Basic Information To Know About Passport Name Change

by garrett on August 16, 2011

Getting a US passport name change can be as a result of many different things affecting the applicants. There are special cases that can cause an individual to make the changes to the desired names. This can be anything from marriage or separation to personal preferences.

All IDs Must Match

It is important to ensure that people use their official names when applying for the document or when traveling. The names should be similar in all the documents. Ones banks and insurance companies should be given notice of the intention to have the names changed.

People should take note of every detail in the document. This is the most important part in this process and should be treated with a lot of care. The process can be somewhat overpowering but people should strive to do the right thing.

People with the intention of flying out are advised to make any arrangements to have the names changed before traveling. It is important for the names to be the same in every document to avoid landing into trouble with travel officials. People will be required to produce different requirements depending on the urgency of the document and the state.

Form DS-5504

Documents that were issued for less than a year are changed once the applicant has submitted the DS-5504 form though email. However, those applying as renewals will have to take the form in person. Normally, people do not pay any fee when submitting the application.

You May Need New Photos

Documents dating more than 90 days require the applicant to have fresh photos taken. They must then submit form DS-5504 and their travel identification together with the photographs to the issuing official. In addition, they should accompany the application with such documentations like separation/divorce decree, court order or wedding certificate.

Form DS-82

Applicants are issued with form DS-82. This is in case they have had their passport for more than 1 year. This form is used to apply for renewal of documents. To be eligible, the applicant should have taken it on the 16th birthday.

To get approved for the application and processing of the document, ensure the current document is in a good state and that the applicant has it when they are submitting their application for the new one. Renewals are usually processed at a fee but the applicant must produce legal documents supporting the change and two new photos.

Cost

Individuals who do not have valid documents to prove that they had changed their names must apply afresh just like anyone else who is making a first time application. Generally, they will be charged a customary charge of $95. Additionally, they charge another $60 for expedited services.

Proof Of Citizenship

There are some indicators the issuing officials use to approve the application. A minimum of 3 public records indicating the date the applicant was born and where they were born. One also needs proof that the applicant’s desired name has been active for at least a five-year period.

Expedited Available

Applicants for the state expedited applications are usually charged a supplementary dispensation fee of $6. Remember to write on the envelope that the application is expedited.

Individuals applying for a passport name change should know that the process takes about 6 weeks. This is for regular applications. The urgent or state expedited applications will take 3 weeks to be processed.  There also services available like expedited stolen US passport recovery.

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