1. How do I Change My Name on My Passport and a Tourist Visa?
Dealing with the bureaucracy surrounding US passports and visas can be one of the most frustrating tasks involved in preparing to travel abroad, particularly if your name has
recently changed due to marriage, divorce or a court order. Passports are issued by the US Department of State, while visas are issued by individual foreign embassies, so
they'll need to be addressed separately. Doing your research and assembling paperwork ahead of time will allow you to cut through most of the red tape relatively painlessly.
Determine Which Route to Go
Step 1
Look at the front page of your passport for the date of issue. The form you use will depend on whether the passport was issued more or less than one year ago.
Step 2
Obtain copies of your marriage certificate or other legal documentation of your name change. If you don't have or can't find documentation, you will need to follow the process
listed in Step 5.
Step 3
Obtain and fill out Form DS-5504, Application for a U.S. Passport: Name Change, Data Correction, and Limited Passport Book Replacement. With the form, include your current
US passport and two new passport photos, as well as a copy of your marriage certificate or court document indicating your name change. Mail the application to the address
listed on Form DS-5504. There is no fee for using Form DS-5504.
Step 4
Obtain and fill out Form DS-82 if your passport's date of issue was more than a year ago. Follow the procedure for applying for a passport renewal. Include all the documents
indicated in step 1, including two photos and documents confirming your name change. You also will need to include a check or money order for the appropriate passport
renewal fee, which varies by age and what type of passport you want to obtain. Mail the renewal package to the address listed on Form DS-82.
Step 5
Obtain and fill out Form DS-11, Application for New US Passport, if you don't have or can't find a certificate documenting your name change. Include all documents indicated in
Step 1, as well as a check or money order for the appropriate first-time application fees. In lieu of official documentation, include copies of at least three public records that show
exclusive use of your assumed name for five years. Mail the application to the address listed on Form DS-11.
Step 6
Contact the US Embassy for the country for which your visa was issued. An official list of embassy locations is available from the State Department (see Resources). Make an
appointment to appear in person at the embassy that serves the area in which you live. Requirements vary by country, so you will need to ask the embassy for details. Required
documentation will likely include your US passport; current, valid visa; and marriage certificate or proof of name change. If you are currently abroad, you will need to contact the
nearest US Embassy in the country in which you are traveling or living.