Comments for How do I renew and change my name on a passport at the same time? Click here to add your own comments

Identification provided doesn’t show current name by: Amanda Question: Hello, I applied for a new passport after my old one was more than 16 years old. I requested expedited with the fastest shipping and it was received on 2/28/23. I provided my current Real ID from California DMV with my current name, my birth certificate in my maiden name, and a certified marriage certificate that shows I married my partner who had the last name that I now use (but my name is listed only with my maiden name on the certificate). I received a letter that says "The identification you provided does not show the name you are currently using. Please submit updated identification in the name you are currently using for all purposes." I do not have a court order for a name change, just the marriage certificate and my California Real ID, my social security card in my married name, and several years of expired driver's licenses in my current name. What am I supposed to send in to prove this? The two notarized affidavits from people I know plus three public record documents? And what are examples of those documents so I know what to send? Thank you for your help. Amanda Answer: Hello, Amanda. The documents you provided should have been sufficient. Please contact passport services at 1-877-487-2778 for clarification.

Passport Name Change Issue by: Anonymous Question: Hello. I got married in May last year. I recently applied for a passport and provided all of these items: DS-11 (notating my new last name), Driver’s license (with maiden name), marriage certificate, execution and passport fees, social security (with updated married last name), expired passport, and new photo. However, I just got a letter from the passport agency saying that they received my application but they cannot approve it because "the identification you provided does not show the name you are currently using. Please submit updated identification in the name you are currently using." What do they mean by this? I sent in every legal document that I have that could identify my citizenship. Do they expect me to apply for a passport in my maiden name and then apply again for a name change? I cannot update my driver’s license to my newly married name because they required 2 forms of legal ID documents which I do not possess, hence me trying to get my passport. All I have is my expired passport, maiden driver's license, Social security, and my marriage license. I’m stuck in this loophole cycle and cannot get anywhere. Answer: In order to have your married name printed on your new passport, you have to either 1. submit a primary ID (driver's license) bearing your married name OR 2. a combination of two secondary IDs (SS card and another ID like a company ID/voter's registration/state ID) bearing your married name Since you submitted your license with your maiden name and only your SS card with your married name, your application cannot proceed. You mentioned an expired passport. If that passport was issued when you were age 16 or older and it has not expired for over 5 years, you may be able to apply for a renewal with name change. I recommend that you contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 to find out if you can send in DS-82 instead. They already have your passport, marriage certificate, and new photo. If you qualify for a renewal, the passport should be issued in your married name since your marriage certificate will be honored as your proof of legal name change.

Name change and application by: Natalee Question: Hello. I recently got married in May last year. I recently applied for a passport and provided all of these items: DS-11 (notating my new last name), Driver’s license (with maiden name), marriage certificate, execution and passport fees, social security (with updated married last name), expired passport, and new photo. However, I just got a letter from the passport agency saying that they received my application but they cannot approve it because "the identification you provided does not show the name you are currently using. Please submit updated identification in the name you are currently using." What do they mean by this? I sent in every legal document that I have that could identify my citizenship. Do they expect me to apply for a passport in my maiden name and then apply again for a name change? Answer: Since the primary ID (license) you submitted bears your maiden name, it is in conflict with the name you entered in the application form. If you can submit a photocopy of your driver's license now bearing your married name, it should resolve the ID issue. Please contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.

correct name and renew passport by: Nella Question: On my passport, I have an incorrect name (double surname). My name was not changed or hyphenated with marriage. I will like to renew and correct the name on my passport. My social security has my correct last name only, I am not divorced. How can I correct my name and renew my passport that is expiring in six months? Answer: Since you are not doing a legal name change, you need to submit a new application instead of renewal. Please submit the following in person at a local passport office: 1. Form DS-11 2. Proof of U.S. citizenship (can be your passport) 3. Photocopy of government-issued IDs bearing the correct name 4. One new passport photo 5. Payment for fees Schedule an Appointment

I have my passport with new name by: Anonymous Question: For renewing do I need to show again the name change papers? Answer: You do not need to submit name change documents since your current passport already has your new name.

