Change your name in the Delta app from your account settings

To change the name on your Delta app account, open the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner, and select My Account. Tap Edit Profile, then tap the name field. Delete your current name and type the new one. Tap Save when you're done. The change takes effect when ready in the app.

This updated name will appear on your boarding passes, seat selections, and any reservations you make going forward. If you've already booked a flight under your old name, you'll need to contact Delta directly to change the name on that specific reservation — the app won't update past bookings automatically.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Delta app, tap the menu icon, and select My Account to reach your profile settings.
  • The name you enter in your profile must match the name on your government ID for check-in and boarding.
  • Changing your name in the app only affects new reservations, not flights you've already booked.
  • For existing reservations, call Delta customer service at 1-800-221-1212 or use the Manage My Booking section in the app to update the passenger name.
  • The app will not let you proceed to boarding if your app profile name doesn't match your ID at the airport.

Why your app name must match your ID

Delta requires that the name in your app profile matches the name on your government-issued ID — a passport, driver's license, or state ID card. When you arrive at the airport, the agent at check-in or the kiosk will compare your ID to the name on your boarding pass. If they don't match, you won't be allowed to board, even if your reservation is confirmed.

This rule exists because airlines use your ID to verify your identity and confirm you are the person who booked the flight. If you've recently changed your legal name through marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, update your app profile to reflect your current ID before you book a flight.

Updating an existing reservation with a new name

If you've already booked a flight and now need to change the passenger name on that reservation, the Delta app's profile change won't fix it. Instead, use the Manage My Booking feature in the app. Tap the menu icon, select Manage My Booking, enter your confirmation number and last name, and look for the option to edit the passenger name.

If the app won't let you change the name, or if you're unsure whether the change will go through, call Delta customer service at 1-800-221-1212. Have your confirmation number and the old and new names ready. Agents can update the reservation over the phone, and you'll receive a new boarding pass with the corrected name.

What happens if your name doesn't match at the airport

If you arrive at the airport and your boarding pass name doesn't match your ID, you'll need to contact a Delta agent before you can board. They may ask you to explain the discrepancy — for example, if you were recently married and changed your legal name but haven't updated your reservation yet.

In some cases, the agent can issue a new boarding pass with the corrected name on the spot. In others, you may be asked to leave the security line and resolve the issue at the ticket counter. To avoid this delay, always check that your app profile and your reservation match your current ID before you head to the airport.

Syncing your Delta app across devices

If you use the Delta app on multiple devices — your phone and tablet, for example — the name change syncs automatically across all of them once you save it. You don't need to update each device separately. The app pulls your profile information from Delta's servers, so any change you make on one device appears on all the others within a few minutes.

If you notice that one device still shows your old name after you've made the change, try closing the app completely and reopening it. This forces the app to refresh your profile from Delta's system. If the old name persists after that, sign out of the app, wait a minute, and sign back in.

Changing your name for frequent flyer miles and SkyMiles account

Your Delta SkyMiles frequent flyer account is linked to your app profile. When you change your name in the app, your SkyMiles account name updates as well. This is important because your miles are tied to the name on your account, and airlines use that name to credit miles to your account when you fly.

If you've earned miles under your old name and then change your name in the app, the miles stay in your account — they don't disappear. However, make sure the name in your SkyMiles account matches your ID and your reservations so that miles are credited correctly on future flights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name in the Delta app if I don't have a reservation yet?

Yes. You can update your profile name at any time, whether or not you have a booking. The new name will appear on any reservations you make after the change. If you have an existing reservation under your old name, you'll need to update that separately using Manage My Booking.

What if my name has special characters or accents?

The Delta app accepts most special characters and accents in names. Type your name exactly as it appears on your government ID. If the app won't accept a character, try removing it or using a standard letter instead, then call Delta to note the discrepancy on your reservation.

Do I need to change my name on my Delta credit card too?

Your Delta credit card and your app profile are separate. Changing your name in the app does not change it on your credit card. Contact your credit card issuer directly if you need to update the cardholder name on your physical card or account.

How long does it take for a name change to show on my boarding pass?

Once you save the change in your app profile, it takes effect when ready for new reservations. If you've already booked a flight and updated the name through Manage My Booking, the new boarding pass usually appears in the app within a few minutes, though it can take up to an hour.

What if I made a typo when I changed my name?

Go back to My Account, tap Edit Profile, and correct the name. Save the change. If you've already booked a flight with the typo, use Manage My Booking to fix the name on that specific reservation before you fly.