How To Change Name On Passport
This page provides information on how to update passport. If you were issued a passport with an error or you need to change or correct the name on your US passport, please read the information below to learn how to request a new or replacement US passport.
Passport Printing And Spelling Errors
At any time while your passport is still valid you can request to correct it at no charge if you find any printing errors or spelling errors that includes incorrect name, gender, or place of birth.
- If reported within 1 year of issuance, a new, corrected passport will be issued, which will be valid for 10 years from the date the new, correct book is issued
- If reported after 1 year of issuance, the new, corrected passport will be valid until the expiration date of the original, incorrect passport
- The requirements for replacement passports apply for both adults and minors
How To Correct Passport Spelling Or Printing Error
Mail Form DS-5504 with 1 color passport photo and evidence of the error. Print a blank Form DS-5504 and complete by hand; or click here to use their online guide.
Change Name On Passport
If your name has legally changed through marriage, divorce, or a court ordered change of name, you will need to apply for a new passport. The process and cost depend on how long it has been since your passport was issued.
If less than 1 year has passed since your passport was issued
You will not have to pay a passport or processing fee, unless you request Expedited Service. Submit Form DS-5504 by mail with your current passport, your name change document (original or certified copy), and a color passport photo. You may:
- Use their online guide to fill out and print Form DS-5504 or
- Print Form DS-5504 and complete by hand
Over a year since passport issued, and you are eligible for Form DS-82
Submit Form DS-82 by mail with your current passport, your name change document (original or certified copy), a color passport photo, and all applicable fees. You may:
- Use their online guide to fill out and print Form DS-82 or
- Print Form DS-82 and complete by hand
Over a year since passport issued, and you are not eligible for Form DS-82
You must submit Form DS-11 in person at an Acceptance Facility or a Passport Agency, along with your evidence of US citizenship, your name change document (original or certified copy), a valid ID and photocopy of that ID, a color passport photo, and all applicable fees. You may:
- Use their online guide to fill out and print Form DS-11 or
- Print Form DS-11 and complete by hand
- You will not need to provide proof of the name change if your name has changed due to a marriage and you have already been issued an ID in your new name. You must include the details of the marriage in the applicable section on Form DS-11
If you have begun using a different name but cannot legally document the change with a court order, divorce decree, or marriage certificate, then submit Form DS-11 in person at an Acceptance Facility or a Passport Agency, along with your evidence of US citizenship, a valid ID and photocopy of that ID, a color passport photo, and all applicable fees. You may:
- Use their online guide to fill out and print Form DS-11 or
- Print Form DS-11 and complete by hand
- You must also present a valid ID issued in the name you currently use
- You may also need to provide secondary identification evidence that you have been using the name for at least 5 years, if your ID is less than 5 years old
Form DS-82 Eligibility For Passport
You are eligible to use Form DS-82 only if:
- You can submit your most recently issued passport
- You were at least 16 years old when your most recent passport was issued
- Your most recent passport was issued less than 15 years ago
- Your most recent passport has not been lost, stolen, damaged, or mutilated and
- You use the same name as on your most recent passport, or have had your name changed by marriage or court order, and can submit proper documentation to reflect the name change