How do I change my name on my passport?

If you’ve recently changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or any other reason, you’ll need to ensure that your fresh legal moniker adorns your US passport.

The process isn't one-size-fits-all. The form you use, the documents you need, and whether you apply by mail or in person all depend on your specific situation. This guide walks you through each step and how GOV+ can help.

Understanding the Legal Name Change Process

There is no single federal process for legally changing your name for U.S. citizens — the rules are set with the Department of State, and requirements vary depending on where you live and why you're changing your name.

That said, there are three common scenarios, each with its own path:

• Name Change After Marriage – A marriage certificate is typically all you need to begin updating your documents. In most states, you can present it directly to agencies like the Social Security Administration or your local passport office without a separate court order.
• Name Change After Divorce – A divorce decree that includes a name restoration clause is usually sufficient legal proof. If yours doesn't include one, you may need to petition a court separately.
• Name Change by Court Order – For a name change unrelated to marriage or divorce, you'll need to go through your state's court system. This generally involves filing a petition, completing a background check, attending a hearing, and obtaining a Final Judgment of Change of Name. Costs typically range from $150–$500 depending on the state.

Important: A completed legal name change is not always a prerequisite before updating your passport. If you changed your name through marriage or divorce and already have supporting documentation, you may be able to proceed directly to submitting your passport application. For court-ordered changes, you will need the Final Judgment before applying.

 What Documents You Need For A Passport Name Change

Every name change passport application requires the same core set of documents:

Proof of name change – You must include an original or certified copy of one of the following:

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree that includes a name restoration clause
• Court order (Final Judgment of Change of Name)
• If you have no formal legal record, you'll need to submit a DS-60 affidavit completed by two people who have known you under both names, plus at least 5 years' worth of public records showing consistent use of your new name (tax returns, medical records, utility bills, etc.)

Your most recent U.S. passport – Submit your current passport book and/or card along with your application.

Government-issued ID in your new name – A driver's license or state ID reflecting your updated name. If your ID hasn't been updated yet, check the specific requirements for the form you're using.

One passport photo – The State Department requires a 2x2 inch color photo that meets the following specs:

• Taken within the last 6 months
• White or off-white background
• Full front-facing view, with a neutral expression
• No glasses, hats, or head coverings (except for religious reasons)
• Printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper

All name change documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. Originals will be returned to you after processing.

Which Form Do You Need To Submit?

The passport application form you'll use depends on how old your current passport is. Here's a quick breakdown:

• DS-5504 – Your passport is less than 1 year old. No fee (unless you request expedited service for $60).
• DS-82 – Your passport was issued between 1 and 15 years ago. Fee: $130.
• DS-11 – You don't have a recent passport, or your circumstances don't qualify for the above. Must be submitted in person at a passport acceptance facility. Fee: $165 or more (passport book + processing).

Knowing which application form applies to you before you gather your documents will save you time and help you avoid a rejected application.

If you're not sure where to start, GOV+ will guide you through the right form for your situation and make sure all your documents are in one place before anything gets submitted.

DIY Step-by-Step Application Process

If you’d like to change your name on your application by yourself, here’s how to do it. (GOV+ can also help you change your name on your passport and other official documents with one simple form. Learn more about our name change service.)

Step 1: Complete your form 

Fill out your form carefully with your name exactly matching your legal document. Sign DS-82 and DS-5504 on page 1 before mailing. For DS-11, sign in front of a passport acceptance agent.

Step 2: Assemble your package

Gather all required documents in this order:

• Completed form
• Passport photo (do not staple, leave loose)
• Current passport
• Certified name change document
• Government-issued ID in your new name (include a photocopy front and back)

Step 3: Choose mail or in-person

• Mail (DS-5504 and DS-82): Send your package to the address printed on your form. Use USPS Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express for tracking. Do not use a private carrier like FedEx or UPS unless submitting to a lockbox address.
• In person (DS-11): Bring your complete package to a passport acceptance facility — typically a passport agency, post office, library, or clerk of court. The agent will witness your signature and submit the application on your behalf.

