how long does it take to get a passport?

Mine took about three months. You can pay (about $60) for expedited service that cuts the time to about two or three weeks.

Some service can do it faster.. See.
http://www.fluther.com/disc/6457/how-do-you-get-an-emergency-passport/

it will always come the day after you leave the country

Longer than it should. If it’s your first one, plan on the longer of the dates they tell you in the phrase “between X and Y weeks/months.”

I received mine in 3 days. You can app for a Passport by going to a U.S. Post Office or to the Federal Building. You have to bring a Valid Drivers License or whatever state ID (must be a picture Id) as well as aCertified copy of your Birth Certificate. You have to prove who you are and where you’re from. It can take up to 6 weeks depending on the circumstances.

i hope i receive mine that soon. at least quicker than 3 months.

Mine took about six weeks.

What about a name change? Maiden to married on the passport. Is it the same long process all over again or is it going to be an easier thing to do than I imagine?

@mcw, In my experience, renewals are processed much more quickly than new applications.

Longer and longer, it seems – so apply sooner rather than later! You can pay a hefty rush charge to process it more quickly. It’s a pretty easy application, and you can do most of the work at your local post office.