How to Change Your Name on a U.S. Passport
Change your name after marriage, divorce, or court order. Free if your passport is under 1 year old. Step-by-step instructions, forms, and document requirements.
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Changing Your Name on a Passport
If you have legally changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, your passport must be updated to match your new legal name before you travel. Airlines require that the name on your ticket exactly matches the name in your passport.
The process and cost depend on one factor: how long ago your current passport was issued.
Use Form DS-5504
If your current passport was issued less than one year ago, you can change your name for free using Form DS-5504.
- No passport fees
- Mail-in only
- Standard processing: 4-8 weeks
Use Form DS-82
If your current passport is more than one year old, you must use Form DS-82 and pay standard renewal fees.
- Large book: $130
- Mail-in renewal
- Standard processing: 4-8 weeks
Free Name Change: Form DS-5504
If your passport was issued less than one year ago, you are eligible for a free name change. You will receive a new passport book with your updated name at no cost.
What to Submit
- Completed Form DS-5504 (online Form Filler, then print and sign)
- Your current passport (will be returned, invalidated)
- One new passport photo (2x2 inches, within last 6 months)
- Original or certified name change document (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree)
Important Note
The State Department does not accept photocopies of name change documents unless they are certified copies from the issuing authority. Hospital souvenir marriage certificates and photocopied court orders will be rejected.
Standard Renewal Name Change: Form DS-82
If your passport was issued more than one year ago, the name change is treated as a standard renewal. You must pay all applicable passport fees.
What to Submit
- Completed Form DS-82 (online Form Filler, then print and sign)
- Your most recent passport
- One new passport photo
- Original or certified name change document
- Payment: check or money order for fees
| Product | Fee |
|---|---|
| Large Passport Book | $130 |
| Passport Card | $30 |
| Large Book + Card | $160 |
| Expedited Service | +$60 |
| 1-2 Day Return Shipping | +$22.05 |
Required Name Change Documents
The State Department only accepts specific types of documentation to prove a legal name change. Make sure you have the correct document before applying.
Marriage Certificate
An original or certified copy of your marriage certificate from the state or county where the marriage was registered. Must show both your maiden name and married name.
Court Order
A certified copy of a court order legally changing your name. This is required for non-marriage name changes (e.g., personal choice, gender transition, or restoring a former name).
Divorce Decree
A certified copy of your divorce decree that specifically restores your previous name, or a court order issued after the divorce formalizing the name change.
Not Accepted
Hospital-issued marriage certificates, photocopies (unless certified), notarized affidavits without a court order, driver's licenses, and Social Security cards are not accepted as proof of legal name change.
Special Cases
Multiple Name Changes
If you have changed your name more than once (e.g., married, divorced, remarried), submit documentation tracing the complete chain of name changes from your current passport name to your present legal name.
Example: If your passport says "Jane Smith" and you are now "Jane Johnson" after a divorce and remarriage, submit both your divorce decree (Smith → Jones) and your new marriage certificate (Jones → Johnson).
Name Mismatch With Tickets
If you have already booked travel in your new name but your passport still shows your old name, you have two options: (1) update your passport before travel using a courier for urgent processing, or (2) contact your airline to update your ticket to match your passport name. Most airlines charge a fee for name changes on international tickets.
Middle Name Changes
Adding, removing, or changing a middle name requires the same documentation as a full name change. The State Department requires a court order for middle name changes unless the change is documented on a marriage certificate or divorce decree.
Minor Name Corrections
If your passport contains a typo (e.g., misspelled first or last name), use Form DS-5504 regardless of how long ago the passport was issued. Name corrections due to government error are free at any time. Bring supporting documentation showing the correct spelling.
Step-by-Step Name Change Process
Determine Which Form to Use
If your passport is less than 1 year old, use Form DS-5504 (free). If over 1 year old, use Form DS-82 (standard renewal fees).
Gather Your Name Change Document
Obtain an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree from the issuing authority.
Complete the Form Online
Use the State Department's online Form Filler at travel.state.gov. Fill in your information with your new name, print, and sign.
Get a New Passport Photo
Have a new 2x2 inch photo taken within the last 6 months. Staple it to the form per instructions.
