How To Change Your Name On a Passport?

Obtaining a new passport, or renewing an existing one, with your updated name is a critical part of the name change process. A mismatch between your legal name and name listed on your passport can cause major headaches at border crossings and airports.

Luckily, while it takes some paperwork, getting an accurate passport post-name change is very feasible. Here are the key steps for updating your name with the U.S. State Department:

To change the name on your passport, you will need to provide:

• Proof of new name – You will need proof of your new legal name in the form of a name change document. Name Change documents will be on court or other government documents, signed by a judge or other authorized official, and certified by another official at that government facility. Examples are a name change court order, a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, an amended birth certificate, and a judicially approved naturalization document.
• Proof of identity – Birth certificate, existing or expired passport and naturalization documents can supply proof of your identity.
• Proof of citizenship – In order to get or renew a US passport, you’ll need to supply proof that you are a US citizen. Make sure you have that proof to facilitate this process.
• Photo ID – Your current passport photo will suffice if you have one. If not, you’ll need a current driver’s license from where you live now or you may need two other government issued documents that the passport agency recognizes as secondary identity proof.
• New passport photo that meets size, background and other specifications. Many pharmacies and shipping stores provide passport photo services.
• Completed DS-5504 passport name change application form.
• Payment for the $130 application fee and $35 execution fee.
• Note that if you can’t locate your old passport, you must apply as if first-time.
• Other citizenship proof like birth certificates may be required depending on the situation.

Having all necessary documents in order ensures your application gets processed quickly rather than delayed due to any missing items.

Carefully complete the DS-11 or DS-5504 form with your updated personal information and details about your name change.

You must submit the DS-11 application in person, but can submit the DS-5504 application by mail – along with documents and fees – If you are renewing your passport within 1 year of your initial or renewal date. The DS-11 cannot be completed and submitted strictly online or via mail. Include any required additional forms like DS-64 if also requesting gender marker changes on the passport.

Make sure to closely follow all photograph guidelines. Photo ID cannot be reduced from the size on your qualifying ID, but it can be enlarged. Even slight deviations can result in rejection and restarting the application process. Wearing glasses can help avoid issues passing biometric facial recognition scanning.