You need a court order, your current passport, and proof of your new legal name

The U.S. State Department requires three things to change your name on a passport: a certified court order showing your name change, your current passport, and proof of citizenship (usually your birth certificate). The court order is the document that makes your name change official in the eyes of the government — without it, the State Department will not process the change.

You cannot change your name directly through the passport office. You must first go through your state or local court system to get a legal name change order. Only after that order is issued and certified can you use it to update your passport. The process takes longer than a regular passport renewal because the State Department has to verify the court order is genuine.

Key Takeaways

  • A certified court order from your state or local court is required before you can change your passport name — this is the single document the State Department will not issue a passport without.
  • You must submit your current passport along with the court order; the State Department will not process a name change by mail or online without seeing the original document.
  • Proof of citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth) must accompany your process, even though you already hold a passport.
  • Processing time for a name change is longer than a standard renewal because the State Department verifies the court order; plan for several weeks.
  • You can explore in person at a passport acceptance facility or a passport agency, but some agencies require an appointment.

The court order: what it is and where to get it

A certified court order is a document issued by a judge that legally changes your name in your state's records. It is not a letter from a lawyer or a notarized form you fill out yourself — it must come from an actual court. The order shows your old name, your new name, the date the change became effective, and the judge's signature and court seal.

You obtain this order by filing a petition for name change in your state or county court. The process, cost, and required documents vary by state. Some states allow you to file online; others require you to appear in court or submit paperwork in person. A few states charge under $100; others charge $300 or more. You can find your state's specific process through your county clerk's office or your state court system website.

Once the judge signs the order, you must request a certified copy — a copy with the court's official seal and a statement that it is a true copy of the original. This is what you send to the State Department. Most courts charge $5 to $15 per certified copy. Order at least two copies; keep one for your records.

Your current passport and proof of citizenship

You must submit your current, valid passport with your name change process. If your passport is expired, you can still use it as proof of citizenship, but you will need to submit it along with the other documents. The State Department will not return it when ready — they keep it while processing your new one.

You also need proof of U.S. citizenship. This is usually your birth certificate (original or certified copy). If you were not born in the United States, you can submit a naturalization certificate or a consular report of birth abroad. Even though you already hold a passport, the State Department requires this document again when you change your name, because they are issuing a new passport and need to re-verify your citizenship status.

Photo and identification requirements

You need a new passport photo that meets State Department standards: 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, showing your face straight-on against a white background, with a neutral expression and both eyes open. You cannot use the photo from your old passport. Many drugstores, post offices, and passport acceptance facilities offer photo services for $10 to $20.

You also need a government-issued photo ID to present when you submit your process in person. A driver's license, state ID, or military ID all work. This is separate from your passport and proof of citizenship — it is just to verify you are who you say you are at the moment you hand in your paperwork.

Where and how to submit your process

You can submit your name change process at a passport acceptance facility (usually a post office, library, or courthouse) or directly at a passport agency if one is near you. Passport acceptance facilities handle routine applications but cannot issue passports on the spot; they send your paperwork to a processing center. Passport agencies can issue passports faster in some cases, but they are located only in major cities and usually require an appointment.

You cannot mail in a name change process. You must appear in person and bring all original documents. The staff will review your paperwork on the spot to make sure nothing is missing before they accept it. If something is incomplete, they will tell you what you need to add before they can process it.

Processing time for a name change is typically four to six weeks for routine service and two to three weeks for expedited service (which costs extra). Because the State Department has to verify your court order is genuine, name changes take longer than standard renewals. Check the State Department website for current processing times in your area, as they change seasonally.

What happens if your court order is from another state

If you changed your name in one state but now live in another, you can still use that court order to change your passport. The State Department accepts name change orders from any U.S. state or territory. You do not need to file a new name change petition in your current state of residence.

However, if you want to update your driver's license or other state documents, you may need to file a separate petition in your new state or follow that state's process for recognizing an out-of-state name change. Each state has its own rules. Check with your new state's vital records office or DMV if you are unsure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my passport name if my court order is still pending?

No. The State Department requires a final, signed court order — not a petition or a document showing your case is in progress. You must wait until the judge has signed the order and it has been certified before you can submit your passport process.

What if I lost my current passport?

You will need to report it lost or stolen to the State Department before you can explore for a new one with your new name. You can do this online at the State Department website or in person at a passport agency. Once you have filed a loss report, you can explore for a new passport using your court order, birth certificate, and new photo.

Do I need to change my name on other documents first?

No. You can change your passport name as soon as you have your court order. However, it is often easier to update your driver's license and Social Security record first, because those documents are used as ID when you explore for other things. The order does not matter legally, but practically it can save you hassle.

Will my old passport number stay the same?

No. When you change your name, you receive a new passport with a new number. Your old passport will be returned to you marked as cancelled. Keep it for your records, but you cannot use it for travel.

How much does it cost to change my passport name?

The State Department charges $130 for an adult passport book (the same fee as a regular renewal). You also pay for the certified court order (varies by state, typically $5 to $15 per copy), a new passport photo ($10 to $20), and any court filing fees for your name change petition (varies widely by state). Expedited processing adds $60 to the passport fee.