2026-08-01

Name Change After Marriage: U.S. Citizens Living Abroad

If you are a U.S. citizen living outside the United States, the order of steps is the same — Social Security first, then your passport — but where and how you do each step differs. You handle Social Security through the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate or by contacting SSA's international operations by mail. You renew or update your passport through a U.S. Embassy or consulate rather than mailing it to a domestic processing center. Your state driver's license is typically handled when you return to the United States, or through your home state's own process if it offers remote options.

The steps for your situation

  1. Contact Social Security through a U.S. Embassy, consulate, or by mail

    U.S. citizens abroad can handle Social Security matters — including a name change — through the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate that has an SSA presence, or by contacting SSA's Office of Earnings and International Operations by mail. The documentation is the same as in the U.S.: Form SS-5, proof of identity, and your marriage certificate. SSA's international services page lists how to reach SSA from abroad.

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  2. Update your U.S. passport at a U.S. Embassy or consulate

    U.S. citizens living abroad update their passports through the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate — do not mail your passport to a domestic processing center from abroad. Bring your current passport, your marriage certificate (and a certified English translation if the document is not in English), the applicable fee, and passport photos. The form required depends on when your current passport was issued.

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  3. Handle your state driver's license through your home state

    Driver's licenses are issued by individual states, not the federal government. If your home state offers mail or online name-change options, contact your state DMV directly. Otherwise, you will typically need to update your driver's license when you return to the United States. The process varies by state.

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Official sources

Every step is backed by an official government page — confirm the current rules on the source before you act.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I change my Social Security name while living outside the U.S.?
Yes. You can handle the Social Security name change through the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate that has an SSA presence, or by contacting SSA's Office of Earnings and International Operations by mail. The paperwork — Form SS-5, proof of identity, and your marriage certificate — is the same as in the United States.
How do I update my U.S. passport for a name change if I am living abroad?
Go in person to the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate — do not mail your passport to a domestic processing center from a foreign address. Bring your current passport, your marriage certificate (with a certified English translation if not in English), the applicable fee, and passport photos.
What should I do about my state driver's license if I am living abroad?
Driver's licenses are issued by individual states and must be updated through your home state's process. Some states allow mail or online name changes; check with your state DMV directly. If no remote option is available, plan to update your license when you return to the United States.

Not legal advice · Not a government service · Not affiliated with any government agency.