Prepare Payment (DS-82 Only)
If using DS-82, prepare a check or money order payable to 'U.S. Department of State' for the correct amount.
Mail Everything Together
Place your form, current passport, photo, name change document, and payment (if applicable) in a large envelope. Use a trackable mailing method.
Name Change Fees
Payment for DS-82 must be by check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of State." DS-5504 applications require no payment. Fees are non-refundable.
Name Change FAQs
Common questions about changing your name on a U.S. passport after marriage, divorce, or court order.
How do I change my name on my passport?
If your passport was issued less than 1 year ago, submit Form DS-5504 by mail with your current passport, a new photo, and legal name change documentation. There is no fee. If your passport was issued more than 1 year ago, submit Form DS-82 by mail and pay standard renewal fees ($130 for a large book).
How much does it cost to change my name on a passport?
If your current passport is less than 1 year old, the name change is free using Form DS-5504. If your passport is more than 1 year old, you must use Form DS-82 and pay standard renewal fees: $130 for a large book, $30 for a card, or $160 for both.
What documents do I need for a passport name change?
You need: your current passport, an original or certified copy of your legal name change document (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree), one new passport photo taken within 6 months, and the completed form (DS-5504 if under 1 year, DS-82 if over 1 year).
Can I change my name on my passport if I got married?
Yes. Submit your original or certified marriage certificate along with Form DS-5504 (free, if passport under 1 year old) or Form DS-82 (standard fees, if passport over 1 year old). The certificate must show both your old and new names or be accompanied by documentation linking the names.
Can I change my name on my passport after a divorce?
Yes. Submit your certified divorce decree showing the name change, or a court order restoring your previous name. Use Form DS-5504 if your current passport is less than 1 year old (no fee), or Form DS-82 if over 1 year old (standard renewal fees apply).
How long does a passport name change take?
Routine processing takes 4-8 weeks. Expedited service (add $60) takes 3-4 weeks. For urgent travel within 14 days, a registered courier can hand-deliver your name change application for processing in as little as 24 hours.
Do I need a new photo for a passport name change?
Yes. You must submit one new passport photo taken within the last 6 months, even if your appearance has not changed. Photos must meet all current requirements: 2x2 inches, plain white background, no glasses, neutral expression.
What if I changed my name more than once?
Submit documentation for each name change in chronological order. The State Department needs to trace the complete chain from the name on your current passport to your current legal name.
Can I travel with my old passport while the name change is processing?
Yes, but only if your ticketed name matches the name in your current passport. If your airline ticket is in your new name and your passport still has your old name, you may be denied boarding. Plan name changes well in advance of travel.
Can a courier expedite a passport name change?
Yes. A registered courier can hand-deliver your DS-5504 or DS-82 name change application to a Regional Passport Agency for processing in as little as 24 hours. This is ideal when you have imminent travel and your ticketed name must match your passport.
Related Guides
Renew a Passport
Use DS-82 for mail-in renewal when your passport is over 1 year old.
Passport Forms
Download DS-5504, DS-82, and all other official passport forms.
Passport Fees
Current fees for renewals and expedited service.
Expedite a Passport
Speed up your name change with expedited processing options.
Passport Status
Track your name change application after submission.
Passport Photos
A new photo is required for every name change application.
Choose Your Processing Speed
Compare your options and pick the path that matches your travel timeline.
DIY Post Office
RoutineApply at any post office or clerk of court. Best if you have 2+ months before travel.
- Walk into any acceptance facility
- Standard government processing
- No extra service fees
- Track status online
Government Expedited
FasterAdd the $60 expedited fee at any acceptance facility. Good for 1-2 month timelines.
- Same post office application
- Priority processing queue
- Faster return shipping
- Same documents, just faster
Registered Courier
FastestFastPassportCenter.com hand-delivers your application to a Regional Agency. Best for under 2 weeks.
- Document review before submission
- Hand-delivery to Regional Agency
- Processing in as little as 24 hours
- Real-time tracking & support
Need Your Name Change Fast?
If you have travel booked in your new name and need your passport updated urgently, a registered courier can hand-deliver your application for processing in as little as 24 hours.
Expedite Name Change