If you legally had a name change, you should change all your identification documents. That will include your passport so you can travel without any issues. The application and paperwork needed for changing a name on a passport depend on how long he or she has had the passport in their possession. Whether your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, adoption or legal reasons, make sure you are on top of the process to prevent any future travel disruptions.

Submitting a Name Change Form

You can submit a name change application for a passport in three ways. Send the application via mail to the National Passport Center for processing. Submit it in person at a passport agency when you apply for expedited service. The other alternative is through a passport expediting company. Sending your documents to them is probably the fastest and easiest way to apply for a passport. They will hand-carry your application to the Passport Agency for expedited service.

When to Apply Due to a Name Change

If your passport was issued less than one year ago, and you change your name legally, the below items should be submitted by mail:

• Current, valid passport
• A completed Form DS-5504, Application for a U.S. Passport – Corrections, Name Change within 1 Year of Passport Issuance, and Limited Passport Holders
• An original or certified copy of your marriage certificate or the government-issued document evidencing the change under federal or state law
• If required, two recent color photos

If you have your passport more than one year ago, and you change your name legally, submit the items below by mail:

• Current, valid U.S. passport
• Completed Form DS-82, U.S. Passport Renewal Application for Eligible Individuals
• An original or certified copy of your marriage certificate or the government-issued document evidencing the change under federal or state law
• Two recent, color photos
• Applicable fees

Submit Original Documents

The documents submitted as evidence of the legal change must be an original or a certified copy. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption certificate or court order. Driver’s license and Social Security cards are not acceptable as proof of a legal name change.

If you cannot legally document your name change though a marriage certificate or court order, you must submit your application in person at an acceptance facility or a passport agency. The below items should be presented in person:

• Your Current, Valid U.S. Passport
• A completed Form DS-11, Application for a U.S. Passport (for all first-time applicants, all minors, and applicants who are not eligible to use the DS-82)
• Applicable fees
• At least three public records showing your date and place of birth that show exclusive use of your assumed name for at least five years
• Two recent, color photos

The application takes approximately seven to ten weeks to process. Requesting expedited service will get it processed in just two to three weeks. However, if you need your name change done more quickly, a private passport expediting company can help you get your passport processed as soon as 24 hours if necessary.