Gather your legal documents. You need certified documentation of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, court order or divorce decree with your new legal name. If you do not have legal documents proving your name change, you need evidence of U.S. Citizenship (such as birth certificate or previous passport) and primary identification (such as a valid driver's license). A list of acceptable evidence and identification is included on the Department of State website.
Fill out the appropriate form. If your current passport was issued less than a year ago and you have legal documents proving your name change, fill out form DS-5504. If your current passport was issued more than a year ago and you have legal documents proving your name change, fill out form DS-82. If you do not have legal documents proving your name change, fill out form DS-11. All forms can be found at the Department of State website.
Obtain new passport photos. Unless your current passport is less than 90 days old, you will need two new passport photos. They must be identical, color, 2 inches by 2 inches in size, current and printed on photo paper. See the Department of State website for complete passport photo requirements.
Submit your renewal documents to the National Passport Processing Center. If you filled out form DS-5504 or DS-82, mail it to the address listed on your form, along with your current passport, your new passport photos, your certified documentation of name change, and your renewal fees if your passport was issued more than one year ago. If you do not have certified documentation of your name change, you must appear in person at an Acceptance Facility or a Passport Agency. Bring form DS-11, along with your current passport, payment for applicable fees, two recent color photos, and proof of U.S. Citizenship and primary identification.
