How to Change Your Name on Your Passport
Congratulations! You had your wedding during Zoom’s quiet quarantine ceremony and you are now taking on a new role as Mr or Mrs [insert new last name here]. Or maybe that Bali retreat you did before the pandemic led to spiritual enlightenment, and your new name is Shining Sunflower. In any case, you will have to change the name for all of your documents, including invoices, driver’s license and, of course, your passport.
If you have had a passport for less than a year
If you have had a passport for less than a year, you will take different steps than one who has had it for much longer.
You will need to fill out Form DS-5504 . Using this form, you will send (by mail) your most recent passport, one color passport photograph, and an original or certified name change document. The name change document can be a marriage certificate, court order, or divorce order.
This can only be shipped via USPS, according to the Department of State website, because it will be delivered to a PO Box that excludes UPS or FedEx. Also, there are no fees unless you decide to expedite (which is currently not an option due to the pandemic).
If your passport was issued more than a year ago
Under normal circumstances, this change will be posted in person. However, due to the pandemic, you will have to mail it. The process is similar to applying for a passport for the first time. Follow the instructions in this story .
Make sure to include original or certified name change documents with your application. All documents will be sent back to you. Photocopies are not allowed.
The State Department website also says:
You do not need to provide proof of name change if your name has changed due to marriage and you are presenting an ID issued in your new name. You must fill in your marriage details on the appropriate section of Form DS-11.
The cost of this application process is listed here .
If you use a different name without the name change documents
If you need to change your name on your passport but the change is not supported by a marriage certificate, divorce order, or court order, you need to take the following steps.
First of all, you will need to personally request a change at a passport agency or other passport application collection point .
You will go through the same process of filling out and attaching forms as if you were your first time applicant. In addition, you may need to file Form DS-60 , Affidavit for Name Change. This form is used if you have used a name (such as Radiant Sunflower) that is completely different from the name on your US Citizenship Certificate.
- Two people who know you by both names must fill out a form.
- You will also need to provide three certified or original public documents proving that you have held this name for five years or more.
Fees are also listed here .