# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Passports

How to Change the Name on a United States Passport

After a significant life change, such as a divorce or marriage or something else that results in a name change, you will need to change your legal name on your passport. The process is fairly simple although it differs depending on how long you have had your current passport. You are required to pay a renewal fee if you have had your passport longer than one year as it will completely renew the passport. It takes at least four to six weeks, after your documents are submitted, to receive your new passport.

Form DS-82 or Form DS-5504
2 passport photos
Legal documentation of name change
Renewal fee
Current passport

Instructions

Passports Issued Less Than One Year Ago
- 1
  Complete an Application for U.S. Passport: Name Change, Data Correction and Limited Passport Book Replacement (Form DS-5504).
- 2
  Locate an original or certified copy of your marriage certificare or legal document issued by a state or federal court authorizing your name change such as a divorce decree.
- 3
  Purchase two new identical passport photos. These should measure 2 inches by 2 inches and be on a white background. These can be purchased at your local photo store or pharmacy.
- 4
  Mail all of the documents, along with your current passport, to the address stated on Form DS-5504. You are not required to pay a fee or visit a passport acceptance facility.
Passports Issued Over One Year Ago
- 5
  Renew your passport by completing an Application for U.S. Passport by Mail (Form DS-82).
- 6
  Locate your original or certified documents supporting your legal name change such as a divorce decree or marriage certificate.
- 7
  Have two new identical passport photographs taken. These must be on a white background and 2 inches by 2 inches in size.
- 8
  Include a check or money order along with the documents in steps 1-3 and your current passport and mail it to the address stated on Form DS-82. As of December 2010, the required fee for processing your passport renewal is $110.