Passport Name Change

There are three possible situations that affect a request for a passport name change. The one you choose depends on 1) how long it has been since your most recent passport was issued and 2) whether you have official documentation or not of the legal name change.

The application to change the name in a passport is processed in approximately four to six weeks. You can request expedited service in order to get your travel document delivered to you in up to three weeks. To get the name changed in less than two weeks, you can submit the application at a regional processing center or apply for passport name change through an expediter.

For a list of requirements and detailed instructions about how to complete the process, click the link below that best describes your situation:



Your current passport was issued LESS THAN 1 year ago
Your current passport was issued MORE THAN 1 year ago
You have no legal proof of your name change

1. Your passport was issued LESS THAN 1 year ago

and

2. Your name has been legally changed due to marriage, divorce or court order

THEN

You must mail:

Your current, valid U.S. passport
Completed Form DS-5504, Application for a U.S. Passport: Name Change, Data Correction, and Limited Passport Book Replacement
An original or certified copy of your marriage certificate or the government-issued document evidencing your legal name change under federal or state law. NOTE: If you do not want to send your original marriage certificate, you must send a certified copy.
One recent photo

to the address listed on Form DS-5504. For regular service, mail to:


National Passport Processing Center

Post Office Box 90107

Philadelphia, PA 19190-0107

NOTE: There is no fee for this service UNLESS you require expedited service.

For expedited services, mail form DS-5504 and supporting documents listed above plus a check for $60 payable to the "U.S. Department of State" to the following address.


National Passport Processing Center

Post Office Box 90907

Philadelphia, PA 19190-0907

If you are in a hurry, you can contract a passport and visa expediter to change the name in your passport quickly.

1. Your passport was issued MORE THAN 1 year ago

and

2. Your name has been legally changed due to marriage, divorce or court order

THEN

You must mail:

Your current, valid U.S. passport
Completed Form DS-82, Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail
Applicable passport renewal fee
An original or certified copy of your marriage certificate or the government-issued document evidencing your legal name change under federal or state law. NOTE: If you do not want to send your original marriage certificate, you must send a certified copy.
Two recent, color photos

to the address listed on Form DS-82 .

If you are in a hurry, you can contract a passport and visa expediter to change the name in your passport quickly.

NOTE: Minors may not apply using Form DS-82 and should refer to the instructions below.

If you cannot legally document your name change (through court order or marriage) or you are applying for a name change for a minor

THEN

You must submit the following in person at an Acceptance Facility or a Passport Agency:

Your current, valid U.S. passport
A completed Form DS-11, Application for a U.S. Passport
Applicable new passport fees
At least 3 public records showing your date and place of birth that show exclusive use of your assumed name for at least 5 years
Two recent, color photos

Photocopies and notarized copies of documents are not acceptable for passport purposes. If you need to acquire a certified copy of your marriage certificate, you can do so through the vital records office of the state in which you were married. For more information, visit Where to Write for Vital Records

For complete instructions on getting a passport for a minor, visit the child's passport page.

Current processing times are as follows: routine service in 3 to 4 weeks and expedited service 2 to 3 weeks. Delays can occur due to inclement weather, unexpected increase in the number of applications submitted, incorrect information on an application and other reasons.

If you are in a hurry, you can contract a passport and visa expediter to change the name in your passport quickly. If you still have questions, you can submit them on our Passport Name Change FAQ page.