When applying for a U.S. passport, it’s important to understand the details asked in the application form — some are mandatory, others are optional. One section that often raises questions is marital status. Whether you're single, married, divorced, widowed, or separated, this part of the application can be confusing. Knowing what’s required, what’s optional, and why it matters can save you time and help prevent delays in the application process.

In this post, we’ll explain what you need to know about declaring your marital status when applying for a passport. We'll also explain how USPassport.com can help streamline the process, especially if you're in a hurry or facing unusual circumstances.

Understanding Marital Status in a Passport Application

When filling out Form DS-11 (the application for a new U.S. passport) or Form DS-82 (used for renewals), keep in mind the following categories:

Common Marital Status Categories:

  • Single: You’ve never been married.
  • Married: You are legally married.
  • Divorced: Your previous marriage has been legally dissolved.
  • Widowed: Your spouse has passed away.
  • Separated: You are legally or informally separated but not divorced.

The form will ask you if you have ever been married - YES or NO. If you were never married, check the "NO" box, then skip the remaining spouse / marriage questions and proceed on with the form.

If you are currently - or have ever been married, tick the "YES" box and then fill out the next questions regarding your spouse's name, their date and place of birth, if they are a U.S. citizen and your date of marriage.

The next question on the form will ask if you have ever been WIDOWED or DIVORCED. This is a simple YES or NO answer. If NO, skip the rest of these questions and go to the next section.

If YES, you simply have to put the date you were widowed, or the date your divorce was finalized.

What’s Required About Marital Status?

1. Honest Disclosure

Even though it might not seem like a critical part of the application, providing truthful information is required. Lying or intentionally omitting details on a federal form can result in penalties, including denial of your passport or legal consequences.

2. Supporting Documents in Specific Situations

In most cases, you do not need to submit proof of your marital status. However, there are exceptions:

  • If you're applying under a different name due to marriage or divorce, you must provide legal documents such as:
    • A marriage certificate
    • A divorce decree
    • A court order for a legal name change

These documents prove the reason for your name change, not your marital status per se, but they do involve marital status indirectly.

3. Consistency Across Documents

If your identification documents (like your driver’s license or Social Security record) reflect a different name due to marriage, divorce, or separation, your passport application must match. Inconsistencies can result in delays or requests for additional documentation.

What’s Optional About Marital Status?

There’s a common misconception that you must go into great detail about your marital history. That’s not the case.

Optional Elements:

  • Details about your spouse: You are not required to submit your spouse’s personal information unless you’re applying for a minor’s passport and both parents must give consent.
  • Proof of current relationship: You don’t need to demonstrate that you live with or are financially tied to your spouse.
  • Reason for separation: If you are separated but not divorced, there’s no need to provide a court document explaining the situation unless a name change is involved.

The marital status checkbox is primarily used for identification purposes—it does not automatically trigger a deeper investigation unless inconsistencies arise.

What If You Don’t Have a Marital Status to Declare?

It’s perfectly okay not to have a spouse, or to be unsure about how to categorize your status. Here's what to do:

1. Choose the Closest Option

If you’re unsure whether you’re considered separated or single, select the option that best represents your legal status.

2. Leave Blank If Not Required

In some digital forms, you may be able to leave the field blank. However, it’s better to provide a clear answer to avoid processing delays.

3. Explain If Asked

If your situation is unusual and the passport agency requests clarification, be ready to explain briefly and honestly. No need to over-explain—stick to legal facts.

Special Scenarios That May Require Attention

- Name Change Without Legal Documentation

If you've changed your name socially (e.g., after marriage but didn’t legally change it), this can create issues. The State Department requires legal proof to issue a passport in a new name.

- Common Law Marriages

If you consider yourself married but do not have a marriage certificate, such as in common law situations, you may need to stick with the “Single” option unless your state legally recognizes the marriage.

- Transitional Status

If you're currently going through a divorce or name change but it’s not finalized, use your legal status as of the date of application. Don’t jump ahead in anticipation of a legal change.

Why Marital Status Might Matter in Rare Cases

While marital status doesn’t typically affect your ability to get a passport, it could influence other aspects:

  • Minor child passport applications: Marital status can determine if both parents’ consent is required.
  • International travel: Some countries ask about marital status when applying for a visa or entry.
  • Security checks: In rare cases, discrepancies in records might prompt follow-up from authorities.

How We Can Help

Understanding the ins and outs of the passport application process—especially when you’re not sure what’s required—can be stressful. We can help streamline the process for you with our personalized support.

Here’s what we offer:

  • Expert document review: Ensure your marital status information and any name changes are accurate and properly documented.
  • Expedited service: Get your passport as quickly as 24-48 hours, including help with name-change documents.
  • Application preparation: With more than 20 years of experience, we prepare your passport application on your behalf to ensure promptness, accuracy and guaranteed first-time approval.

Whether you're single, married, or somewhere in between, we're here to make your application smoother.

Final Thoughts

Marital status on a passport application isn’t as high-stakes as citizenship or identification details, but it's still important to get it right. Providing truthful and consistent information ensures that your application is processed without delay.

If you're unsure how to fill out the marital status section—or need help with any part of your passport application, we are here to support you. With expert guidance and fast service, we help you avoid the headaches and get your passport with confidence.

Call us at 1-800-545-0000 or visit our Packages section to get started today!

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