Change Your Name on Your Passport in 3 Days Fast. Simple. Guaranteed.

Am I Eligible to Renew My Passport by Mail?

You can change your name on your passport by mail using Form DS-82 if you meet ALL of these requirements:

• Current passport is undamaged and in your possession (not lost, stolen, or significantly damaged)
• Issued within the last 15 years (passports older than 15 years require a new application)
• You were age 16 or older when your current passport was issued
• Name hasn’t changed, or you can document the legal name change with a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order

What Documents Do I Need to Renew My Passport?

Passport name change is much simpler than a first-time application. You only need:

2. Passport Photo: One recent color photo (2″ x 2″) taken within the last 6 months against a white or off-white background. Use our Perfect Passport Photos tool for guaranteed compliance—AI-verified to meet all State Department requirements.

3. Completed Form DS-82: U.S. Passport Name Change Application (can be filled out online and printed).

4. Payment: $130 passport fee (no execution fee for name changes!).

5. Name Change Documentation (if applicable): If your name has legally changed since your last passport, include an original or certified copy of the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order documenting the change.

How Long Does Passport Name Change Take?

Current government processing times for passport name changes:

• Routine Service: 8-11 weeks (from the time they receive your application)
• Expedited Service: 5-7 weeks (requires additional $60 fee)
• Plus Mailing Time: Add 2-3 weeks for mailing to and from the agency

Urgent Travel? If you have international travel planned within 14 days, you may be eligible for an urgent name change appointment at a regional passport agency. However, availability is extremely limited. Our 3-4 day service is often faster and more reliable.

When Should I Renew My Passport?

Don’t wait until your passport expires! Here’s when you should renew:

Renew at Least 9 Months Before Expiration: Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. Some require even more. Renewing early ensures you’re never caught off guard.

Countries With 6-Month Rule: Popular destinations like Mexico, Canada (for air travel), most European countries, Thailand, Costa Rica, and many others won’t let you enter if your passport expires within 6 months. Check specific requirements for your destination.

Active Travelers: If you travel frequently, consider renewing when your passport has about 2-3 years left. This ensures you always have plenty of validity and blank pages for visas.

Blank Pages Running Out? If you have less than 4 blank pages left (even if your passport isn’t expiring soon), some countries won’t accept it. Renew early to avoid issues.

How Much Does Passport Name Change Cost?

Passport name change fees are straightforward and cheaper than first-time applications:

Government Name Change Fee: $130 for a 10-year adult passport book

Good News: Unlike first-time applications, name changes do NOT require the $35 execution fee, saving you money!

Optional Add-Ons:

• Passport card (in addition to book): $30
• Government expedited service: $60 (still takes 5-7 weeks plus mailing)
• 1-2 day return shipping: $23.87 (if going through government directly)

What Happens to My Old Passport?

When you change your name on your passport, here’s what happens to your current one:

You Get It Back: The State Department returns your old passport to you along with your new one. The old passport will be clearly marked as “Cancelled” with holes punched through it.

Keep It for Records: Even though it’s cancelled, your old passport is valuable! It contains your travel history, which can be useful for visa applications, immigration purposes, and personal records. Store it somewhere safe.

Valid Visas Transfer: Some valid visas in your old passport may still be usable. You can travel with both your new passport and the cancelled old passport containing valid visas. Check with the embassy of the country that issued the visa to confirm their policy.

What If I Never Get My Old Passport Back? While rare, if the State Department doesn’t return your old passport, contact them. It should always be returned to you unless there was a significant issue with it.