New name/Passport NOT expiring by: Ashley Question: This information is so convoluted. I can't figure out if I have to change the name on my passport for international travel, while still 3 years out from expiration. Should I just go to the passport office and change it? Answer: While it is ideal to have your passport reflect your current legal name, you are allowed to continue using your passport in a previous name. You just need to book airline tickets in the name that appears on your passport to avoid issues with TSA.

Passport expires in about 6 months by: Anonymous Question: Hi, so my passport is expiring in June 2023. 1. Can I still travel within this range? Meaning international travel requires 3 or 6 months of passport validity? 2. I’m planning on changing my name, should I wait for the new name and change it on my passport or can I apply for a new passport now and then change the name again in the same passport? I know it costs $130 to renew a passport, but do I have to pay again if I change my name? Answer: 1. The answer depends on your destination's entry requirements. There are countries that require 3 or 6 months and there are others that only need your passport to be valid upon entry/exit. 2. You need proof of legal name change in order to apply for a passport renewal with name change. The ideal thing to do is wait until the name change is finalized. You may opt to renew your passport now and change the name on the same passport later. As long as you apply for the name change within a year of issuance, you do not need to pay any application fees. If you need to expedite, you only have to send a cheque for $60.

Renewal/Name Change by: Anonymous Question: Hello, I need to renew my passport as it expired last year. The last name on my passport is a previous married name. I have a divorce decree, but it does not specifically outline the name change back to my maiden name. I made the name change with the social security administration many years ago back to my maiden name. Can I still submit the renewal with the divorce decree or do I need something additional? Answer: You may apply for a renewal with name change and use your divorce decree as proof of legal name change. It will be accepted based on the assumption that you are changing back to your maiden name because of the divorce.

Name change ahead of renewal by: Michelle Question: Hello. I would like to update my passport to reflect my married last name, but my passport does not renew until April 2026. If I submit the paperwork for the name change, will that automatically renew my passport for the next 10 years (ie. 2032), or will I need to renew again in April 2026? Thank you, Michelle Answer: Hello, Michelle. You will be issued a new passport with full 10 years validity (until 2032).

Info coded into passport by: Anonymous Question: Hi, when you get a new passport because of a name change, does any info connected or coded into the original passport migrate onto the new one? I am thinking of electronic visas and whatnot, I don't know how all that works... thanks. Answer: Data from old passports are not transferred to new ones. You need to contact the issuing embassies/consulates to transfer valid visas to new passports.

Name issued wrong by: Tabi Question: Hello. I'm from Texas. A passport was issued to me when I was a minor and my parents are Hispanic. The reason I say this is because when my passport application was submitted by my parents, it was submitted with two last names. My legal name only contains one last name but yet the passport was still processed and issued. I am no longer a minor and my passport is expired. How would I proceed? Do I fill a renewal application with a DS-82 but I have no documents to support a legal name change as there never was a legal name change. Or do I need to submit as if applying for the first time? Answer: Hello, Tabi. You cannot renew a passport that was issued to you as a child. You need to submit a new application in person as an adult. Please prepare the following requirements: 1. Form DS-11 2. Evidence of U.S. citizenship (original or certified copy plus a photocopy) 3. Government-issued photo ID (preferably driver's license, present the ID and submit a photocopy) 4. One passport photo taken in the last 6 months 5. Payment for fees -Execution fee (paid separately): $35 -Application fee (passport book): $130 -Expedite fee (optional): $60 -1 to 2 days delivery (optional, recommended): $18.32 Schedule an Appointment Regular processing takes 8 to 11 weeks while expedited takes 5 to 7 weeks. If you have travel plans, we strongly recommend waiting until the passport is in your possession before making any final travel arrangements.

Renew Passport in Birth Name by: Anonymous Question: I want to renew my passport in my birth name, which is the name on my most recent passport, issued in 2010. Since then I got married and my name was legally changed, but I did not have a passport issued in my married name. As of 2022, I have been separated and going by my birth name again for 5+ years. Divorce is filed, but it looks like I won't have the final judgment in time for when I need my passport. Can I just send in my expired passport to renew it in the same name? If so, should I put my ex-married name in box 9 A: "List all other names you have used"? What documentation, if any, should I provide? Do they even look at other databases, i.e. SSA, when processing the renewal? If I can't use DS-82, should I use DS-11 to apply with a name change affidavit? Answer: You may apply for a renewal using DS-82 since you're not changing the name on your passport. Just list your previous married name in Q9.

