The reasons for changing your name are many. You may do this as a result of a marriage or divorce, and it may also be as a choice regarding a career. No matter what the reason for changing your name, you will want to change all of your legal documents as well. This includes changing your name on your passport. A passport name change is simple, but the process will vary depending on how long you have had your passport.

You are required by law to change your name on your legal documents at any point that you change your name. A passport name change is necessary as well, as part of this process. When doing this you will need to verify with proper documentation that you have changed your name.

It is a good idea to keep copies of these original documents for future purposes. One example of why you might need these is the case of trying getting a drivers license in a new state. In many cases if you move you’ll need to prove who you were in order to obtain a license or ID.

There are a few different ways that a passport name change can occur. Which method you will need will be based on the time period that has elapsed since you originally obtained your passport. The length of this time period affects the fee required for the passport name change.

If it has been less than a year since you obtained your passport and you have legal documentation supporting your name change, then you will need to mail your current passport, a filled out DS-5504 application, and a photocopy of your marriage certificate or name change decree. You may also need to present two recent photos along with the documentation listed above.

If it has been less than a year since you obtained your original passport then there will not be a fee for processing your passport name change. This information and documentation needs to be addressed to the National Passport Processing Center, Post Office Box 90107, Philadelphia, PA, 19190-0107.

In the case that it has been more than a year since you first obtained your passport, you will need to process the passport name change differently. The form for this purpose is the DS-82. This form will need to be completed and mailed in, along with the processing fee and the correct required documentation. You will also be required to send in two color pictures to the address listed on the back of the application.

Be sure to provide certified copies of your marriage certificate or name change document. Notarized Photostatted copies are not accepted. If you don’t have the proper paperwork then you will need to acquire it before sending in the paperwork for the name change.

If you need your marriage certificate or divorce decree you can contact the record department for the county clerk of courts. Keep in mind that the United States passport name change typically takes three to four weeks to receive your U.S. passport. You may attempt to speed this up by paying an expedite fee or contacting the office of your state Congressional representative if there is an immediate need for assistance.

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