Did you recently change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order and need to update your passport?
If so, you've come to the right place! Changing the name on your passport after marriage is one of the many steps you may need to take on the journey of being newly named.
Once you've registered your name change with the Social Security Administration, you're free to start updating your name elsewhere.
If you plan to travel internationally, you'll want to get your new name on your passport. This guide will help you navigate the passport name change process.
Passport Name Change Checklist
- Review your travel calendar
- Gather the required documents
- Fill out the proper passport application for name changes
- Update your passport photo
- Decide if you want to pay for expedited service
- Determine your passport name change fee
- Submit your passport name change application
- Next steps
1. Review your travel calendar
Do you already have travel plans in your former name? If so, wait until you return home before starting your passport name change.
Changing your name on your passport after marriage can be a pain in the butt if you already have travel reservations because the identification you present at the airport must match your ticket. If it doesn't, you will likely not be able to travel.
If you have no plans to travel right after you change your name, try to wait until you have your new passport in possession before preparing for a new trip.
The passport application process can take anywhere from two to six weeks to complete. And your new passport will have a new number and expiration date.
So, if your ticket booking requires you to input passport details, you won't be able to provide the right information.
The safest course is to wait to make plans until after you have your new passport if you plan to change your name after marriage.
Contact your travel provider if you think any passport name change issues may arise.
2. Gather the required documents
In addition to the passport name change application form, you will need to provide two documents:
- Your valid and unexpired U.S. Passport
- Either the original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court-ordered name change document
With these documents in hand, you're ready to begin the application.
3. Fill out the proper passport application
Next, you need to determine which passport application form you need to fill out for changing your name. Choose from the following three options:
- DS-82 – If your passport was issued more than one year ago
- DS-5504 – If your passport was issued less than one year ago
- DS-11 – If your passport has been expired for more than five years (issued 15+ years ago)
The forms themselves are not very long, and you don't need to mail in the instruction pages (the first four pages of the PDF). However, refer to these instruction pages if you have any questions.
4. Update your passport photo
Your passport name change application also requires an updated color photo.
If you are applying in person, certain acceptance facilities can take your photo for an extra fee.
If you are mailing in your application, you will need to staple your passport photo to it.
You can take a photo yourself as long as it follows the U.S. Department of State's guidelines.
You can also get a passport photo taken at CVS, UPS Store, Walgreens, or Walmart.
Make sure your photo follows the Passport Photo Guidelines. The most basic requirements are:
- The photo must be 2x2 inches
- Your head must be between 1 and 1-3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
- Do not wear glasses
- Use a plain white or off-white background. Do not Photoshop your body out of the background or your application will get denied.
- Print photo on matte or glossy photo paper
- Do not apply any filters or edits (except to remove red-eye)
- Photos with rips, tears, scratches, or other defects will not be accepted
For more detailed instructions, see the U.S. Department of State's website .
5. Decide if you want to pay for expedited service
Unfortunately, the passport name change process takes several weeks.
Applications can take up to six weeks for standard processing or up to three weeks if expedited.
Expedited Service (2-3 weeks) costs an additional $60. If you need to travel in a hurry, you may need to pay for expedited service.
Need to update your passport ASAP? Visit a passport agency .
You'll need to visit a Passport Agency or Center and pay a $60 fee to expedite the processing. Locations include:
- Aurora, CO
- Atlanta, GA
- Boston, MA
- Buffalo, NY
- Chicago, IL
- Dallas, TX
- Detroit, MI
- El Paso, TX
- Honolulu, HI
- Hot Springs, AR
- Houston, TX
- Los Angeles, CA
- Miami, FL
- Minneapolis, MN
- New Orleans, LA
- New York, NY
- Portsmouth, NH
- Philadelphia, PA
- San Diego, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Seattle, WA
- St. Albans, VT
- Stamford, CT
- Tucson, AZ
- Washington, DC
6. Determine your passport name change fee
Depending on the form you chose in Step 3, your processing fee will be different.
With form DS-82 and form DS-11, you will need to pay $130 (or $190 total for expedited service).
If your previous passport was issued less than one year ago and you filled out form DS-5504, you do not need to pay a fee for routine service. Expedited service for DS-5504 costs $60.
Make checks payable to "U.S. Department of State."
Note that these fees apply to requests for a regular passport book.
If you need a passport card (valid only for travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda), the fee is reduced. For the official pricing chart, see the U.S. Department of State's pricing page .
7. Submit your application
You can renew your passport at an acceptance facility or by mail.
If you mail your passport application, include all required documentation (current U.S. Passport, official name change document), the application with your photo stapled, and the fee in one envelope.
You must use the United States Postal Service (USPS). If you use UPS, FedEx, or DHL, your application will be returned without processing.
Where you send your application depends on your location:
Routine Service (CA, FL, IL, MN, NY, TX):
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 640155
Irving, TX 75064-0155
Routine Service (other states or Canada):
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90155
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155
Expedited Service (any state or Canada):
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90955
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955
Write "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the mailing envelope.
8. Next Steps
Hang tight! Once you've submitted your application, all you need to do is wait.
You will receive your new passport, as well as your other documents, in the mail in the coming weeks.
Be aware that the new passport often arrives separately from your old one and supporting documents — so don't panic if they come in different envelopes.
As you wait for your passport, you can continue your name change elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a passport name change take?
After submitting your application, it typically takes 4–6 weeks for routine service and 2–3 weeks for expedited service. For the latest processing times, visit travel.state.gov.
How much does a passport name change cost?
Form DS-82 (passport issued more than 1 year ago) and form DS-11 (new passport) cost $130 for routine service and $190 for expedited service. Form DS-5504 (passport issued less than one year ago) is free for routine service and $60 for expedited service.
I just got married. When should I update my passport?
It depends on your travel schedule. If you have flights booked in your maiden name, wait until you return from those trips before updating your passport. The name on your passport must match your boarding pass exactly or you may not be allowed to fly.
Best of luck with the rest of your name change!
