You can request a new passport be issued in your new name using the forms DS-5504, DS-82, or DS-11 if your name has changed due to a divorce or marriage.
Changing the name on a passport is a straightforward process. If you want to know how to proceed, you’ve come to the right place. To help you, our expert professionals at Prompt Passport Services have shared valuable insights into the procedure of changing the name on your passport, which we’ve elaborated on below.
Here’s what you need to know:
Review Any Future Travel Plans
If your future travel plans are booked under your old name, we suggest waiting until you return from your vacation because changing the name on your passport can take some time. You’ll also need matching names on your ID cards, tickets, and passport to pass the security restrictions at the airport. If they don’t match, you may not be able to travel.
If you don’t have any plans, apply for a name change in your passport before you plan or prepare for any future trips and keep the timeline for this process in mind. The application can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks to process.
And since booking tickets and hotels may require you to submit a passport number and expiration dates, you can’t use the old ones because you’ll have a new passport number and expiry date. So, hold off on travel plans until you have the passport in your hand.
Fill Out The Application And Gather Supporting Documents
You’ll need to provide a filled and signed form and attach the appropriate documents to apply for a name change on your passport. You’ll need a certified copy or an original copy of your court-ordered name change document, divorce decree, or marriage certificate. Next, you’ll need to attach one of the following forms:
- DS-5504: If your passport was issued less than a year ago
- DS-11: If your passport was issued 15 years ago and has been expired for more than five years
- DS-82: If your passport was issued more than a year ago.
These forms are short and straightforward. You won’t need to attach the instruction pages when you send your application.
A Recent And Updated Photograph
You must also attach an updated colored photo when you mail your application. The photograph must not have any physical defects, should not have any digital filters, and must be printed in matte or glossy photo paper with a plain white background in 2×2 inch size. Don’t use Photoshop on an old photo to make the background white. It may lead to rejection. Also, don’t wear glasses during the photograph either.
Want An Online Expedited Passport?
The name change process may take six weeks, but an expedited process can reduce the time to three weeks. If you need an emergency expedited passport service, Prompt Passport Services can help.
Reach out to us today to learn more about our emergency passport application, lost expedited passport, and visa expediting services.
