How to Get a Passport Name Change on U.S. Passport?
Did you just get married, or perhaps you have been divorced? Requesting a passport name change form and the State Department is a simple process. To do a passport name change, you need to have several documents in place before applying. A passport name change is required when newly married women take their husband’s last name. Additionally, divorced women sometimes plan to go back to using their maiden name by changing the last name on the passport.
Required Documents for Passport Name Change
- DS-5504 Application Form for Passport Name Change
- Current Valid Passport: If you have an existing passport, you will need to submit it along with the other documents required for a name change.
- Passport Photo: The U.S. State Department requires anyone applying for a replacement passport to provide a “2X2” photo, in color, that was taken no more than six months ago.
- Proof of Name Change: Evidence of Passport Name Change such as marriage certificate, divorce certificate, or another court document will suffice as proof of legal name change.
- Passport Fee: To process your application for a name change.
- Note: there is no fee for a name change if you obtained your passport within the last 12 months. If you are requesting expedited service you will have to pay the expedited service fee.
Standard Passport Name Change for U.S. Citizens
Other life circumstances may also warrant a name change, but these are the two primary reasons someone needs to change the name on their passport. From time to time, printing errors occur on the passport, and would need to be corrected using a passport name change. If your name was changed voluntarily or by court order, you must follow the below directions.
Step 1: Fill out the Application Form
You should fill out form DS-5504 entirely and make sure you sign it in the appropriate location. Identify the proper location for mailing your application and supporting documents.
Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents
Assemble all necessary materials, including proof of name change, your current passport, and the fee payable to the U.S. State Department.
Step 3: Package & Send Documents
Remember, do not use a standard mailing envelope; in most cases, a Tyvek® envelope is often the preferred mailing method since the envelope is waterproof and sturdier than a traditional paper envelope. In most cases, it is recommended you mail these with the return receipt requested.
Additional Name Change Information
If you received your passport more than 12 months ago
If you are eligible for form DS-82, you may download the form, fill it out, include in the package your original name change document (certified or actual), color passport photos, and applicable fees
If you are not eligible for form DS-82, you will be required to submit form DS-11 in person at a Passport Acceptance Facility or Passport Agency. You also need to provide proof of Citizenship along with all of the above documents.
Passport Renewal form DS-82 applies to people who have their most recent passports and were at least 16 years of age when issued their passport. If the passport is less than 15 years old, the passport has not been stolen or damaged, you use the same name as on your most recent passport, or your name change was due to a marriage or court order. You will need to submit proper documentation that shows the change.
how much is the expedited service fee
Amy Joyce , sorry I didn’t check back. We were able to use the Marriage Verification Letter. I had to talk with someone to tell them that the Marriage Verification Letter is equivolent to the Marriage Certificate from other states. Then it worked. I hope you were able to get it resolved a year ago 😀
Hello, if the passport is over a year old, it will be a DS 82 renewal app and along with all renewal documents, such as the current passport, passport photos and passport fees ( $110 for passport book), you will need to submit your original/certified copy name change documents you will mail everything in directly to the US Department of State, address listed on your DS 82 app.
I got my passport 3 years ago. I recently divorced and changed my name. Do I use the DS5504 or do I use the DS82 form? I am confused. And what are the fees?
it takes about 3 weeks for the vital documents to be returned after recieveing the new passport, you can also confirm with the US Depart of State
I just received my new passport with my name change due to marriage but they never sent back my marriage license
No as when traveling internationally you only show your passport.
My passport includes middle name initial only but my drivers license shows full maiden name as middle name – will this get flagged at security?
what method of renewing your passport are you using?
I am living in Canada, have gotten married. Will there be any issues with my US Passport being returned to my home address in Canada?
Hello, if the passport is over a year old, it will be a DS 82 renewal app and along with all renewal documents, such as the current passport, passport photos and passport fees ( $110 for passport book), you will need to submit your original/certified copy name change documents you will mail everything in directly to the US Department of State, address listed on your DS 82 app.
your new last name
When filling out the DS-5504 application, do u use your new last name or the one on your current passport when it asks for your last name?
just want to make sure. I got married 5 years ago and just now need to change my passport to reflect my married name. which form do I use?
you must have an original/certified copy court order marriage license or marriage certificate.
Hello, yes you will need to update the name on your marriage certificate, and the marriage certificate is valid proof of name change even though it doesnt specificly list the that, that is your new name
hello, if this is a firt time passport you only need your most recent marriage certificate
I have a “Certified Statement Relating to Marriage”… will that work as proof?
I am helping an elderly friend get a replacement SS card (after many yrs and 2 marriages) so that she can get Medicare. A question has come up about her passport. She has a first and middle name which is what her birth certificate shows. thru her life she combined the two names into one and basically assumed that as her first name but never changed it legally. So, her marriage certificate, passport, bank accts etc all show this assumed first name and her husband’s last name. Now when trying to get a SS card they say it will show first, middle and huband’s name. They will not combine the first and middle name unless she changes it legally thru the courts. She doesnt want to wait, needs the SS card due to health issues so will proceed with getting the SS card showing as first, middle and husband’s last name. But I am wondering, what about the passport? it shows the assumed, combined first and middle name. Should she just leave as is or attempt to have it updated/corrected to match what will be on the SS card? If she atttempts to have the passport updated, will they accept the SS card as proof of name? It will be the only document besides the birth certificate that shows first and middle name rather than the combined, assumed version. So confusing! Thanks for any advice!!
Hello, my passport is current it expires in 2022, it reflects my maiden name. I purchased a ticket with my married name; (first, middle, maiden, married last) no hyphens. Do i need to get a new passport in order to travel? If yes, I have my marriage certificate but it does not reflect my married last name. What additional documents (if any) do I need to submit in order for my name to be changed on my passport? My married name (first, middle, maiden, married last) is on my SS card and drivers licence.
I have been married 3 times and will be appying for a 1st time passport. Will I need documentation from both previous divorces for name change purposes? I am concerned about being able to get those documents from out of state.
hello, you must submit a money order or personal check with your documents.
When do you pay? Do they bill you?
U.S. Passport Help Guide I just got my new passport in the mail with my new name, but my marriage license wasn’t sent back with it! How do I go about resolving this issue?
yes please visit http://www.uspassporthelpguide.com/ds-5504-name-change-data-correction-and-limited-united-states-passport-book-replacement-form/
I just received my mother in-laws passport in the mail. Her first name is spelled incorrectly. Her citizenship papers and her ID have correct spelling. Is there a way to fix this without paying the fee and providing new photo?
Name changes are done via mail, if you find an acceptance agent who is willing to see you in person, you still need to surrender the marriage certificate and it will be returned once the passport is released.
Can I apply in person so I don’t have to send out my marriage license?
Hello, since you are still in a year since the passport was issued, there should be no fee, please visit http://www.uspassporthelpguide.com/ds-5504-name-change-data-correction-and-limited-united-states-passport-book-replacement-form/
You will not have to pay a fee, nor go to the post office, you will mail all documents directly to the US Department of State, please follow http://www.uspassporthelpguide.com/ds-5504-name-change-data-correction-and-limited-united-states-passport-book-replacement-form/