What is quickest way to get passport with name change?

by Thomas
(Cincinnati, Ohio)

Question: Hi, I need advice. My previous passport was issued more than 15 years ago and it has already expired.

I legally changed my last name a year after it was issued but I haven't used my passport since. I have court documents to verify the name change. I also have a valid Ohio driver's license, SS card, my old passport in good condition, New Jersey birth cert., etc.

What's my quickest course to getting a valid passport? Mail? In-person, and if so, where?

Answer: Since your most recent passport was issued more than 15 years ago, you must appear in person in order to apply for a new passport.

Besides evidence of United States citizenship, proof of identity, a photocopy of the identification document and one recent passport photo, you also need to submit evidence of the name change. If your expired passport is not damaged, it can be used for both evidence of citizenship and identification.

There are only two ways to get a new passport in 2 weeks or less.

One, you can apply for expedited service at a regional passport agency. Those closest to Cincinnati are the Detroit and Chicago agencies.

Two, you can apply through a registered passport expediting service. In this case, you only need to appear at a passport office in Cincinnati.

After the passport agent has adjudicated the application and placed it in a sealed envelope, you will mail the packet to the expediting service. Be sure to include a third party authorization letter in the sealed envelope. A second one should be sent with the sealed envelope.

The expediter can have the application processed and returnd to you as quickly as 24-48 hours in most circumstances. Click the link below for more information.