Name change by: Anonymous Question: Hi, I got married in 2007 but did not change my last name so my current passport has my birth first name, middle and maiden last name. I want to change my last name to my husband's and need to change my current passport to reflect my married last name. My passport doesn't expire until Dec 2023. Which form do I fill out? When I saw one of the forms, DS-82, I'm wondering what do I put on "Place of Change" and "Date of Change" since my marriage took place 13 years ago. Should I put my original marriage date and location on the marriage certificate? I also do not want to take my middle name, may I only use my first name and my husband's last name? Thanks. Answer: The date of the name change must be the date your marriage took place (wedding day). Since this date precedes the passport's date of issuance, you cannot use Form DS-82. Instead, you need to use Form DS-11 and submit it in person at an acceptance facility. Please prepare the following: 1. Form DS-11 2. Evidence of U.S. Citizenship (original or certified copy plus photocopy) 3. Government-issued photo ID bearing your married name (present ID and submit a photocopy) 4. One new passport photo 5. Payment for fees: -Application: $110 -Execution: $35 (separate check) -Expedite: $60 (optional) -1 to 2 days delivery: $18.32 (optional, recommended) Schedule an Appointment Routine service currently takes 8 to 11 weeks. If you expedite, processing will take 5 to 7 weeks. We recommend not making any final travel arrangements until you receive your new passport.

Documents Sent - Will they be returned? by: Errica D. Question: As most of the applications require you to mail in your former passport and/or original legal documents (marriage license, etc.) are those mailed back with the new passport? Answer: Supporting documents sent with a passport application are returned in a second mailing separate from the new passport.

Divorced and I changed my name. by: Anonymous Question: My passport doesn’t expire for a few more years. But I got divorced 4 years ago and changed back to my maiden name. Can I use my passport for my honeymoon in 5 months and then change my name to my new name after I get back? Answer: Yes, you may do that. Make sure to book tickets in the name that appears on your passport to avoid issues with TSA.

Expired passport and name change by: Anonymous Question: My passport expired in Jul 2020. I have a name change. Do I renew in person or by mail-in application? Answer: You mail apply for a renewal with name change by mail. Please mail the following to the address on the form: 1. Form DS-82 2. Expired passport 3. Original proof of legal name change 4. One new passport photo 5. Payment for fees: -Application: $110 -Expedite (optional): $60 -1-2 days delivery (optional): $18.32 Standard service currently takes 8 to 11 weeks. If you pay for expedited service, it will be down to 5 to 7 weeks. Please plan accordingly and do not make any final travel arrangements until you receive your passport.

Name change and renewal by: Anonymous Question: I am 18 years old and will be changing my name when I turn 19 in July. My passport is due for renewal this March. Can I renew with my new name (not on my birth certificate yet), or do I need to wait until I officially have my new name? If I wait, then I would need to apply for a new, adult passport, correct? Answer: You cannot apply for a passport in your assumed name since you have not made it official yet. It is best that you complete the name change first, change your name in your government-issued ID/s, and then apply for your first adult passport.

SS Card & Passport by: Anonymous Question: If I requested a name change on my Social Security card but have yet to change my passport, does this make my passport invalid to travel? Or does this not affect anything? Thank you. Answer: Your passport will remain valid even if you change your name with social security.

Expired & Name Change back to Maiden by: Anonymous Question: My passport expired in January 2016 (I still have it and it's in good shape). It was issued in my married name. I currently am divorced. Do I need to complete the renewal application and include the expired passport and a legal name change document (I have a copy of the divorce decree) or do I need to complete a whole new application? TIA Answer: Since it has been over 5 years since expiration, you can no longer submit your passport for a renewal by mail. You now need to submit a new application in person. As long as the ID you submit matches the name you enter in the application form, there is no need to submit your divorce decree.

