If your name has been legally changed due to a marriage or
divorce, you will need to change the name on your passport. The process
for a passport name change is easy but it can take a long time to
receive your new passport.
To begin with, contact your local
Social Security Office and find out how to have your name changed on
your social security card, otherwise you will not be able to change your
passport. You might be able to print the form to change your social
security card right off of the Internet.
If has been longer than
12 months since you obtained your passport, you should fill out form
DS-82 to change your name. This form can usually be acquired by visiting
the local post office. The Bureau of Consular Affairs will also have it
online so you can print it off there. Printing it off the Internet may
be more convenient.
The use of this form will require that you
provide a copy of the name change and your first passport. The other 2
requirements are that you must have been at least 16 years old when the
passport was distributed and it cannot have been more than 15 years ago
that you got it.
New passport photos will need to be attached to
your application. Some people include their own photo. If you do, it has
to be a head shot and it has to measure 2 inches square. You can also
find a local store that does passport photos and in some areas the post
office will also do them. If you photos are not the correct size, your
application will be returned to you.
Now it is time to mail your
application to the address on the document. You need to place all of
your documentation along with the application and fee into an envelope
that is padded. You should consider using a method of mailing that can
be traced so that you can be sure it was received. The fee you will pay
to change your name will be the same fee as the renewal of an adult
passport.
If you are in a hurry to receive your new passport, you
can pay an extra $60 for the expedited fee.
You need to write EXPEDITED
on the outside of the envelope. Mark it clearly so that when it arrives
at its destination it will be handled properly. Another option you have
is to visit a local agency that handles passports. You can find a local
office by going to the website for the Bureau of Consular Affairs. This
is the best option if you will need to have your passport in less than 2
weeks.
It can take as many as 2 months before your replacement passport arrives, but processing a passport name change
is a very easy one. Before you seal the envelope, ensure that you have
the application completely filled out, the photos are included and money
order to cover the fees. If you follow the steps, you should not run
into any difficulties in processing. If you are not planning a trip
right away it is still a good idea to take care of your new passport now so that it will be done when you are ready to travel.
