Just the thought of having to change your name on your U.S. passport may make you cringe. After all the hassle and footwork of trying to change your name on everything else - like your driver's license, personal accounts, etc. - the task of changing your passport may seem like an impossible challenge.
It's not. It's actually easier than you think. Thanks to the U.S. Department of State, a passport name change is a relatively streamlined process, once you sort out the information that's out there. And if you want to travel abroad any time soon, you have to get it done.
Why Change Your Name on a Passport?
Why? It's illegal to leave or enter the United States without a valid, current passport. Every traveler in your party must possess one, even newborn babies. A passport is an official travel document issued and regulated by the U.S. Department of State. Only U.S. citizens and noncitizen nationals with proper documentation can obtain one. It contains the following identifying information about you: your name, date of birth, place of birth, a 2 x 2 inch photograph (head and shoulders picture) of you, your signature, your gender, and your nationality. And that official travel booklet is generally good for ten years.
But what if you got married since you got that passport? Divorced? Legally changed your name under any other circumstance? Maybe you received your passport and noticed that there were spelling errors, printing errors or any other factual mistakes.
What You Need to Change Your Name on a Passport
DS-5504 Passport Name Change Form
People that need a passport name change will generally need the DS-5504 form.
Do You Need to use a DS-5504 Form to Change Your Name?
There are rules that may shunt you towards a different form, but it's an easy algorithm to follow, and the U.S. State Department separates it in clear language. If you can answer NO to all four of these questions, then you'll need another form.
- Did you change your name since your most recent U.S. passport was issued, and it was less than one year ago?
- Are there printing or spelling errors in your personal identification on your most recent passport?
- Was your most recent (full fee) passport restricted or limited in any way, under one year ago?
- Was your most recent (full fee) passport restricted or limited because of a lost naturalization certificate, or a gender transition, under one year ago?
If you did answer no to all of them, then you will be directed to use either the DS-82 U.S. passport application renewal form, or start from scratch with the DS-11 form. Any of these forms can be obtained online here or through a private passport expediting service, at an approved passport acceptance facility (like the U.S. Postal Service office, many local libraries, or a clerk of the court), or at any of the 28 government Regional Passport Agencies. The national Regional Passport Agencies are by appointment only, and you must call the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778 (for TDD/TTY 1-888-874-7793) to make arrangements.
What Are The Fees To Change Name on Passport?
Lets talk, though, about the DS-5504. The good news is that there's no fee to use it for a passport name change, unless you need it expedited. Then the fee schedule works like this:
About the DS-5504 Form
The DS-5504 passport name change form itself, like the other passport forms DS-11 and DS-82, is six pages long but four of them are instructions, guidelines, definitions of terms and disclaimers by the U.S. Department of State. The actual "form" part is only two pages and quite simple to navigate. It can be filled out online, or printed out and filled in by hand in under fifteen minutes. The entire process is far easier than say, going to the Department of Motor Vehicles for a name change on your driver's license.
Of course, there are always unforeseen circumstances and emergent situations that arise, making quick travel abroad necessary. The State Department has an after-hours hotline for life or death emergencies at 1-202-647-4000.
If you need a passport photo, chances are you are just blocks away from a local store or facility that handles them, for example:
You can also have your photo taken at your local Regional Passport Agency, the nearest U.S. post office, or even a local photo studio. The guidelines are very specific and very basic; it must be 2 x 2 inches and on a white background, and be a head and shoulders shot.
Once you have the necessary form filled out, have your picture in hand and have your documentation ready, it gets mailed to one of two addresses, depending on how fast you need it. Note: these are specific locations for name changes only.
For routine U.S. passport name changes, mail to:
For expedited U.S. passport name changes, mail to:
The U.S. Department of State updates their website daily on their processing times. There is also a handy link to check the status of your passport name change application once its been submitted. One tip to keep in mind is not to start looking for your application status for at least 7 to 10 business days after you send it (excluding federal holidays). While the agency says they're committed to getting your travel documents to you as soon as they can, they are under the burden of heavy traffic, even in our digital age. Last year, the U.S. State Department issued more than 15.5 million passports, including renewals and passport name changes.
The bottom line and best advice? Get your paperwork in as soon as you know you'll need that name on your passport changed. That way you'll avoid last minute rushing around, and can enjoy your trip abroad.