How to Change Your Name on Your Passport (2026)

Updated April 2026 · 7 min read · Not legal advice

Passport updates after a name change

This guide is for U.S. citizens and nationals who changed their legal name and need a passport that matches tickets, TSA PreCheck, and Global Entry. It is especially helpful if your passport is less than 15 years old and you are deciding between DS-82, DS-11, or the free one-year DS-5504 path.

You will learn which form to use, what counts as acceptable proof of name change, typical fees and processing times, and how to avoid the most common rejections that add weeks of back-and-forth with the National Passport Center.

Updating your passport after a name change is optional — but essential if you have international travel planned. Airlines match your ticket name to your passport exactly. A mismatch can prevent you from boarding. Start this process early: standard passport processing takes 6–8 weeks, and even expedited processing takes 2–3 weeks.

Use the free name change calculator to see your full name change cost including passport fees.

Which Form Do You Need?

The form depends on how old your current passport is and how old you were when it was issued:

What to Submit

For DS-82 (the most common scenario):

• Completed form DS-82 (download at travel.state.gov)
• Your most recent passport (it will be cancelled and returned)
• Certified name change document — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If your name change was more than 2 years ago, also include a photocopy.
• One passport photo (2×2 inches, taken within 6 months)
• Payment — check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of State"

Cost and Processing Times

Step-by-Step: Renewing by Mail (DS-82)

Have Travel Coming Up?

If you have international travel within 8 weeks, pay the $60 expedited fee to get 2–3 week processing. If travel is within 3 weeks, you need an urgent appointment at a Regional Passport Agency — book at travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html. Urgent appointments are limited and fill quickly.

An important note: you can travel with a valid passport in your old name as long as your ticket matches your passport exactly. Your passport does not need to match your driver's license. Many people complete their international travel first, then update their passport after returning.

Common Mistakes

• Booking international travel before your new passport arrives — Standard processing is 6–8 weeks. Book conservatively or pay for expedited processing.
• Using the wrong form — DS-82 is only valid if your passport is under 15 years old and you were 16+ when issued. Check before submitting.
• Sending a photocopy instead of the original name change document — The State Department requires original certified documents for name changes within 2 years of the change. They will return it with your new passport.
• Forgetting the passport photo — Applications without a photo are returned, adding weeks of delay.
• Writing a personal check incorrectly — Make checks payable to "U.S. Department of State" exactly. Other payee names are rejected.