Changing Your Name on Your U.S. Passport

A passport name change is one of the most important updates after a legal name change, but the State Department’s requirements can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re updating your passport after marriage, divorce, or a court-ordered name change, we’ll walk you through exactly which form to use, what documents you need, and how long the process takes. Most name changes use either the DS-82 (renewal by mail) or DS-11 (new application in person) — we’ll help you figure out which one fits your situation.

Detail	DS-82 (By Mail)	DS-11 (In Person)
Fee	$130 (book), $30 (card), $160 (both)	$165 total ($130 + $35 execution fee)
Processing Time	6-8 weeks (expedited: 2-3 weeks + $60)	6-8 weeks (expedited: 2-3 weeks + $60)
Where to File	By mail to address on form	In person at acceptance facility
Key Requirement	Current valid passport issued when 16+	First passport or expired 5+ years

Which Passport Form Do You Need?

The State Department uses different forms depending on your current passport status. Here’s how to choose the right one for your passport name change:

DS-82: Passport Renewal by Mail

Most people with existing passports use Form DS-82 for their passport name change. You qualify if your current passport is undamaged, was issued within the last 15 years when you were 16 or older, and you have proper documentation of your name change. This form lets you renew by mail, which saves a trip to the post office.

You can use DS-82 even if your name change happened years ago — as long as you have a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. The one-year rule that used to limit DS-82 eligibility was removed, making this process much more accessible.

DS-11: New Passport Application

You’ll need Form DS-11 if this is your first passport, your current passport expired more than 5 years ago, it was issued before you turned 16, or it’s significantly damaged. DS-11 applications must be submitted in person at a passport acceptance facility like a post office, courthouse, or library.

The DS-11 process takes longer because you need an in-person appointment, but it’s straightforward once you have your documents ready. Don’t sign the form ahead of time — you must sign it in front of the acceptance agent.

DS-5504: Free Name Change (Special Cases)

If your passport was issued within the past year and you need to change the name due to a clerical error or immediate name change, you might qualify for the free DS-5504 form. This applies to situations like correcting a spelling mistake or updating your name if you got married right before your passport was issued.

Required Documents for Passport Name Change

Your required documents depend on which form you’re using. Here’s what you need for each:

DS-82 (Renewal by Mail) Documents:

• Completed DS-82 form
• Your current, undamaged U.S. passport
• Two passport photos (2×2 inches, taken within 6 months)
• Certified copy of name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)
• Payment (check, money order, or credit card authorization)

DS-11 (New Application) Documents:

• Completed DS-11 form (signed at appointment)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship (certified birth certificate or previous passport)
• Current photo identification (driver’s license, state ID, or military ID)
• Two passport photos (2×2 inches, taken within 6 months)
• Certified copy of name change document
• Payment (check, money order, cash, or credit card — varies by location)

Common Passport Name Change Mistakes to Avoid

Using Photocopies Instead of Certified Documents

The State Department only accepts certified copies of name change documents. A photocopy of your marriage certificate won’t work — you need the official version with raised seals or stamps. Order certified copies from the vital records office in the state where the marriage, divorce, or court order occurred.

Submitting Old Passport Photos

Passport photos must be taken within 6 months and show your current appearance. If you’ve significantly changed your hair, weight, or appearance since your last passport, new photos are required even for renewals.

Signing DS-11 Forms Early

Never sign a DS-11 form before your appointment. The acceptance agent must witness your signature. If you sign it early, you’ll need to fill out a new form.

Forgetting Middle Names or Suffixes

Your passport name must match your other identification exactly. If your driver’s license shows a middle initial but your marriage certificate has your full middle name, be consistent across all your name change applications.

Not Expediting When You Have Travel Plans

Regular processing takes 6-8 weeks. If you have travel plans within 3 months, pay for expedited service ($60 extra) to get your passport in 2-3 weeks. For travel within 2 weeks, you’ll need an emergency appointment at a regional passport agency.

Special Situations for Passport Name Changes

Passport Name Change After Marriage

Most marriage-related passport name changes use the DS-82 renewal form. Your certified marriage certificate serves as proof of the name change. If you got married abroad, you might need additional apostille certification depending on the country.

Passport Name Change After Divorce

Divorce-related name changes also typically use DS-82, with your certified divorce decree as documentation. The decree must specifically state your name change — if it doesn’t, you might need a separate court order to establish the name change.

Court-Ordered Name Changes

Whether you use DS-82 or DS-11 depends on your current passport status. Your certified court order must clearly show both your old and new names. Some states have specific formatting requirements for name change orders used for federal documents.

Gender Identity Name Changes

The State Department accepts court orders for gender identity name changes using the same process as other court-ordered changes. You don’t need to disclose the reason for your name change — the certified court order is sufficient documentation.

How Long Does a Passport Name Change Take?

Standard passport processing takes 6-8 weeks from the date the State Department receives your application. This timeline applies to both DS-82 renewals and DS-11 new applications.

Expedited Processing

For an additional $60, expedited service reduces processing time to 2-3 weeks. You can request expedited service when you submit your application or upgrade to expedited processing after submission by calling the National Passport Information Center.

Emergency Appointments

If you need your passport in less than 2 weeks for international travel, you can schedule an emergency appointment at one of the 26 regional passport agencies. You’ll need proof of immediate travel plans, like airline tickets or hotel reservations.

Tips to Speed Up Your Application

Submit complete applications with all required documents to avoid delays. Use certified mail for DS-82 applications so you can track delivery. Double-check that your photos meet all requirements — photo rejections are a common cause of delays.

State-Specific Considerations

While passport applications go to the federal government, your supporting documentation comes from state and local agencies. Some states have specific requirements that affect your passport name change:

For example, if you changed your name in California, Texas, Florida, or New York, make sure your certified documents include all required seals and signatures. Some states issue marriage certificates immediately while others take several weeks — factor this into your timeline.

Your passport name change is often one of the first updates you’ll make, followed by updating your Social Security card, changing your name at the DMV, and updating your information with the IRS. Some people also need to update their voter registration and arrange mail forwarding through USPS.

The passport name change process involves several forms and requirements, but it’s manageable when you know which form to use and have all your documents ready. Whether you’re updating your passport after marriage, divorce, or a court-ordered name change, the key is having certified documentation and following the State Department’s specific requirements for your situation.

Last verified: 2026-03-28