Passport Name Change, Made Simple
DS-82, DS-11, or DS-5504 — we'll help you pick the right form and fill it out free.
A passport name change is handled by the U.S. State Department using one of three forms: DS-82 (renewal by mail, $130), DS-11 (new application in person, $130 + $35 execution fee), or DS-5504 (free correction if your passport was issued in the past year). Standard processing takes 6-8 weeks; expedited service runs 2-3 weeks for an extra $60. We fill out the right form for your situation, free, and walk you through the certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court-order documentation you'll need to send with it.
Quick Facts: Passport Name Change
The numbers you'll come back to. Fees go to the State Department; we don't charge for filling the forms.
| Detail | DS-82 (By Mail) | DS-11 (In Person) | DS-5504 (Free) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee | $130 book / $30 card / $160 both | $165 total ($130 + $35 execution) | Free |
| Processing Time | 6-8 weeks (2-3 expedited) | 6-8 weeks (2-3 expedited) | 6-8 weeks (2-3 expedited) |
| Where to File | Mail to address on form | Acceptance facility (post office, library, courthouse) | Mail to address on form |
| When You Qualify | Current passport, undamaged, issued in last 15 years at age 16+ | First passport, expired 5+ years, issued under 16, or damaged | Passport issued in the last year |
How to Choose Your Form
The right form depends on your current passport — its age, condition, and when it was issued.
DS-82 — Renewal by Mail (most common)
Use Form DS-82 if you have a current, undamaged U.S. passport that was issued within the last 15 years when you were 16 or older. This is the most common choice — you mail your application and current passport, and the State Department sends back a new one with your updated name.
The DS-82 fee is $130 for a passport book, $30 for a passport card, or $160 for both together. Add $60 for expedited service (2-3 weeks instead of 6-8).
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 change. The one-year rule that used to limit DS-82 eligibility was removed, making this process much more accessible.
Mail your DS-82 to the address printed on the form. Include your current passport, two passport photos, certified name change documentation, and a check or money order — no cash. The State Department will return your old passport cancelled (holes punched through it) along with your new one.
DS-11 — New Application in Person
Use Form DS-11 if this is your first passport, your prior 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 — typically a post office, courthouse, or library.
Total cost is $165 — a $130 application fee plus a $35 execution fee paid at the acceptance facility. Expedited service adds $60 on top.
Don't sign the form ahead of time. The acceptance agent must witness your signature in person. If you sign it early, you'll have to fill out a new form.
Bring proof of U.S. citizenship (certified birth certificate or previous passport), current photo ID, two passport photos, and certified documentation of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Make an appointment ahead of time — walk-in slots fill up fast.
DS-5504 — Free Name Change (special cases)
Use Form DS-5504 if your current passport was issued within the past year. The name change is free — no application fee — and you mail it the same way as a DS-82. This is the form to use if you got married right before your passport was issued, or if there's a clerical error to correct.
DS-5504 is the only free passport name change option. Standard processing is still 6-8 weeks, and you can pay $60 to expedite to 2-3 weeks.
Mail the completed form, your current passport, one passport photo, and a certified copy of your name change documentation to the address printed on the form. The State Department will return your old passport cancelled along with your new one.
If your current passport is more than a year old, you'll need to use DS-82 or DS-11 instead and pay the full fee — DS-5504 is strictly for recently-issued passports.
What Documents You'll Need
Gather these before you start. The State Department only accepts certified documents — photocopies will be rejected.
- Your Current Passport. Required for DS-82 and DS-5504. The State Department keeps it during processing and returns it cancelled with your new one.
- Certified Name Change Document. Your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — with raised seals or stamps from the issuing office. Photocopies are not accepted.
- Two Passport Photos. Identical 2x2 inch photos taken within the last 6 months. Neutral expression, both eyes open, white or off-white background. Pharmacies, post offices, and UPS stores typically charge $10-15.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship (DS-11 only). A certified birth certificate or your prior passport. Required only for first-time or expired-5+ DS-11 applications.
- Current Photo ID (DS-11 only). Driver's license, state ID, or military ID. The acceptance agent inspects it at your appointment.
- Payment. Check or money order for DS-82 and DS-5504 (no cash by mail). For DS-11, the $130 fee can be check or card; the $35 execution fee can be cash, check, or card depending on the acceptance facility.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my passport name online?
No, the State Department doesn't offer online passport name changes. You must submit either a DS-82 form by mail or a DS-11 form in person, depending on your situation.
Do I need my current passport to change my name on it?
For DS-82 renewals, yes — you must submit your current passport, and they'll send you a new one with your updated name. For DS-11 applications, your current passport serves as proof of citizenship, but you can use other documents like a birth certificate instead.
What if my marriage certificate has a different name format than I want on my passport?
Your passport name must match what's legally established by your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you want a different format (like dropping a middle name), you'll need a court order to establish that specific name change.
Can I use my passport as proof of my name change for other agencies?
No, your passport alone doesn't prove a name change — it just shows your current legal name. You'll still need your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order as primary proof of name change for agencies like Social Security and the DMV.
How much does a passport name change cost?
DS-82 renewals cost $130 for a passport book, $30 for a card, or $160 for both. DS-11 applications cost $165 total ($130 application fee plus $35 execution fee). Add $60 for expedited processing if needed.
What happens to my old passport during the name change process?
For DS-82 applications, you submit your current passport and they'll return it to you cancelled (with holes punched through it) along with your new passport. For DS-11 applications, if you submit an old passport as proof of citizenship, it's also returned cancelled.
Can I travel while my passport name change is being processed?
No, you cannot travel internationally while your passport is being processed. The State Department keeps your current passport during processing, so you won't have any valid travel document. Plan accordingly and don't submit your application if you have immediate travel needs.
Ready to Update Your Passport?
Answer a few questions and we'll fill out the right passport form for you — DS-82, DS-11, or DS-5504. No account required.
Start Your Free Passport FormLast verified 2026-04-26 · Not legal advice · Terms · Privacy