Can I change my full name in my US passport from outside the US?

by Syeda
(Karachi, Pakistan)

Question: I have a dual Nationality USA/Pakistan. I have recently gotten married in Pakistan and after my marriage I have changed my full name in my Pakistani database. I have my full marriage certificate and all the relevant data to support it.

I want to change my full name as per my Pakistani national Identity Card from Pakistan. Please guide me to how to go about this.

Answer: In Pakistan, you can apply to have this name change reflected in your passport at the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi. U.S. passports are no longer amended to change items appearing on the data page so you will receive a new passport.

If the change is within one year after your passport's issuance, submit a U.S. Passport Re-Application Form (DS 5504), together with the passport that needs the change, your original marriage certificate documenting the change, and new passport pictures. There will be no charge for routine processing.

If the passport was issued more than 12 months ago, you should follow the instructions for routine passport renewal. In this case, the fees will apply.