subject: What to Do if You Can't Document Your Name Change for a US Passport Renewal [print this page] What to Do if You Can't Document Your Name Change for a US Passport Renewal
Applying for your name change on your US passport renewal is generally as easy as sending off your current passport, two new photos and a copy of the legal documents supporting your name change, like a copy of your marriage license or divorce decree. As long as you still have your current passport, it's less than 15 years old and you were 16 or over when it was issued, you can even renew by mail.
But what if you don't have the legal documents to prove you've changed your name? In that case, you can forget about applying for your US passport renewal by mail. You'll need to submit your application in person, at a post office or another passport acceptance facility. Here's what you'll need to bring:
Your current US passport, which must still be valid.
Two passport photos taken within the past 6 months
No fewer than 3 public records to support your request for a name change. These records must show your birthday and indicate where you were born. Additionally, they must show that you've been using your current name for at least the past 5 years.
If possible, it's also a good idea to have a relative accompany you and swear anaffidavitregarding the name change.
Once you arrive at the passport office, you'll need to do the following:
Fill out passport application form DS-11. Don't sign the form until the acceptance agent gives you permission.
Pay the appropriate passport fees. Your new passport will cost a total of $165 for a passport book and a passport card, or $135 for just the passport book. Expedited processing is available for an additional $60 charge, plus the cost of overnight shipping to and from the passport office.
After that, it's just a matter of waiting for your US passport renewal to be processed and your new passport with your new name to arrive in the mail. If you selected regular processing, expect to wait at least 6 weeks. If you selected expedited processing, expect to wait at least 3 weeks.
