How to Get an Urgent Passport for a Name Change in Two Weeks or Less

If you need an urgent passport for a name change in two weeks or less and standard or regular expedited processing isn't fast enough, your best option is to apply directly at a Regional Passport Agency. You can either make an appointment and attend yourself or hire a registered passport expediting service to manage the process on your behalf.

This guide is exclusively for American citizens who:

• Have legally changed their name due to marriage, divorce, or court order,
• Need to update their passport to reflect their new name, and
• Have international travel plans within the next two weeks

This urgent passport guide explains how to apply for a passport name change through a Regional Passport Agency or registered passport expediter-and get it processed fast.

How to Get an Urgent Passport for a Name Change in 5 Steps

Follow these five steps to get an urgent passport for a name change quickly:

Step #1: Determine Eligibility

To qualify for urgent processing, the applicant must be either:

• A U.S. citizen, or
• A qualifying non-citizen national

• Complete the correct passport form based on your situation (DS-11, DS-82, or DS-5504),
• Provide proof of U.S. citizenship and identity,
• Submit a valid passport photo,
• Pay all required fees,
• Provide acceptable proof of immediate travel within 14 days (or 28 days if a foreign visa is also required)*, and
• Appear in person at a Regional Passport Agency to sign and swear an oath before a passport agent or use a registered passport expediter.

*Acceptable proof of urgent travel includes confirmed flight/cruise itineraries, hotel reservations, or boarding passes/travel tickets.

Step #2: Gather Required Documents and Fees

Documents for an Urgent Passport for a Name Change

When applying to update your passport with your new name, you must prepare the following documents:

• Choose the Correct Passport Application Form:
  • Use Form DS-5504 if your current passport was issued less than one year ago and you meet all conditions.
  • Use Form DS-82 if you are eligible to renew your passport (issued more than one year ago, undamaged, issued after age 16, and in your current name, or you can document the name change).
  • Use Form DS-11 if you are not eligible to use DS-5504 or DS-82 (first-time applicants or those with significantly changed information).
• Complete the Correct Application Form:
  • Download the form that matches your situation, and complete it in black ink.
  • Print clearly, single-sided pages only.
  • Important: Do not sign until your appointment!
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship: (e.g., original or certified U.S. birth certificate, Naturalization Certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or previous U.S. passport)
• Proof of Identity: (e.g., valid driver's license, state ID, government-issued ID). More about acceptable proof of identity for passport applications here.
• Evidence of Legal Name Change: (e.g., certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)
  • Important: The document submitted for proof of name change must be an original or certified copy. Photocopies and notarized copies are not accepted.
• Photocopies of all identification and citizenship documents. Bring both copies and originals to your appointment
• One passport photo that meets U.S. State Department requirements. See our Passport Photos Guide for full details.
• Proof of Immediate Travel: (e.g., printed flight itinerary, cruise tickets, or booking confirmations.)

Fees for an Urgent Passport for a Name Change

• Passport book fee
• Expedited service fee
• Execution fee (for DS-11 applications)

• Check or money order
• Exact cash
• Major credit/debit card
• Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Current fees :

Hidden Costs to Consider for an Urgent Passport

Even though applying at a Regional Passport Agency doesn't cost more than standard expediting, additional out-of-pocket costs may include:

• Travel expenses (transportation, hotel, meals)
• Lost wages from work absences
• Additional logistical costs

Learn more in our guide to Understanding the Hidden Costs of Urgent Passport Applications for a full breakdown and a planning worksheet.

Tip: Hiring a registered passport expediter can help reduce both financial and scheduling stress, especially if you live far from an agency or are short on time.

Step #3: Schedule Your Appointment

Appointments at Regional Passport Agencies are required. You must book online through the State Department's Online Passport Appointment System. Check out our guide on scheduling a passport appointment for a full walkthrough of the process. Slots are limited, so book as soon as you have your documentation ready.

Tip: A registered passport expediter may be able to secure a faster appointment for you.

Choose the location of the agency or processing center below that is nearest to you:

Step #4: Attend Your Scheduled Appointment

• You must appear in person..
• You'll sign your application in front of a passport agent.
• You'll submit all required documents and proof of immediate travel.

If everything is correct and complete, your new passport may be issued the same day or within a few business days, depending on agency processing times.

Using an Expediting Service Instead?

If you can't get an appointment or want help managing the process, a registered passport expediter can submit your application for you.

• You'll visit a passport acceptance facility (e.g., a post office) to verify documents.
• The expediter will submit your paperwork to a Regional Passport Agency on your behalf.
• Your updated passport will be delivered to you once it is issued.

Using a trusted expediter can save valuable time, especially when tight schedules, school, work, or travel logistics are involved.

Step #5: Track Your Passport Application

After submitting your application, you can monitor its status through the U.S. Passport Status Tracker.

Need help checking your status? View our step-by-step Tracking Your Passport Status Updates guide or contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.

Need Your Passport Fast? Make the Right Choices for Your Situation.

When every day counts, choosing the right process makes all the difference.

At U.S. Passport Service Guide, we've helped American travelers navigate urgent passport needs for over 20 years.

If you want to get your passport even faster and easier, get started with a registered passport expediting service here.

Still deciding? Learn more about the hidden costs of urgent passport applications here.

Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers