How To Handle a Passport Name Change

So you have gotten married, changed your name, and are ready for your honeymoon abroad!  But does your passport reflect your new name?  If you have legally changed your name then you will need to either revise your passport or apply for another passport by renewal.  See below for details.

1. If your name has been legally changed through marriage or by court order, then  you must check the date that your passport has been issued.  If your passport was issued less than 1 year ago, you may apply for a passport name change.  There is not charge for this service.
   • Print and complete the US Passport Re-Application Form, DS-5504.  You can download the PDF form here, provided that your computer has Adobe Acrobat Reader.

   • Along with the completed Form DS-5504, you will need to send 2 passport-sized (2 inches x 2 inches) recent color photographs, a certified copy of your marriage certificate or your name change court decree, and your current passport.
   • If you are using USPS, send all of the above to the following address:

              National Passport Processing
              P.O. Box 13290
              Philadelphia, PA 19101-3290
             

   • If you are using another delivery service, send to the following address:
      
              National Passport Processing
              ATTN: Department 13290
              1617 Brett Road
              New Castle, DE 19720
   • You will receive your passport within 6 weeks of the submission date. If you use expedited service, you will receive your passport within 2 weeks after the date of submission. 
2. If your name has changed for a reason other than marriage or by court order, and/or your current passport is more than one year old, then you will need to apply for a passport renewal as well as pay the renewal fees. 
   • For how to apply for a passport renewal, click here.