Step 4: Pay the fee 

Include a personal check or money order made out to the U.S. Department of State. Do not send cash. If requesting expedited service, include a separate check for the $60 expedite fee.

Step 5: Select your processing speed

• Routine: 4-6 weeks
• Expedited: 2–3 weeks (add $60 fee and write "EXPEDITE" on the outside of your envelope)

Step 6: Track your application 

Once submitted, you can track your application status at travel.state.gov  using your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You'll receive email updates at key stages if you provide an email address on your form.

A simpler way to change your name on your passport and beyond

Updating your passport is just one piece of the name change puzzle. You'll also need to notify and update:

• Social Security Administration (Social Security card)
• Your state DMV (driver's license or state ID)
• Banks and credit card companies
• Insurance providers
• Medical providers
• College or university
• USPS (postal address)

Coordinating all of these separately is time-consuming, and missing even one can cause headaches down the road — especially when your IDs don't match at a border crossing or a job background check.

GOV+ is the only service that lets you change your name on your Social Security card, passport, postal address, and more — all at the same time.

Once you submit a single online form, GOV+ handles the coordination across agencies and mails you everything you need to complete the process. No running between offices, no figuring out which form goes where.

Your GOV+ kit includes customised mail-in materials tailored to your situation:

• Simple step-by-step instructions written in plain language
• No printer needed — everything arrives ready to use
• No checks needed — payments are handled upfront
• No envelope needed — pre-addressed and ready to mail

To get started, fill out this form.

FAQ:

1. Can I travel with my old passport while my name change application is being processed? 

In most cases, yes — you can enjoy international travel on your current passport while your name change application is pending, as long as it's valid and unexpired. Just carry your legal name change document (marriage certificate, court order, etc.) with you in case it's requested. Once your new passport arrives, your previous passport will be cancelled and returned to you.

2. How long does it take to get a passport with a new name? 

Routine processing times can last 4-6 weeks. If you need it sooner, expedited service brings that down to 2–3 weeks for an additional $60 fee. For urgent travel needs, GOV+ can help you navigate expedited and emergency passport options so you're not scrambling at the last minute.

3. Do I need to update my Social Security card before applying for a passport name change? 

Not necessarily — the requirement depends on which form you're using and what ID you can provide in your new name. However, it's generally recommended to update your Social Security card first, as it's often used as supporting ID for other documents. GOV+ can handle your Social Security card and passport name change simultaneously, so you don't have to sequence them manually.

4. What if I don't have a certified copy of my name change document? 

If you can't provide a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, you can still apply using Form DS-11 in person. You'll need to submit a DS-60 affidavit — completed by two people who have known you under both names — along with at least 5 years of public records showing consistent use of your new name.

5. Can I change my name on my passport if it was issued in a different name than my legal name? 

Yes, but you'll need to apply using Form DS-11 in person and provide documentation explaining the discrepancy. This is a more complex situation, and working with a service like GOV+ can help you avoid errors that lead to rejection or delays.

6. How much does it cost to change my name on a passport? 

It depends on your situation. DS-5504 is free (expedited costs $60). DS-82 costs $130. DS-11 starts at $165. If you're also updating your Social Security card, driver's license, and other documents at the same time, GOV+ bundles the process so you're not paying separately for each one or losing track of what's been submitted.

7. Do I need to update my passport if I only changed my middle name? 

Technically, U.S. passports only display your first and last name, so a middle name change alone won't affect your passport's validity for travel. However, if your middle name appears on other legal documents and creates inconsistencies, it's worth updating for the sake of having matching records across all your IDs. GOV+ can help you assess which documents actually need updating based on your specific change.

8. What documents I need to submit along with my 

Every application requires four things: a certified proof of name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), your most recent passport, a government-issued ID in your new name, and one 2x2 inch passport photo taken within the last 6 months against a white background. If you have no formal legal record of your name change, you'll also need a DS-60 affidavit and 5 years of public records showing consistent use of your new name. All documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

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