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U.S. Passport Name Change

For updating a recently issued passport after a legal name change — no in-person appearance required. We prepare, pre-check, and manage your update through the New York Passport Agency.

1. Documents 2. Fees Submit

You can update your name by mail using Form DS-5504 if your most recent passport was issued within the last year, was issued when you were 16 or older, is undamaged, and your name changed within one year of that passport's issuance. If your name change falls outside that one-year window, you'll need to apply for a standard renewal instead.

Eligibility
Issued within 1 year, at age 16+, name changed within that year
Government fee
$82.05
VisaRite service fee
From $259
In-person visit
Not required — mail-in
1

Gather your application paperwork

Have these ready before you start — incomplete paperwork is the most common cause of delay.

Your most recent passport

Must be undamaged, issued within the last year, issued when you were 16 or older, and your name change must have occurred within one year of that passport's issue date. If any of these don't apply, a standard renewal applies instead.

Passport Name Change Application Form DS-5504
  • Complete the DS-5504 form online at the U.S. Department of State's website — the site's wizard walks you through it, and handwritten forms are no longer accepted.
  • On the final "Print Summary" page, scroll to the bottom left and click Create Form to generate your printable application.
  • Print single-sided pages only — not back-to-back.
  • Sign in black ink, matching the signature on your current driver's license, and include a photocopy of that license for verification.
  • Adding a passport card option adds $30 to the government fee.

Passport Authorization Letter (2 original copies)

Your authorization for VisaRite to act as your agent with the Passport Agency. Must carry your original (wet) signature, matching your current driver's license — faxes and photocopies aren't accepted.

Two identical passport photos

See our passport photo requirements, or find a location near you to have them taken.

Original name change document

An original marriage certificate, court order, divorce decree, or adoption decree bearing the official seal of the issuing authority. Uncertified copies or notarized documents cannot be accepted. All documents are returned with your passport.

2

Pay the government & service fees

Make one check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of State" for $82.05.

Paying the government fee: Personal check, business check, or money order made payable to "U.S. Department of State" in the amount above — credit cards and starter checks are not accepted. Be sure to write your date of birth on the check. If you have multiple applicants, use a separate check for each person; do not combine them into one check.
Service level Review Agency processing Shipping Service fee
Super Rush 1 day 4–6 days 1–2 days $499
Express Plus 1–2 days 8–10 days 1–2 days $369
Express 1–2 days 11–15 days 2–3 days $259

Service fees may be paid online by credit card (a 3.6% surcharge applies) and are separate from the government fee above. Processing time reflects the Passport Agency's time to process your application once received — it does not include return shipping, and the day we receive your package does not count as a processing day.

Send us your application for a pre-check

  1. Email service@visarite.net a scanned copy or clear photos of your complete application paperwork before you ship anything.
  2. We'll review everything for errors or omissions that could delay processing.
  3. Once your pre-check is complete, we'll email you detailed shipping instructions.

Because this update is handled entirely by mail, a careful pre-check is what keeps your application moving on schedule.

Start a Passport Service Request