Can I change my name in my US passport from outside the US?
Question: I have recently married a UK citizen and live in the UK on a work visa. I would like to change my US passport to my new name but do not have plans to be in the US any time soon. Can I send my passport in for a name change without being in the US?
Answer: You can send your application for a passport name change to the
U.S. embassy in London.
If your passport was issued more than 12 months ago, you should follow the instructions for routine passport renewal.
Submit the following by Royal Mail Special Delivery or via the Embassy's appointed courier service:
* Your most recent United States passport;
* Original marriage certificate.
*
Passport application form DS-82: Please ignore pages one and two of the printed instruction pages, as they do not apply when applying for your passport in the United Kingdom. Follow the instructions on this page. Form DS-82 must be printed on separate sheets of paper; do NOT print this form on front and back of the same sheet.
* One recent passport photograph
* Fees: The application fee is U.S. $110.00.
If your passport was issued within the last 12 months, you may follow the instructions below.
Submit the following by Royal Mail Special Delivery or via the Embassy's appointed courier service:
* Your current U.S. passport;
* Your original marriage certificate;
*
Passport application form DS-5504: Please ignore pages one and two of the printed instruction pages, as they do not apply when applying for your passport in the United Kingdom. Follow the instructions
on this page. Form DS-5504 must be printed on separate sheets of paper; do NOT print this form on front and back of the same sheet
* One recent passport photograph;
* Fees: There is no fee for this service.
Applying by Royal Mail Special DeliveryPlease submit your passport application, along with all supporting documents and photos, only by using the Royal Mail "Special Delivery" service (available at any UK Post Office). Please do not use the regular mail service. Your envelope should be addressed to:
Passport-by-Mail Service
American Citizen Services
U.S. Embassy
5 Upper Grosvenor Street
London
W1A 2LQ
To ensure the safe return of your passports, you should also enclose a pre-paid Special Delivery self-addressed return envelope that shows postage paid up to 500 grams. Inquiries regarding Special Delivery Mail should be directed to your local Post Office. As the Embassy does not keep track of Special Delivery numbers, you are advised to keep a record of your Special Delivery tracking number so you can track your passport's return to you.
Applying via Secure Mail Services (SMS)SMS will collect your documents, deliver them to the Embassy, and return them to you once processing has been completed. Detailed information on SMS services and booking is available by calling 0871-562-6666.
Processing TimeAn application for a full-validity (ten years for adults) passport will be sent to the United States for printing with a secure, photo-digitized image of the bearer. You should allow 15 working days for your application to be processed.
If you are traveling within 15 working days and can provide evidence of this travel, you may be eligible for an
emergency limited-validity passport.
Click for fast expedited courier service
Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers
UPDATE: Mailing delays and high demand are impacting passport processing. The Department of State's processing times begin when applications are received at a passport agency or center and not when you mail them or apply at a local acceptance facility.
Standard service may take between 10 and 13 weeks. This timeframe does not include delivery time. Mailing times vary across the country.
Expedited service takes from 7 to 9 weeks excluding mailing times on the front and back end. Current mailing delays are significant. Requesting 1-2-day mailing service is recommended.
Regional passport agencies are offering two types of appointments: Life-of-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service.
Life-or-death emergencies are serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family (parent, legal guardian, child, spouse, sibling, and grandparent) that require you to travel outside the United States within 3 business days.
If you need to travel due to a qualified life-or-death emergency, please call the National Passport Information Center for an appointment.
For Urgent Travel Service, you need to call 14 days before your scheduled international travel or 28 days if you also need to secure a foreign visa.
If you need to travel urgently for reasons other than a life-or-death emergency, please call the NPIC.
A registered expedited passport courier can often assist in obtaining a passport as quickly as the same day. You can learn more about this service here.
Latest Passport & Travel Updates
Getting a Passport Expedited at a Post Office
Requesting express service at post offices and other facilities that accept application forms from U.S. citizens.
Applying at a Regional Passport Agency
Where processing centers are located. How to schedule an appointment. What documents to take with you.
Using a Registered Courier Service
How to pick a legitimate courier service company to assist in getting your passport quickly.
Routine vs. Expedited Passport Service: How to Choose
Guide to help you decide if standard or fast track processing is the best option for your situation.
10 Benefits of Expediters
What are the advantages of employing the services a qualified expediter?
How to Renew a U.S. Passport Fast
Learn to expedite passport renewals as quickly as the same day. Where and how to renew passport in a hurry.
Passport Renewal Videos
Watch step-by-step instructional passport videos of how to renew a passport in 3 steps.
Make Your Own Passport Photos
Use the online Passport Photo Wizard tool to make your own passport photos in minutes. Save money and time.
Travel Warnings
The latest alerts to help you prepare for a safe and secure trip abroad.
Travel Documents
List of the most important travel documents and information about how and where to get them.
Travel Safety
Discover practical advice on how to keep safe during international trips.
23 International Travel Tips to Save Money on Transportation, Lodging & More
Cool ways to make your money stretch farther on travel expenses so that you can go more often and stay longer.
Expedite Your Passport Now!