Renewal / Name change by: Anonymous Question: My passport expires in 2023 but I need to change my name in it. Is it too early to renew? Answer: You may apply for a renewal with name change at anytime during your passport's validity. Standard service may take up to 18 weeks, 12 weeks if you expedite. If you are traveling soon, we recommend using your current passport and renew when you get back. Since your passport is still valid, you will have no trouble using it as long as your tickets match the name in it. Get Passport Fast

married name and expired by: Anonymous Question: My passport (with my maiden name) just expired and I got married about a month before the old one expired. Can I both update my name to my married one, and renew my passport at the same time or do these need to be done separately? Answer: You may apply for a renewal with name change. Please mail the following to the appropriate address listed on the application form: 1. Form DS-82 2. Old passport with your maiden name 3. Original or certified copy of your marriage certificate 4. One new passport photo 5. Payment for fees Standard processing may take up to 18 weeks. If you request and pay for expedited service, it will take about 12 weeks to complete. If you need your passport in less than 12 weeks, you may apply through a registered courier like Rush My Passport. On average, they can get your passport in 4.5 weeks. Get Passport Fast

Name change by: Anonymous Question: I need to renew my passport. I legally changed my name to my maiden name about 4 years ago. I still use my married name for just about everything. When I renew my passport, do I need to change my name to my legal name or can I keep it the way it is on my existing passport? Answer: It is ideal to have your passport reflect your current legal name but you are allowed to keep your passport in the same name it currently has.

Maiden name by: Anonymous Question: Can I apply for a new passport in my maiden name if my old lost expired passport has my married name? Answer: Yes, you can submit a new passport application. You need to submit the application in person at an acceptance facility. These can be located in post offices, libraries, courthouses, and other government buildings. Most of these places require an appointment.

Name change by: Anonymous Question: I have to renew my passport that is due in Sept 2021. However, I would like to change my last name to my husband's last name. I have already submitted the documentation to Social Security. So my question is, do I have to wait until social security processes my name change to submit my passport renewal? Or does it not matter and I can go ahead and send it as I wait for my new SS card? Answer: You do not have to wait until the name change with SS is finalized, you may apply for a renewal with name change. Please mail the following to the address on the form: 1. Form DS-82 2. Current passport 3. Original or certified copy of your marriage certificate 4. One new passport photo 5. Payment for fees Routine service may take up to 18 weeks door to door while expedited service may take up to 12 weeks. We strongly recommend not making any final travel arrangements until after you receive your new passport.

Middle Name/Maiden Name Change by: MM Question: My passport is up for renewal. I have used my actual middle name for years, but now I want to switch my middle name to my maiden name on my passport. I am not sure how to fill out the DS-82 form. I have been married for 30 years, so it changed prior to my most recent my passport being issued. I need to know how to answer the questions properly in the name change section of the form. Answer: Since this does not qualify as an actual legal name change, you need to submit a new passport application instead of a renewal. Please use Form DS-11 and submit it in person with your original citizenship evidence (certified copies are also acceptable), a photocopy of your government-issued ID bearing the name you want on your passport, a new passport photo and payment for fees. Set an Appointment Standard service currently takes 10 to 12 weeks. If you request and pay the $60 for expedited service, processing will take 4 to 6 weeks.

Expired passport plus name change by: J Question: Hello, My passport expired a year ago, but I also need to change my name due to marriage. Do I fill out a new form or one for renewal? Answer: Hi! You may still apply for a passport renewal with name change. Please mail the following to the address on the form: 1. Form DS-82 2. Most recently-issued passport 3. Original or certified copy of marriage certificate 4. One new passport photo 5. Payment for fees The fee for a renewal with name change is $110. You may check for optional fees here. Get Passport Fast

Changed my name in my home country by: Anonymous Question: I am originally from Colombia but a naturalized US citizen. I changed my last name in Colombia and now need to renew my passport and update my US documents with my new name starting with the passport. I have the name change legal document notarized from Colombia but not translated. Do I have to get it translated before I submit it? Answer: Yes. Please submit a certified translation of your name change document.

