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How Do You Change a Name on a Passport?

Find out how to change the name on a U.S. passport, when you can correct an error for free, and how to choose the right form for your situation.

Direct answer

To change a name on a passport, use the State Department change-or-correct path that matches your exact situation. A personal name change, a data or printing error, and an older passport update can require different forms, evidence, fees, or application methods.

reason for change + passport age/status + evidence = correct passport name-change form

Name change or correction

State Department printing error

Correction path

Current passport and error explanation

Marriage or divorce name change

Name-change path

Certified name-change document

Court-ordered name change

Name-change path

Certified court order

Passport too old for simpler path

New application or renewal path

Depends on status and timing

Different passport update

Use State Department form guide

Scenario controls form and fee

Situation	Likely path	Key evidence
State Department printing error	Correction path	Current passport and error explanation
Marriage or divorce name change	Name-change path	Certified name-change document
Court-ordered name change	Name-change path	Certified court order
Passport too old for simpler path	New application or renewal path	Depends on status and timing
Different passport update	Use State Department form guide	Scenario controls form and fee

The right form depends on why the name is changing

A correction because the government printed something wrong is not the same as changing your legal name after marriage, divorce, or court order. Check the exact State Department decision tree before mailing anything.

Change or correct the name

1Identify whether the issue is a government error, legal name change, or another update.
2Check the State Department change-or-correct decision tree.
3Choose the form that matches your passport status and timing.
4Gather certified evidence and a compliant passport photo if required.
5Submit by the method listed for that form and keep tracking details.

FAQ

Is correcting a passport error free?

It can be, if the error was a State Department data or printing error and you use the correct correction path. Other name changes can have normal fees.

Do I need a marriage certificate to change my passport name?

For a personal name change due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you generally need official evidence of the name change.

Can I use the renewal form for every passport name update?

No. The correct form depends on timing, passport status, whether it is a data error, and the type of name change.

Sources & method

We reviewed these references while writing this answer. Figures are estimates — confirm safety-critical work with a professional. Last updated June 7, 2026.