What you need to do to change your name on a passport
You can change your name on a U.S. passport by submitting Form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport) or Form DS-82 (U.S. Passport Renewal Application) in person, depending on whether your passport is still valid and how much time you have. You will need to show legal proof that your name has changed — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or state-issued name change document — along with your current passport and a new photo. The State Department processes name changes through the same channels as regular passport applications and renewals, so the method you use depends on your passport's expiration date and condition.
If your passport is valid and undamaged, you can renew by mail using Form DS-82 and skip the in-person visit. If your passport is expired, damaged, or lost, or if you need the new passport quickly, you will go in person to a passport acceptance facility or passport agency. Processing times range from several weeks to several months depending on demand and which service level you choose.
Key Takeaways
- You must show a legal document proving your name changed — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — before the State Department will issue a new passport.
- If your passport is valid and undamaged, you can mail Form DS-82 with your name-change document and new photo; if it is expired or damaged, you must appear in person with Form DS-11.
- Passport acceptance facilities and passport agencies are located in most counties; you can find the nearest one on the State Department website.
- Standard processing takes four to six weeks by mail or one to two weeks in person; expedited service costs extra and is available only at in-person locations.
- Your new passport will have a different number, so update your airline reservations, travel insurance, and any other records that reference your old passport number.
How to renew by mail if your passport is valid
If your passport is not expired and is in good condition, you can change your name by mail using Form DS-82. Download the form from the State Department website, fill it out completely, and sign it in black or blue ink. Gather your current passport, a new passport photo (2x2 inches, taken within the last six months), and your legal name-change document — the original or a certified copy. Mail everything together to the address listed on the form.
Standard mail processing takes four to six weeks. If you need your passport sooner, you cannot use the mail route; you must go in person and request expedited service. The State Department does not accept expedited requests by mail for name changes.
How to apply in person if your passport is expired or damaged
If your passport is expired, damaged, or lost, you must apply in person using Form DS-11 at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency. Find the nearest location on the State Department's facility locator at travel.state.gov. Passport acceptance facilities are usually located in post offices, libraries, and county clerk offices; passport agencies are in major cities and handle applications faster.
Bring your completed Form DS-11, your current passport (if you have it), a new passport photo, your legal name-change document, and a form of identification such as a driver's license or state ID. You do not need an appointment at most acceptance facilities, but passport agencies often require one; check the website for your location. Standard processing at an acceptance facility takes four to six weeks. If you go to a passport agency, you can request expedited service (one to two weeks) for an additional fee.
What legal documents prove a name change
The State Department accepts the following as proof of a legal name change: a certified marriage certificate, a divorce decree showing your new name, a court order for a name change, or an adoption decree. The document must be an original or a certified copy — a photocopy is not enough. If your document is in a language other than English, bring the original plus a certified English translation.
If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, the certificate or decree must show both your old and new names. If you obtained a legal name change through a court, the order must be signed by a judge and show the effective date. Some states issue certified copies for a small fee; contact your county clerk or vital records office to request one if you do not have the original.
Passport photos and other requirements
Your new passport photo must be 2x2 inches, taken within the last six months, in color, and show your face straight-on against a white or off-white background. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or heavy makeup. If you wear glasses, they must not have a glare and your eyes must be clearly visible. Many post offices, pharmacies, and portrait studios offer passport photos for $10 to $20.
You will also need a valid form of identification — a driver's license, state ID, military ID, or passport card. If you do not have one, bring two documents that together prove your identity and residence, such as a utility bill and a birth certificate. Minors under 16 must apply in person with a parent or guardian and bring their birth certificate.
Processing times and expedited service
Standard processing by mail takes four to six weeks from the date the State Department receives your application. Standard processing in person at an acceptance facility also takes four to six weeks. If you apply at a passport agency, standard processing takes one to two weeks.
Expedited service is available only at passport agencies and costs an additional fee on top of the passport fee. Expedited processing takes one to two weeks. Rush service (available for an even higher fee) takes three to five business days but is only for people traveling within two weeks. Check the State Department website for current fees, as they change periodically.
After you receive your new passport
Your new passport will have a different number than your old one. Update any records that reference your old passport number, including airline reservations, travel insurance policies, visas, and trusted traveler programs like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. If you have visas in your old passport, you can still use them for travel — bring both passports together — but you may want to transfer them to your new passport at a passport agency for convenience.
Destroy your old passport by cutting it in half or defacing it so it cannot be used. Some people keep it for their records, which is legal, but it should not be used for travel. If your old passport was lost or stolen, report it to the State Department when you apply for the new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on a passport without a legal document?
No. The State Department requires proof of a legal name change before it will issue a new passport. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption decree is required. A letter from an employer, school, or other organization is not sufficient.
How much does it cost to change your name on a passport?
The cost depends on your passport type and processing speed. A standard adult passport costs $130 for a book or $35 for a card. Expedited service adds $60. Fees are the same whether you are renewing or changing your name. Passport photos are not included and cost extra.
Can I use my old passport while I wait for the new one?
If you applied by mail, you keep your old passport and can use it until the new one arrives. If you applied in person, you surrender your old passport and receive the new one when it is ready. You cannot travel on an old passport with a different name once your legal name has changed.
What if I got married and changed my name but my passport still shows my maiden name?
Bring your marriage certificate (original or certified copy), your current passport, a new photo, and Form DS-82 (if your passport is valid) or Form DS-11 (if it is expired) to a passport acceptance facility or agency. The process is the same as any other name change.
Do I need to renew my passport if I only changed my name?
Yes. You cannot travel internationally on a passport that does not match your current legal name. The State Department will not let you use an old passport with a different name, even if it is not expired. You must obtain a new passport with your current name.