Fill out a DS-5504 form. If your passport was issued less than 12 months ago, you will need to use form DS-5504 to complete your name change on your passport. The DS-5504 form is the "Application for a U.S. Passport Name Change, Data Correction and Limited Passport Book Replacement." Complete a DS-82 form if your passport was issued more than 12 months ago. This form is for the application of a "U.S. Passport Application by Mail." Forms can be downloaded from the U.S. Department of State's website, local passport agency or acceptance facility, such as the Clerk of Courts Office or authorized U.S. Post Office.
Include your marriage certificate. Send in the original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate to show proof of your name change to the National Passport Processing Center. The address for the processing center is located in the instructions section of each of the forms. The document will be returned to you with your updated passport.
Send in a current passport photo. If your previous passport was issued more than 90 days ago, a new passport photo is required when requesting a name change. Send the passport with your marriage certificate and name change form to the National Passport Processing Center. If your original passport is less than 90 days old, there is no need to send in a new photo because your new passport will have your current picture on it.
Pay the fees. If your original passport was issued less than 12 months ago, there are no fees to have your name changed. However, if your original passport is more than 12 months old you will need to send in any applicable renewal fees with your name change application. As of August 2011, passport renewal fees were $110 and can be paid with a check or money order made out to "Department of State." Visit the U.S. Department of State's website for a list of all current passport fees.
Mail in your name change packet to the National Passport Processing Center. To ensure your application packet is delivered, send via the U.S. Postal Service with delivery confirmation or proof of delivery. Write "Expedite" on the outside of the envelope if you are requesting the application be rushed. Do not forget to include the $60 fee if requesting your application to be expedited.
