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The Process Of Changing The Name On Your Passport

If you need to change the name on your passport there are a few steps you must first take. People want to change the names on their passport all the time. It could be because they got married, it could be they got divorced, or it could be they changed their name. Regardless of what the case may be, if you are changing name on passport you will have to follow the proper procedures.

Passport Basics

Passports give their holders the ability to travel freely from one country to another. They also allow for United States citizens to be let back into the country once their vacation is over. If you need to travel internationally you must have a valid United States passport with you. If you need to get a passport, you will have to provide proof of citizenship to the Department of State before you are issued your new passport.

Children's Passports

In years past, children were permitted to travel internationally with their parents without having to have their own passports. Nowadays, it is required, even for infants, that everyone traveling abroad possesses their own individual United States passport. This way, it is easier to prevent children from being abducted while abroad.

Forms To Fill Out

If you are going to be changing the name on your passport there are a few forms you are going to be required to fill out. The name of the form is DS-5504 and can be obtained online at the State Department's website. However, it is important to remember that you can only use this form if your original passport is less than a year old. Otherwise, you will have to reapply for a United States passport.

Necessary Proof 

In addition to the previous form, you will also need to send in your original United States passport. In addition, you will have to show proof of the name chance with documentation. Also, if your passport is over 90 days old, you will have to resubmit an acceptable passport photograph that they can use on your new passport. Once again, all of this only applies if your original passport is less than a year old.

Options Of Delivery

You have the option of either completing these forms online or printing them out and mailing them in. It is advisable, however, if you are mailing in your documents to use a service that tracks the whereabouts of the mail. Otherwise, it could get lost and you would be in a world of trouble. If you find out that you have to travel suddenly, you can hire a company that offers expedited services. However, try and avoid this as it is a very expensive service.

Everyone knows how important passports are for international travel. If you do not have a valid United States passport you will not be able to get very far around the world. In fact, you will not be going anywhere outside of the country without one. If you need changing name on passport services there are a few different ways to do it. Whichever way you decide, it is important to get the process started well before you are scheduled to leave on an international trip.

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