If you changed your legal name, you need to make sure that all your identification documents show your new name. If your U.S. passport still shows your old name, you need to update it to reflect your name to avoid identification or travel-related problems.
Moreover, if the Department of State issued you a passport that has a data error, such as your name, sex, place of birth, or printing error, including issues with missing data, discoloration, crooked printing, you need to correct it.
Fill-out U.S. Passport Forms here.
Follow the instructions below if you need to change or correct your passport.
Changing your name
To change your name, the process will depend on your situation. The following table of instructions are from the Department of State:
| If … | Then … |
| You are requesting the change less than one year after your passport was issued | Please submit the following by mail:
Note: You will not have to submit any fees unless you request Expedited Service. You must send Form DS-5504 and supporting documents via USPS. UPS, FedEx, DHL, and other companies cannot deliver to the PO Box addresses listed on Form DS-5504. |
| You are requesting the change more than one year after your passport was issued | You may be eligible to renew your passport by mail using Form DS-82, U.S. Passport Renewal Application for Eligible Individuals. If you are eligible to use Form DS-82, please submit the following by mail:
If you are not eligible to renew your passport by mail using Form DS-82, you should apply in-person. Please submit the following:
Note: You do not need to submit proof of the name change if your name has changed due to marriage and you present an ID issued in your new name. You must include the details of the marriage in the appropriate section on Form DS-11. |
| You are already using a different name but cannot document the change with a court order, divorce decree, or marriage certificate | Submit the following in person at an acceptance facility or a passport agency (restrictions apply):
Note: you may need to submit Form DS-60, Affidavit Regarding a Change of Name when the name you use is significantly different than the name on your evidence of U.S. citizenship, or your new name cannot be documented by a court order or through marriage. This form must be completed by two people who have known you by both names. You must also submit three certified or original public records that show you have used the new name for five years or more. |
You can renew your passport by mail, using Form DS-82, if all of the following statements are true:
- You have your passport in your possession to submit with your application.
- Your passport is undamaged other than normal wear and tear.
- Your passport was issued when you were age 16 or older.
- Your passport was issued within the last 15 years.
- Your passport was issued in your current name or you can document your name change.
Access U.S. Passport Forms here.
Correcting a data or printing error
To correct a data or printing error, follow the instructions below:
- Complete Form DS-5504.
- Submit Form DS-5504 by mail with your passport, one colored photo, and evidence of the error — it may be your U.S. birth certificate that displays the correct spelling of your name.
- Do not pay any fees.
According to the Department of State, the validity of the new, corrected passport depends on when you report the error.
| If … | Then … |
| Reported within one year of issue date | The new passport will be valid for 10 years from the date it is issued. |
| Reported after one year of issue date | The new passport will be valid until the expiration of the original, incorrect passport. |
How to fill out Form DS-5504?
Fill out the two pages of DS-5504 that require your information.
First page
Select the type of passport you are applying for. You may apply for a U.S. passport card, a U.S. passport book, or both. Then, answer the following fields:
1. Name
2. Date of Birth
3. Sex
4. Place of Birth
5. Social Security Number
6. Email
7. Primary Contact Phone Number
8. Mailing Address
9. List all other names you have used
10. U.S. Passport Book and/or Passport Card Information
Second Page
- Name of Applicant
- Date of Birth
11. Height
12. Hair Color
13. Eye Color
14. Occupation
15. Employer
16. Additional Contact Phone Numbers
17. Permanent Address
18. Emergency Contact
19. Travel Plans
- Questions regarding your current passport book and/or passport card
How to fill out Form DS-82?
Fill out the two pages of DS-82 that require your information.
First Page
Select the type of passport you are applying for. You may apply for a U.S. passport card, a U.S. passport book, or both. Then, answer the following fields:
1. Name
2. Date of Birth
3. Sex
4. Place of Birth
5. Social Security Number
6. Email
7. Primary Contact Phone Number
8. Mailing Address
9. List all other names you have used
10. U.S. Passport Book and/or Passport Card Information
11. Name Change Information
Second Page
- Name of Applicant
- Date of Birth
12. Height
13. Hair Color
14. Eye Color
15. Occupation
16. Employer or School
17. Additional Contact Phone Number
18. Permanent Address
19. Emergency Contact
20. Travel Plans
How to fill out Form DS-11?
Fill out the two pages of DS-11 that require your information.
First page
Select the type of passport you are applying for. You may apply for a U.S. passport card, a U.S. passport book, or both. Then, answer the following fields:
1. Name
2. Date of Birth
3. Sex
4. Place of Birth
5. Social Security Number
6. Email
7. Primary Contact Phone Number
8. Mailing Address
9. List of all other names you have used legally
Second page
- Name of Applicant
- Date of Birth
1o. Parental Information
11. Have you ever been married?
12. Additional Contact Phone Number
13. Occupation
14. Employer or School
15. Height
16. Hair Color
17. Eye Color
18. Travel Plans
19. Permanent Address
20. Emergency Contact
21. Have you ever applied for or been issued a U.S. Passport Book or Passport Card?