If there's ever a need to change or correct the name on your US passport, either because it was issued to you by mistake or you've had a change in your name recently, read below to learn exactly how to request a new or replacement passport for this purpose.
When There's a Printing or Spelling Error on Your Passport
Any kind of printing or spelling errors, including your name, date of birth or gender printed incorrectly, can be rectified at no charge as long as the passport is valid.
If you report this within a year of passport issuance, a new one is issued with the changes you requested, which has a 10-year validity period from the date it is issued. If you report it a year after issuance, the new rectified passport will be valid only after the current one expires.
To correct printing and/or spelling errors only in your passport:
You'll need Mail Form DS-5504 along with a color passport-size photograph and evidence of the error. Print out your DS-5504 and complete it by hand. You can also refer to this online guide for step-by-step instructions.
When a Name Change is Required on Your Passport
If you've had a change of name due to marriage, divorce or a change ordered by the court, you must apply for a new passport. The overall process and cost depend on the duration you've held your passport since issuance.
For example, if a year has passed since passport issuance, you do not need to pay any processing fee, unless you desire the Expedited Service. Submit Form DS-5504 through mail along with your current passport, an original or certified change of name document and a color passport-sized photo. Bear in mind you should not send photocopies or notarized copies of these documents.
Refer to this online guide to understand how to properly fill out the DS-5504 form. Alternatively, you can also access it here, print it out and complete by hand.
If a year has passed since passport issuance, and Form DS-82 does not apply to you* (read below for criteria), you need to submit Form DS-11 yourself at a Passport Agency or Acceptance Facility, along with proof of US citizenship (such as your Social Security Number or Driver's Licence), an original/certified 'change of name' document, a legitimate ID and photocopy of that ID. As before, avoid making notarized copies or photocopies of the change of name document.
In addition, a fee is required, which may range from $30 to $165, largely depending on your needs and circumstances. Something worth mentioning is that you do not need to provide any change of name proof if it has changed as a result of marriage and an ID has already been issued to you with that name. Just remember to mention marital details in the application section of Form DS-11.
Here's what you need to do if you have started to use a different name but are unable to legally document that change through a divorce decree, court order or marriage certificate:
Go to an Acceptance Facility or Passport Agency to personally submit Form DS-11. You must show evidence of your US citizenship, a valid ID along with a photocopy of it, a color passport-sized photo and required fee. Print out the DS-11 Form and complete it by hand or refer to this online guide. You also need to take a valid ID which has your current name.
If your ID happens to be less than 5 years old, you'll need to provide 'secondary identification evidence' (utility bills, bank statements or a driver's licence) that you've been using your current name for a minimum of 5 years.
*Form DS-82 Only Applies to You if
Your eligibility depends on the following criteria:
Which Passport Form Applies to Me?
Depending on your current circumstances, you need to either fill out Form DS-82 or DS-11.
Checklist: What to Send with the Passport Form
1. Your latest US Passport book and/or passport card.
2. A recent color photo;
Submit an individual 2x2 photo of yourself, reasonably sufficient (taken in the last six months). From the base of your chin to the top of your head (hair included), the distance measured should not be less than an inch or more than 3/8 of an inch. The color photo must have a clear, full view of your face from the front and printed on thin paper with a plain light background.
The photo must be taken in regular street attire, without a hat/head covering or tinted glasses, unless you have a signed statement stating that it is worn for religious or medical purposes. Any portable and wearable devices such as headphones or Bluetooth are not allowed. Photos that are retouched to change or enhance your appearance are prohibited.
Snapshots, vending machine prints and magazine and/or full-length photos are not acceptable. If it's a digital photo, it must meet the aforementioned criteria and accepted for use at the Passport Services office.
3. Evidence required to support name change or other changes;
In this case, a change of name document must be submitted - a certified marriage document or court order that has a seal and officiate/judge signature. If you are unable to provide the relevant documentation, apply on the DS-11 Form by personally appearing at:
If you wish to have a change or error corrected in your most recent passport's descriptive data, submit appropriate evidence showing the right information; i.e. certified marriage certificate or birth certificate.
Any documentary evidence that isn't damaged, forged or altered in any way is returned to you.