Have you changed your last name recently? Many people go through name changes after divorces, marriages, and other milestones. While you can continue using your passport as it is, doing so can land you in trouble with airlines and immigration officials who will see the disparity. The best course of action is to make some name changes. Let’s cover how to change last name on passport to avoid any delays at immigration:
How To Change Last Name On Passport
The only way to change your last name is by getting a new passport. There are two scenarios under which you can change last name on passport as follows:
- Passports issued more than a year ago: Suppose you got your passport more than a year ago. You will incur name change fees. Moreover, you must fill out form DS-5504, the standard for correcting names or other details in the passport.
- Passports issued less than a year ago: If you got your passport within the last year, you will not incur passport application fees. And the correct form to fill out is the DS-82 which helps you renew your current passport with a different last name.
Below is the correct process for how to change last name on passport:
- Complete the right passport application form, which can be a DS-82 form or DS-5504 form,
- Include your most recent passport,
- Add two passport photos taken in the last three months, and
- Attach evidence of the name change to support the need to change last name on passport, e.g., a marriage certificate.
Submit the documents in person if you have filled out the DS-5504 form or via mail if you have chosen to renew the passport. The state passport officers will update last name on passport and issue you with a new passport.