Multiple name changes by: Elizabeth Question: My passport expired in 2017, since then I have divorced, remarried (name change one), and divorced again. I then went to court and obtained a full legal name change. So my passport shows name A. I've had name B. And now name C. I am renewing my passport and want to make sure I include the correct documents. In this case, do I need to send the divorced papers from name A, the marriage license from name B, and the court order names change for C -that I want on my passport. Am I missing anything or providing too much? Thank you for your help and guidance! Answer: Hello, Elizabeth. It is in your best interest to send all documents that can connect the name on your passport to the name you enter in the renewal form. Your divorce decree, marriage certificate (not the license), and name change court order should suffice. Please send original or certified copies.

name and renewal for Australian in USA by: Anonymous Question: I'm an Australian living in USA and need to renew my Australian passport and change my name. I have dual citizenship. I think I need to do this in person but not sure which forms to complete or fee? Answer: Please contact the Australian Embassy regarding your passport questions.

Name change by: Anonymous Question: I legally changed my name back to maiden name and it is on my social security card. I am still married but separated. I do not have any legal documentation except for the SS card. Can I still mail in form to renew my passport? Answer: If you changed your name legally, you should have a court order to present as evidence of such. If you cannot present said proof, you need to submit a new passport application so your passport will be issued in the name you are currently using. New applications are submitted in person.

Passport renewal with name change by: Beth Question: I need to renew my passport and change my name to married name. I have 2 things. A marriage certificate with seal and a copy of my application for a marriage license in the state of New York. Which one do I send and if both do I need to get a certified copy of the license application?? Thanks. Answer: Hi, Beth. The original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate must be submitted as proof of legal name change.

Name change by: Denise M Question: If I mail in my application with my marriage certificate for proof, will I receive marriage certificate back? Answer: Hi, Denise. Your marriage certificate will be returned to you in a separate mailing once the process is completed.

Voluntarily name change on my upcoming passport renewal by: KM Question: Dear Sir/Madam, I am a U.S. citizen, my wife is Thai currently residing in Thailand . I would like to have voluntary name change on my upcoming passport renewal. Can it be done here in Thailand or only in the U.S? Please kindly provide me information regarding name change procedure for the certified name change document. Thanks & Regards, KM Answer: You may apply for a renewal with name change overseas. Please contact the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok for more information.

Change of last name by: Anonymous Question: My passport expires in 2024 and I want to change my last name, can I change my passport now and what happens with my expiration will it remain until 2024 or will be extended, I don't want to pay twice. Answer: You will be issued a new passport that will be valid from 2019-2029.

Changing my name after 10 years by: Anonymous Question: My passport is up for renewal, and I also want to change my name to my married name after 10 years of marriage. The official name change is not indicated on my marriage certificate since I did not want to change it at the time. Can I still renew my passport and request the name change by mail using form DS-82, or do I need to renew in person? Answer: You may still apply for a passport renewal by mail and include your marriage certificate as proof of legal name change.

Name correction -- Middle name/Maiden Name by: Anonymous Question: My passport has my name as First Name, Middle Name, Married Last Name. My driver's license, social security card have my name as: First Name, Maiden Name, Married Last Name. (The middle name changed to maiden name). Do these need to match? If so, which needs to be changed? Answer: They do not have to match. What needs to match are the names of your passport and airline tickets to make sure you do not encounter issues with the TSA.

Marriage Certificate by: Anonymous Question: When I send in my marriage certificate for a name change and renewal will I get my marriage certificate back? Answer: Yes, your documents and your old passport will be returned to you once the process is completed. It will arrive in a separate envelope from the new passport.

Question by: Amber Question: My passport does not expire until September and I need to change my name due to getting married. My passport expires this September. I want to just pay the renewal fee and have my name changed. So that way I have my passport for another ten years with my new married name. If you could tell me what forms and how I need to do that...that would be great! Thank you so much for your help! Answer: Mail a completed form DS-82, passport, recent passport photo, marriage certificate and payment for fees to the address on the form.

Name change by: Betty Question: I will soon renew my passport. About 10 years ago, I went through a divorce and legal name change. My passport was amended, and my new name listed at the back of the passport. For my passport renewal, do I need to send in the name change documents again? Of is the original passport (not yet expired, but amended) sufficient? Answer: You do not need to submit your name change document again.

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