How to Change Your Name on a U.S. Passport
Step-by-step roadmap for updating your passport name following marriage, divorce, or official court decree without filing errors.
Quick Answer • Name Change Protocol
To change your legal name on a U.S. passport, the required form and government fee depend on how long ago your current passport was issued. If issued less than one year ago, use Form DS-5504 ($0 fee). If issued more than one year ago and eligible for renewal, use Form DS-82 ($130 fee). You must submit an original certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The 3 Name Change Pathways (Decision Matrix)
| Your Situation | Required Form | Government Application Fee | Required Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport issued less than 1 year ago | Form DS-5504 | $0.00 (FREE) (Optional $60 expedite) |
Current passport + Certified marriage cert or court order + 1 new photo. |
| Passport issued more than 1 year ago | Form DS-82 | $130.00 (Adult book) | Current passport + Certified legal name change document + 1 new photo + check. |
| Cannot document legal name change | Form DS-11 | $130.00 + $35.00 | Must apply in person with citizenship evidence, photo ID in current name, and 3 public records. |
Acceptable Name Change Evidence Documents
Photocopies or notarized copies are never accepted as proof of name change. You must submit:
- Certified Marriage Certificate: Issued by the city, county, or state vital statistics office (must bear an official registrar's raised, embossed, or multicolored seal). Church commemorative certificates are not accepted.
- Certified Divorce Decree: Specifying the legal restoration of your maiden or previous name.
- Certified Court Order: Approving your adult legal name change petition.