Hey there! If you’ve stumbled across this page, you’re probably trying to figure out if or how to change the name on your passport. Lucky you!
When I married in 2017, the number of documents requiring a name change was INSANE! You may also have another reason for changing your name (we’ll cover that below). Therefore, the goal of this blog is to make travel… and (well) life… easier for you.
For this reason, we’ve put together this step-by-step guide on how to change the name on your passport.
𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘴 𝘈 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘕𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦?
Not everyone has the same reason for changing the name on their passport, but some of the most common reasons are as follows:
- Marriage: If you took your spouse’s last name, you’ll need to change the name on your passport to reflect your new legal name.
- Divorce: If you chose to revert to your maiden name, you’ll need to change the name on your passport. It’s important that all travel documents reflect your current legal name.
- Legal Name Change: If you changed your name for personal reasons, make sure your passport reflects this.
- Gender Transition: Individuals who have undergone a gender transition may opt to change their name to align with their gender identity. In such cases, updating the name on your passport becomes necessary.
𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘴 𝘈 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵?
Your passport is an essential travel document that allows you to explore the world! If you want to travel internationally, a passport is necessary to obtain.
In addition, this article assumes you’ve already obtained your passport. We suspect you just need some guidance on updating your passport information.
Don’t have a passport?
If you don’t have a (U.S.) passport and aren’t sure where to go >>> check this out!
Table of Contents
- Step 1: Review Any Upcoming Trips
- Step 2: Gather the Required Documents
- Step 3: Complete the Proper Passport Application
- Step 4: Get/Update Your Passport Photos
- Step 5: Decide if you want to pay for expedited service
- Step 6: Determine Your Passport Name Change Fee
- Step 7: Submit Application
- Step 8: Wait for Processing
- Step 9: Collect New Passport
Passport With Name Change: The Step-by-Step Guide
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of changing the name on your passport. Ready!? Let’s get started!
𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘱 1: 𝘙𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘈𝘯𝘺 𝘜𝘱𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘳𝘪𝘱𝘴
Already have some vacations planned? However, are they booked in your former name? If so, it’s crucial to wait until after your trip to proceed with changing the name on your passport.
When you travel, all forms of identification must match. Therefore, if you booked a flight under your former name and then had the name changed on your passport prior to departure, there’s a good chance you wouldn’t be allowed to fly.
If you have no plans to travel, try to wait until your new and updated passport is in hand before booking a trip. The process for updating the name on your passport can take anywhere from two to six weeks, depending on if you paid to have it expedited.
Your updated passport will have a new number and expiration date. Therefore, you’ll want to have this information so you can input the correct information when booking your next getaway!
𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘱 2: 𝘎𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘋𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴
In addition to the application form, you’ll need to provide two documents:
1. Your valid or unexpired U.S. passport
You’ll need to submit the passport that has the error along with the completed application.
2. Proof of name change: Either the original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court-ordered name change document
𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘱 3: 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘈𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯
You will have to decide which application form you need to complete. There are three options to choose from:
- DS-5504 – If your passport was issued less than 1 one year ago
- DS-82 – If your passport was issued more than 1 one year ago
- DS-11 – If your passport has been expired for more than five years (issued 15+ years ago)— You need to apply for a new passport
𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘱 4: 𝘎𝘦𝘵/𝘜𝘱𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴
If you are mailing in your application, you’ll need to carefully staple your passport photo to the application.
If you are applying in person, certain acceptance facilities can take the photo for a fee.
You can take the photo yourself, as long as it fits the U.S. Department of State’s guidelines.
Make sure your photo fits the following basic requirements:
| Taken less than six months ago | Head must face the camera directly with full face view |
| Head must be 1-1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head | No eyeglasses, head coverings, or uniforms (**Some exceptions**) |
| Use a plain white or off-white background | 2×2 inches in size |
| Print photo on matte or glossy photo paper quality | Do not apply any filters or edits to your picture (Except to remove red-eye) |
| Photos with rips, tears, scratches, or any other defects will not be accepted |
You can also get a passport photo taken for you at places like CVS, Walgreens, The UPS Store, and AAA.
𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘱 5: 𝘋𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦
Are you in a rush to receive your updated passport?
If that’s the case, you’ll have to pay an expedited processing fee. However, if time is not a constraint for you, you can request an updated passport at no extra cost.
Keep in mind that applications can take up to six weeks for standard processing or up to three weeks if expedited.
For expedited service, which takes two to three weeks, there is an additional cost of $60. If you need to travel urgently, paying for expedited service may be necessary.
𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘱 6: 𝘋𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘕𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘍𝘦𝘦
The passport fee will vary depending on which form you have to complete.
If you’re using form DS-82 or form DS-11, you will need to pay a fee of $130 (or $190 in total for expedited service).
However, if your previous passport was issued less than one year ago and you filled out form DS-5504, you do not need to pay a fee for routine service. For expedited service with DS-5504, the cost is $60.
Please note that these fees mentioned above apply to requests for a regular passport book.
If you specifically need a passport card, which is valid only for travel to Mexico, Bermuda, the Caribbean, and Canada, the fee is reduced.
𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘱 7: 𝘚𝘶𝘣𝘮𝘪𝘵 𝘈𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯
You have two options for renewing your passport: at an acceptance facility or by mail.
If you choose to submit your application by mail, the department strongly recommends using a trackable mailing service.
Along with your application, you must include the required documentation (such as your current U.S. Passport, official name change document, application with a color photograph, and any applicable fee) in a single envelope.
It’s important to note that the address to which you mail the completed application will vary depending on your place of residence.
For Expedited Service, the National Passport Processing Center has a separate mailbox.
The different mailing addresses are as follows:
Routine Service
(if you live in CA, FL, IL, MN, NY, or TX)
National Passport Processing Center
P.O. Box 640155
Irving, TX 75064-0155
Routine Service
(if you live in any other state or Canada)
National Passport Processing Center
P.O. Box 90155
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155
Expedited Service
(From any state or Canada)
National Passport Processing Center
P.O. Box 90955
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955
𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘱 8: 𝘞𝘢𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨
After submitting your application, the processing time can vary from two to six weeks.
If you paid for expedited processing, you can expect your application to be processed within a timeframe closer to two to three weeks. However, it’s important to note that even with expedited processing, the wait can still become lengthy due to various factors.
To avoid potential delays and ensure that your passport is ready in time for your upcoming travel plans, it is strongly recommended to apply well in advance.
Planning ahead and submitting your application early is the best approach!!
𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘱 9: 𝘙𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 (& 𝘖𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘋𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘚𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘈𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯)
You will receive the updated passport via mail, along with the original or certified copy documents.
The passport and supporting documents may be received in separate mailings.
Changing the name on your passport is, without a doubt, a crucial step in aligning your travel documents with your updated identity.
To ensure a smooth journey through the process, it’s important to follow this step-by-step guide and stay organized with all the necessary documents.
Once you have your new passport in hand, you’ll be fully prepared to embark on your future travel adventures with confidence. And if you want to take your organization skills to the next level, consider trying out this cute passport holder! Not only does it have a designated slot for your COVID vaccination cards, but it also keeps your passports and other important documents together in one place.
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Passport With Name Change FAQ’s
What is the difference between a passport book and a passport card?
A passport card can be used for international land and sea travel to Mexico, Bermuda, the Caribbean, and Canada.
A passport book (“traditional passport”) is a valid ID for all forms of travel — land, sea, and air — both internationally and domestically.
