There are many reasons for which one might want to change name on a
passport, but having a good reason and knowing how to go about it
properly are two very different concepts. That being the case, let's
talk about a few different scenarios under which you might be choosing
to change your name and how you will go about it.
Your Passport was Issued Less than 1 Year Ago
If your name has been legally changed by marriage or through court order you will need to ensure you have the following:
- Valid U.S. Passport (Yours)
- Completed DS-5504 Form
- Original or certified copy of YOUR marriage certificate
- One color photo (of yourself)
These items will need to be sent to the address listed on the DS-5504
form, and unless you need the process expedited, there will be no fee.
When mailing your form you should always use a traceable method and use
secure packaging to ensure that your information is not lost or
otherwise compromised during the process.
Your Passport was Issued more than One Year Ago
In this case you will need to ensure that you have the following
items in the interest of changing your name whether it has been legally
changed for marriage or for a court order:
- Valid U.S. Passport
- Completed DS-82 Form
- Renewal Fees
- Original or certified copy of name change certificate
- Recent photograph
It should be noted that a minor under the age of sixteen will need to
make use of the DS-11 form and provide at least three public records
showing their date of birth and use of assumed name for a period of at
least five years. IN addition to that there will be need for a color
photograph. There are of course several other requirements for a minor
in terms of changing their name on a United States Passport, one of
which is parental consent. For this to occur both parents must appear in
person with the minor and sign the DS-11.
If one parent is not available they must obtain he second parent's
notarized statement of consent, and in the event the situation involves a
single parent who has sole custody, that parent must appear in person
with the minor, and the minor's birth certificate must only list the
applying parent.
These are just a few of the stipulations revolving around a minor's
birth certificate change, and it should be understood that there are
other requirements set forth by the government. Know the requirements
and understand just what it will take to change name on passport so that
you can be fully prepared when the time comes.
About the Author
Porter Smith
