subject: Helpful Resource Concerning Signing Up For A Usa Passport Name Change [print this page] There are times when someone needs to get a legal name change other than the one on his or her passport. The most common reason is marriage, but there are other circumstances that may warrant a legal name change, and the passport must be changed as well. A United States passport name change is not very complicated for someone to do on his or her own or through a passport service.
Whichever way an individual decides to go, there are necessary steps that cannot be missed. First, an individual must produce a court document that authenticates that there was a legal name change and the exact date the signing. A person can send in an original or certified copy of a marriage license or court document that reflects the name change.
Many individuals do not feel comfortable sending in original legal documents, so certified copies are a safer choice for them. The court records office that provided the marriage license or court ordered name change could certify these documents for their customers. The service can be done for a modest fee and will to help smooth the passport name change process.
A passport name change necessitates sending in the DS-5504 document to the service provider or Department of State. This application is for people who have a valid passport in their possession, but need to make some changes. Individuals can look on the Internet, find the form and download it. The forms must then be completed in their entirety before they are sealed and mailed to the service provider.
As this is starting the passport application process all over again, individuals must submit photos with their application. A professional service provider should be the one to help make sure all of the passport photo rules are being followed. Applicants must submit two photos that are the same to complete the application process.
Be sure to choose a traceable mail service like FedEx or UPS when sending the paperwork and old passport in. These are highly sensitive documents containing personal information and every precaution should be taken with them. This will allow not only the passport holder to track their package but also the service provider or passport agency.
While the Department of State does charge a fee for the name change service, it can take several weeks to go through. However, people can pay an extra $60.00 for help process the application sooner. Even this method that is supposed to expedite the process takes a long time. A lot of passport services help customers get their name changed with little hassle and with a good deal of speed for a mild fee.
