What you need to do to change your name on your passport

You cannot change your name directly on an existing passport. Instead, you must apply for a new passport that reflects your legal name change. The process differs depending on whether your passport is still valid, whether you changed your name through marriage, divorce, court order, or another legal means, and which country issued your passport.

In the United States, you submit Form DS-11 (for in-person application) or Form DS-82 (for by-mail renewal) along with your current passport, proof of your legal name change, and a new photo. The State Department processes the application and issues a replacement passport with your new name. Processing times vary: routine service takes roughly four to six weeks, while expedited service takes two to three weeks. You can also request expedited service at a passport acceptance facility for an additional fee.

If you hold a passport from another country, contact your country's passport issuing authority directly, as procedures vary significantly. Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and other nations each have their own forms, fees, and processing timelines.

Key Takeaways

  • You must provide legal proof that your name has changed — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other official document showing the name change.
  • In the US, you submit Form DS-11 or DS-82 along with your current passport and new photo to the State Department or an acceptance facility.
  • Processing takes four to six weeks for routine service or two to three weeks for expedited service in the United States.
  • You will receive a new passport with your updated name; your old passport will be returned to you marked as cancelled.
  • Non-US passport holders must contact their own country's passport office, as procedures and requirements differ by nation.

Proof of legal name change you will need

The State Department requires official documentation showing that your name change is legal. A marriage certificate is the most common form of proof. If you changed your name through divorce, you need a divorce decree or a court order that explicitly states your new name. If you changed your name through a court petition, you need the court order granting the name change.

Some states also issue certified name change certificates. If your state does this, you can use that document instead of a court order. The document must be an official certified copy — photocopies or uncertified versions are not accepted. You can obtain certified copies from the court that issued the order, the vital records office in your state, or sometimes through your county clerk's office.

If you are applying by mail using Form DS-82, you must submit the original or a certified copy of your proof document. If you are applying in person using Form DS-11, you can show the original and the acceptance facility will make a copy for your file.

Which form to use and where to submit it

Form DS-11 is for in-person applications at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency. You must appear in person, bring all required documents, and pay the applicable fee. This form is required if your passport was lost or stolen, if it was issued when you were under 16, or if you want expedited service. You can find passport acceptance facilities through the State Department's facility locator on travel.state.gov.

Form DS-82 is for by-mail renewal if your passport is still valid, you were at least 16 when it was issued, and your name change is the only reason you need a new passport. You mail the form, your current passport, proof of name change, a new photo, and the fee to the address listed on the form. Processing takes longer by mail than in person.

If you are applying in person and want expedited service, you can request it at the acceptance facility and pay an additional expedited fee. This shortens processing to two to three weeks instead of four to six weeks.

New passport photo requirements

You must submit a new photo with your application, even if your current passport photo is recent. The photo must be in color, taken within the last six months, and show your face straight-on against a white or off-white background. Your face must take up 50 to 69 percent of the photo, and you must have a neutral expression with your mouth closed.

You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or heavy makeup that significantly alters your appearance. Religious head coverings are permitted if they do not shadow your face. The photo must be printed on standard photo paper — digital files or screenshots are not accepted.

You can have a passport photo taken at many drugstores, photography studios, and some post offices. Costs vary but typically range from $10 to $20. Some passport acceptance facilities can take your photo on-site for an additional fee if you apply in person.

Fees and payment methods

The fee for a passport name change depends on your passport type and how you apply. For a replacement passport (the standard option for a name change), the execution fee is $130 for adults and $100 for minors under 16. If you apply in person using Form DS-11, you also pay an execution fee of $35. If you apply by mail using Form DS-82, there is no separate execution fee.

Expedited service costs an additional $60 on top of the regular fees. Passport photos are not included in the fee and must be paid separately.

You can pay by check, money order, or credit card. If you apply in person, some facilities accept cash. Make checks or money orders payable to the U.S. Department of State. Do not send cash by mail.

Timeline and what happens after you apply

After you submit your application, the State Department processes it and mails your new passport to the address you provided. Routine processing takes approximately four to six weeks from the date your application is received. Expedited processing takes approximately two to three weeks. These are estimates, not guarantees, and processing times can vary depending on application volume.

You can check the status of your application on travel.state.gov using your application number and date of birth. Your old passport will be returned to you with a hole punched through it to mark it as cancelled. You can keep the cancelled passport for your records, though it cannot be used for travel.

If you need to travel before your new passport arrives, you can apply for an emergency passport at a passport agency in person. This is available only in urgent situations and requires proof of imminent travel.

Name changes for passports issued by other countries

If you hold a Canadian passport, you apply through Service Canada or a Service Canada office using Form PPTC 153. You must provide proof of your legal name change and your current passport. Processing times and fees differ from US procedures.

For a UK passport, you apply through Her Majesty's Passport Office using the appropriate form for your situation (adult renewal, replacement, or amendment). You must provide a deed poll or other legal evidence of your name change. Processing times vary depending on whether you apply online or by post.

Australian passport holders apply through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You must provide a certified copy of your legal name change document. Each country has its own processing timeline and fee structure.

Contact your country's passport office directly or visit their official website to find the correct form, required documents, and current processing times. Do not rely on third-party websites, as procedures change and official sources are the only reliable reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my passport without a legal name change document?

No. The State Department requires official proof that your name change is legal. This means a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or certified name change certificate. Without this documentation, your application will be rejected.

What if my name change document is from another country?

You can use a foreign name change document, but it must be certified or accompanied by an English translation certified by a translator. Contact the State Department or your nearest passport acceptance facility to confirm the document is acceptable before you submit your application.

Do I have to appear in person to change my name on my passport?

Not necessarily. If your passport is valid and was issued when you were 16 or older, you can apply by mail using Form DS-82. If your passport is expired, was issued when you were under 16, or you want expedited service, you must apply in person using Form DS-11.

What if I changed my name but do not have the original court order or certificate?

Contact the court that issued the order or your state's vital records office to request a certified copy. This usually costs $10 to $30 and takes one to two weeks. Some offices allow you to request copies online or by mail.

Can I use my new passport before it arrives?

No. You cannot travel on a passport that has not yet been issued. If you need to travel urgently, you can apply for an emergency passport at a passport agency in person, but this is available only in cases of imminent travel with proof of your plans.