How to Update a Passport With a Name Change

If you have traveled outside of the country at anytime, you should already have a passport. If you have recently gotten married or changed your name for other reasons, you might want to update your passport with your new name so that your passport is ready for your next international adventure.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Passport to be renewed
• Recent pictures
• Evidence of name change
• Correct forms

Updating Valid Passports Less Than One Year Old

1. Go online and download the correct form for passports less than a year old. Forms can be downloaded off of the U.S. Government's Web site.
2. Complete the form by filling in the required information.
3. Gather the following supplies: the passport to be replaced and two recent passport photos. You will also need acceptable evidence of the name change such as a marriage certificate, divorce or adoption decree or court ordered name change.
4. Send all of the requested material to the address shown on the correct form.

Updating Valid Passports Older Than One Year and Less Than 15 Years

5. Go online and download the correct form for passports more than one year old but less than 15 years old. Forms can be downloaded off of the U.S. Government's Web site.
6. Complete the form by filling in the required information.
7. Gather the following supplies: the passport to be replaced, appropriate fees and two recent passport photos. You will also need acceptable evidence of the name change such as a marriage certificate, divorce or adoption decree or court ordered name change.
8. Send all of the requested material to the address shown on the correct form.

Updating Expired Passports With a New Name

9. Go online and download the correct form for a passport that is expired and needs a name change. Forms can be downloaded off of the U.S. Government's Web site.
10. Complete the form by filling in the required information.
11. Apply in person at one of the seven thousand designated passport application acceptance facilities. Locations can be found on the U.S. Government's Web site.
12. Gather the following information along with the completed form: passport to be replaced, acceptable identification, appropriate fees and two recent passport photos. You will also need acceptable evidence of a name change such as a marriage certificate, divorce or adoption decree or court ordered name change.

Tips & Warnings

• You must have been at least 16 years old when you received this passport.
• When your passport is sent back, your marriage license, divorce or adoption decrees will be returned as well.
• There is no fee for renewal of a passport less than one year old.
• Fees are applied when updating a passport that is more than one year old or expired.
• There are additional requirements for children under fourteen.
• Some U.S. Post Offices are designated passport application acceptance facilities.