Passport Name Change

Your legal name must match your U.S. Passport for it to remain valid. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or another legal reason, we can assist you in updating your passport with the required legal documents.

Changing the name on your passport can be a tedious process, especially since the steps vary depending on when your passport was issued. If your passport is less than 12 months old, updating your passport name may be straightforward. But if it’s older, you may need to apply for a new adult passport or submit additional forms for a full passport name modification.

U.S. citizens seeking to report a legal name change must provide certified documentation—such as a marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree—to validate the request. Processing times and documentation requirements differ based on urgency and citizenship status, so it’s important to determine which forms to use and whether you qualify for an amendment or renewal.

What happens if my passport name doesn't match my other documents?

A passport that doesn’t match your other legal documents can lead to serious travel disruptions. You may be denied boarding, face delays at immigration checkpoints, or encounter issues when applying for visas. Any mismatch between your passport and other identity documents can raise concerns with airlines, border agents, and foreign consulates.

To avoid these issues, many travelers choose CIBTvisas for expert assistance in correcting name mismatches across travel documents. We simplify the process, ensure accuracy, and help you move forward with confidence.

Eligibility for a passport name change.

To qualify for a passport name change, your current passport must have been issued within the last 10 years. If it’s more than 10 years old, you’ll need to renew your passport and apply for a new adult passport instead of requesting a name amendment.

You’ll also need legal documentation proving your name change. Acceptable documents include:

• - Marriage certificate
• - Divorce decree
• - Court order
• - Government-issued citizenship documents reflecting the new name

Depending on your circumstances, you may need to complete specific forms or provide additional proof to process the passport name amendment correctly. CIBTvisas can guide you through the required steps to help ensure your new documents align with your updated legal identity.

How to change name on passport:

1. Select the speed of service and submit your passport update request.

   VisaCentral will provide you with a list of documents needed for your passport order, processing fees for your requested service, and the next steps required to start your passport order with VisaCentral.

2. Start your passport name change order.

   Select Start Order on the following page to complete VisaCentral’s fast online passport order form.

3. Download your forms and requirements.

   VisaCentral’s Application Kit provides you with a summary of the Lost or Stolen Passport Replacement service, important information, a list of the personal documents you need to provide, step-by-step instructions for completing your passport order, as well as the required application forms you need to fill out.

4. Send your documents and completed forms to VisaCentral.

   Once you have completed all the steps outlined in your passport application kit, you need to submit the required personal documents to your VisaCentral location listed in the VisaCentral Application Kit. We will begin processing your passport order as soon as we receive it. VisaCentral will email you a summary of your passport order and will contact you if additional information is required.