Embassy of the United States

Changes of Name By Something Other Than Marriage

If your name has changed for a reason other than marriage, then you may apply to have your name changed in your U.S. passport.  We can no longer simply amend your current passport to reflect your new name; you must apply for a new passport or passport card in the new name.  It takes about three to four weeks for the new passport to arrive.

Please contact us by any means listed in the Key Information Box on the right to schedule an appointment.

If Your Current Passport Was Issued Less Than One Year Ago 

If your current U.S. passport was issued less than one year ago, then you will not have to pay for a new passport, and you should use the Passport Application Form DS-5504. 

Please also submit:

• your current U.S. passport
• two valid passport photographs
• proof of your name change (see below)

If Your Current Passport Was Issued More Than One Year Ago 

If your current U.S. passport was issued more than one year ago, then you will have to pay for a new passport, and you should use the Passport Application Form DS-11.

Please also submit:

• your current U.S. passport
• two valid passport photographs
• proof of your name change (see below)
• the fee of US$100 if the applicant is age 16 or over, or US$85 if the applicant is under age 16, payable in either dollars or Euros, cash only.

Evidence Required to Prove Your Change of Name

If your name was changed as a result of a court action (divorce decree, name change petition, or other action), then please submit the original court decree or a certified copy.

In addition, applications for a change of name must be accompanied by at least three pieces of acceptable identification showing use of the new name. In some cases, these records must indicate use of the new name for a given period of time, usually five years. Acceptable pieces of identification may include:

• School Records
• Tax Records
• Military Records
• Medical Card/Records
• Driver's License
• Federal/State/Local Government Card
• Deeds to Property
• Insurance Records
• Foreign Passport

and must include at least one of the following:

• Employment Records
• Bank Books
• Credit Cards
• Utility or Phone Bills