Which form do you need?
| Situation | Form | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Passport issued < 1 year ago | DS-5504 | Free |
| Passport issued > 1 year ago, eligible for renewal | DS-82 | $130 |
| Not eligible for renewal | DS-11 in person | $165 |
| State Dept printing error | DS-5504 | Free, anytime |
Documents to include
- The correct form (DS-5504, DS-82, or DS-11)
- Your current passport
- Certified name-change document: marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order
- One new passport photo
Fixing a printing error — always free
If the State Department misspelled your name or printed wrong data, Form DS-5504 corrects it free at any time during the passport's validity — no time limit. Include evidence of the correct data (birth certificate, prior passport).
Traveling soon with a mismatched name?
Airlines require the ticket name to match the passport exactly. If your flight is within 14 days, expedite the correction — a courier can turn a DS-5504 or DS-82 around in 24-72 hours.
Urgent fix
Recommended Service
Name mismatch before a flight?
Couriers process name changes and corrections daily. Document pre-review ensures your marriage certificate or court order meets State Dept requirements the first time.
Secure application Fast processing
Fix my passport fast
via RushMyPassport — official partner
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a new passport after getting married?
Only if you changed your name and want your passport to match. Your current passport remains valid under your old name — but airline tickets must match the passport exactly, so most people update it before traveling.
Is a passport name change free?
Yes if your passport was issued less than 1 year ago (Form DS-5504) or if you're correcting a State Department printing error (free anytime). Otherwise it's the standard $130 renewal fee via DS-82.
What documents prove my name change?
A certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — photocopies are not accepted. The document must show the legal link between your old and new names.
Can I travel while my name change is processing?
You must send in your current passport with the application, so no — you won't have it during processing (4-6 weeks routine, 2-3 weeks expedited). Plan accordingly or use a courier for 24-72h turnaround.