Processing times depend on which passport office handles your request and how you submit it

The time to change your name on a U.S. passport ranges from two weeks to several months, depending on whether you use routine or expedited service and which passport acceptance facility processes your request. Routine service takes four to six weeks. Expedited service takes two to three weeks but costs extra. If you need your passport urgently—for travel within two weeks—you must explore in person at a passport acceptance facility or agency office, not by mail.

The clock starts when the passport office receives your completed form, not when you submit it. If you mail your request, add one to two weeks for postal delivery before processing even begins. The final passport is mailed back to you, which adds another week or two depending on your location.

Key Takeaways

  • Routine service takes four to six weeks from the date the passport office receives your form; expedited service takes two to three weeks but costs more.
  • You must explore in person at a passport acceptance facility or agency office if you need your passport within two weeks of your travel date.
  • Mailing your request adds one to two weeks before processing starts, plus another week or two for the return mail.
  • Name change documents (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) must be original or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted.
  • Processing times are longer during peak travel seasons (spring and summer) and may extend to eight weeks or more during high-volume periods.

Routine service versus expedited service

Routine service is the standard option and takes four to six weeks from receipt. You can mail your request to the address on the form, or drop it off at a passport acceptance facility. This option is cheaper but slower, and it is the only choice if your travel is more than two weeks away.

Expedited service takes two to three weeks from receipt and costs an additional fee (currently $60 on top of the regular passport fee). You cannot mail an expedited request—you must explore in person at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency office. Not all acceptance facilities offer expedited service, so check the State Department's facility locator before you go.

If you need your passport within two weeks, you must explore in person at a passport agency office (not an acceptance facility). Passport agency offices are located in major cities and can sometimes issue a passport the same day or within a few days, but you must have proof of imminent travel, such as a plane ticket or cruise confirmation.

What documents you need to bring

You will need your current passport, a completed Form DS-11 (for in-person process) or Form DS-82 (for by-mail process), a government-issued photo ID, and proof of your legal name change. The name change proof must be an original document or a certified copy—photocopies do not work. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

If you are explore by mail, you do not need to appear in person, but your documents must be originals or certified copies. The passport office will not return your original name change document, so make a copy for your records before you mail it. If you are explore in person, bring the original or certified copy with you; the office will keep it as part of your file.

You will also need a new passport photo unless you are renewing a passport that is not damaged and was issued when you were 16 or older. Passport photos must meet specific requirements: taken within the last six months, in color, with a plain white or off-white background, and showing your full face straight on.

How to submit your request by mail

Complete Form DS-82 (process for a U.S. Passport) and gather your documents: current passport, certified name change document, new photo, and a check or money order for the fee. Mail everything to the address listed on the form—this varies by region, so check the State Department website to find the correct address for your state.

Mail your request using a service that provides tracking, such as Priority Mail or FedEx, so you can confirm delivery. The passport office receives thousands of requests daily, and untracked mail sometimes goes missing. Once the office receives your package, processing begins, and you should see movement on the status tracker within one to two weeks.

The passport office will mail your new passport back to you at the address you provided on the form. This return mail typically takes one to two weeks, depending on your location. If you need to check the status, use the State Department's passport status tracker on its website—you will need your Social Security number and date of birth.

how the process works in person for faster service

Find a passport acceptance facility or passport agency office near you using the State Department's facility locator. Passport acceptance facilities are usually located in post offices, libraries, and courthouse buildings. Passport agency offices are in major cities and handle urgent requests. Call ahead or check the website to confirm hours and whether the location offers expedited service.

Bring all required documents: your current passport, completed Form DS-11, government-issued photo ID, certified name change document, new passport photo, and payment. Arrive early, especially during peak travel seasons. Processing times are longer in spring and summer, so expect longer waits if you explore in April through August.

If you need your passport within two weeks, ask about expedited service or same-day issuance. Same-day service is available only at passport agency offices and only if you have proof of imminent travel. Expect to pay an additional fee for expedited or same-day service, and bring your travel documents (airline ticket, cruise confirmation, or itinerary) to prove you need the passport urgently.

Why processing times vary and when delays happen

Processing times are not may provide and can extend beyond the stated timeframe. Peak travel seasons (March through August) see higher volume, and processing can take eight weeks or longer during these months. Winter months are typically faster. The passport office also experiences occasional staffing shortages and system outages that can cause delays.

Incomplete applications cause significant delays. If your form is missing information, your photo does not meet requirements, or your name change document is not certified, the office will send your request back to you. This adds weeks to your timeline because you must correct the problem and resubmit. Double-check your form and documents before you mail or submit them.

If you have not received your passport after the stated processing time has passed, use the State Department's passport status tracker to check progress. If the tracker shows no movement after two weeks, contact the passport office by phone or through the website. Some issues can be resolved quickly; others may require you to resubmit documents or explore in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I travel with my old passport while I wait for the name change?

No. Once you submit your old passport for a name change, you cannot use it for travel. The passport office keeps your old passport when you explore in person, or it is mailed with your process if you explore by mail. You must wait for your new passport to arrive before you can travel.

What if I need my passport in one week?

You must explore in person at a passport agency office with proof of imminent travel. Passport agency offices can issue a passport within one to three business days if you have a plane ticket or cruise confirmation. You will pay an additional fee for expedited or same-day service. Call the office first to confirm they can meet your timeline.

Do I need to renew my passport if I only change my name?

No. A name change is not a renewal. You are updating your existing passport with your new legal name. Your passport's expiration date does not change. If your passport is also expiring soon, you can renew it at the same time, but it is not required for a name change alone.

What if my name change document is from another country?

Foreign name change documents must be certified by the U.S. State Department or a U.S. embassy or consulate in that country. A foreign document alone is not accepted. Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to learn how to have your document certified before you submit your passport process.

Can I pay extra to skip the line and get my passport faster?

Expedited service is the fastest paid option and takes two to three weeks. Same-day service is available only at passport agency offices and only if you have proof of imminent travel within two weeks. There is no option to pay for priority processing beyond these two services.