Passport Name Change, Made Simple
To find out which passport form applies to you and what you'll pay, use the State Department's passport fee calculator and form guide.
A passport name change is handled by the U.S. State Department using one of three forms: DS-82 ($130 for a book), DS-11 ($130 + $35 acceptance fee ($165 total) for an adult book; $100 + $35 for a child), or DS-5504 ($0) (State Department passport fees, last checked 2026-10-11).passport fee calculator and form guide. Standard processing time depends on current State Dept processing times; expedited service varies in length for an extra $60. Check with each agency.
Free guides, plus an optional tool that copies what you type onto blank official forms you choose. How the tool works
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 | Varies for a book, a card, or both | Adult book: $130 + $35 acceptance fee ($165 total); child book: $100 + $35 (State Department passport fees) | Varies; check travel.state.gov |
| Processing Time | Varies (expedited is faster; check travel.state.gov processing times) | Varies (expedited is faster; check travel.state.gov processing times) | Varies (expedited is faster; check travel.state.gov processing times) |
| 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, 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
DS-82 is the mail renewal form.
The DS-82 fee is $130 for a passport book, $30 for a passport card, or $160 for both together. Expedited service is $60 more, and 1-3 Day Return Delivery is $26.87 (State Department passport fees, last checked 2026-10-11). Check travel.state.gov.
passport fee calculator and form guide.
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
DS-11 is the in-person application form. DS-11 applications must be submitted in person at a passport acceptance facility — typically a post office, courthouse, or library.
An adult passport book on DS-11 costs $130 + $35 acceptance fee ($165 total); a child's book is $100 + $35. Check travel.state.gov. The $35 acceptance fee is paid to the acceptance facility. Expedited service is $60 more (State Department passport fees, last checked 2026-10-11).
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 — No-Fee Form
DS-5504 is the State Department's no-fee form for certain recent passports. The name change is free — no application fee — and you mail it the same way as a DS-82.
DS-5504 has a $0 fee. Standard processing time depends on current State Dept processing times, and expedited service is $60 (State Department passport fees, last checked 2026-10-11).
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.
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 a recent period (check travel.state.gov). Neutral expression, both eyes open, white or off-white background. Pharmacies, post offices, and UPS stores vary; check travel.state.gov.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship (DS-11 only). A certified birth certificate or your prior passport.
- 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 acceptance fee can be cash, check, or card depending on the acceptance facility.
Find your state guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my passport name online?
No, the State Department doesn't offer online passport name changes. To find out which passport form applies to you and what you'll pay, use the State Department's passport fee calculator and form guide.
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. An adult book on DS-11 costs $130 + $35 acceptance fee ($165 total), and a child's book is $100 + $35. Check with each agency. Expedited service is $60, and 1-3 Day Return Delivery is $26.87 (State Department passport fees, last checked 2026-10-11). Check travel.state.gov.
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.
Official sources
Forms, fees and rules change. Check these official pages (and your county court) before you file.
- Name change for a U.S. passport or correct an error (U.S. Department of State)
Links checked 2026-10-09.
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Last verified 2026-04-26 · Not legal advice · Terms · Privacy