What you need to do to change your name on a U.S. passport
You change your name on a U.S. passport by submitting your current passport, a completed application form, and proof that your legal name has changed. The State Department does not issue a new passport — they add a visa page or amendment to your existing one, or issue a replacement passport in your new name depending on how much time is left on your current passport and how you apply.
The process takes 4 to 6 weeks by mail, or 2 to 3 weeks if you apply in person at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency. You cannot change your name online or by phone. You must appear in person if your passport is expired or if you are applying for the first time in your new name.
Key Takeaways
- You need a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing your legal name change — a driver's license alone is not enough.
- If your passport has more than two years remaining, the State Department will add an amendment page rather than issue a new passport, which costs less.
- You can mail your application to a regional passport agency, but you must include your current passport and cannot use expedited service by mail.
- If you apply in person at a passport agency or acceptance facility, you can pay for expedited service and receive your passport in 2 to 3 weeks instead of 4 to 6.
- You will need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or military ID) to prove your identity at the time of application.
Documents you must submit with your application
The primary document is proof of your legal name change. This means one of the following: a certified court order showing the name change, an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, a certified copy of your divorce decree showing your new name, or a certified copy of an adoption decree. A photocopy is not acceptable — the document must be an original or certified copy issued by the court or vital records office.
You also need your current passport, a completed Form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport) if you are applying in person, or Form DS-82 (U.S. Passport Renewal Application) if you are applying by mail. You can download both forms from the State Department website. A new passport photo is required — 2 by 2 inches, color or black and white, taken within the last six months. You must also bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID card, or military ID.
If you are applying by mail, you do not need to submit Form DS-11. Instead, submit Form DS-82 along with your current passport, the name-change document, a new passport photo, and a check or money order for the fee. Do not send cash.
Fees and processing times by method
| Method | Processing Time | Passport Fee | Execution Fee | Expedite Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In person at passport agency | 2–3 weeks | $130 (replacement) or $35 (amendment) | $35 | $60 |
| In person at acceptance facility | 4–6 weeks | $130 (replacement) or $35 (amendment) | $35 | Not available |
| By mail | 4–6 weeks | $130 (replacement) or $35 (amendment) | Not applicable | Not available |
The passport fee depends on whether your passport is being amended or replaced. If your passport has more than two years remaining, you pay only $35 for an amendment page. If your passport has two years or less remaining, or if you are applying for the first time in your new name, you pay $130 for a replacement passport. The execution fee of $35 is charged only when you apply in person. The expedite fee of $60 is available only when you apply in person at a passport agency, not at an acceptance facility or by mail.
How to apply in person at a passport agency
Find the passport agency nearest you on the State Department website. Call ahead or check online to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment. Some agencies accept walk-ins; others require an appointment scheduled through the State Department website. Bring your current passport, Form DS-11, your name-change document, a new passport photo, your government-issued photo ID, and payment (check, money order, or credit/debit card — cash is not accepted at all agencies).
At the agency, a staff member will review your documents, take a new photo if needed, and collect your current passport. You will receive a receipt with a tracking number. If you paid for expedited service, your passport will be ready in 2 to 3 weeks. Standard service takes 4 to 6 weeks. You can track your application online using your receipt number or call the agency directly.
How to apply by mail
Complete Form DS-82 and sign it in black or blue ink. Gather your current passport, the certified name-change document, a new passport photo, and a check or money order for the total fee (passport fee plus any amendment fee). Do not include an execution fee when applying by mail. Mail everything to the address listed on Form DS-82 — this varies by region, so check the form before you mail.
Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, passport number, and a brief note explaining that you are changing your name. Keep a copy of everything you send. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the State Department receives your application. You cannot use expedited service by mail. You will receive your amended or replacement passport by mail once processing is complete.
What happens if your passport is expired
If your passport expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it by mail or amendment. You must apply for a new passport in person using Form DS-11 at a passport agency or acceptance facility. Bring all the same documents: your expired passport, the name-change document, a new photo, your government-issued ID, and payment. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks at an acceptance facility or 2 to 3 weeks at a passport agency if you pay for expedited service.
If your passport expired within the last five years, you can still apply by mail using Form DS-82, but only if your name has not changed since the passport was issued. Since you are changing your name, you must apply in person instead.
What to do if you are changing your name due to marriage or divorce
For marriage, submit an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate. The certificate must show both your old name and your new name. If your marriage certificate does not show your new name, contact the vital records office in the county where you were married and request a certified copy.
For divorce, submit a certified copy of your divorce decree that shows your new name. If the decree does not show your new name, contact the court that issued the decree and request a certified copy that includes the name change. Some courts issue a separate document called a "Decree of Divorce" or "Final Judgment" that shows the name change; either document is acceptable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my passport without a court order?
No. You must submit a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption decree. A driver's license, birth certificate, or Social Security card showing your new name is not sufficient. The State Department requires an official document from a court or vital records office.
How long does it take to get my passport back?
Standard processing takes 4 to 6 weeks by mail or at an acceptance facility. If you apply in person at a passport agency and pay the $60 expedite fee, processing takes 2 to 3 weeks. Expedited service is not available by mail or at acceptance facilities.
Do I need a new passport photo if I am just adding an amendment page?
Yes. You must submit a new passport photo taken within the last six months, regardless of whether you are receiving an amendment page or a replacement passport. The photo must be 2 by 2 inches, color or black and white.
What if my name-change document is not in English?
You must submit a certified English translation along with the original document. The translation must be certified by a professional translator or notary. Contact the passport agency or acceptance facility where you plan to apply for a list of approved translators in your area.
Can I change my passport name online?
No. All passport name changes must be done in person at a passport agency or acceptance facility, or by mail. The State Department does not offer online name-change services for passports.