Form DS-5504: passport name change within a year

Checked against the State Department's Form DS-5504 (edition 04-2025) on 2026-10-07. Agency rules and fees change; the agency's current instructions win.

Who can use it

The form's name-change test: "I changed my name, by marriage or court order, less than one year after my most recent U.S. passport book and/or card was issued and my U.S. passport book and/or card was issued less than one year ago." (It also covers some corrections and limited-validity passports.) If that isn't you, see DS-5504, DS-82 or DS-11?

What it costs

The form: "at no cost (unless expedited service is requested for a name change or limited passport replacement)." Faster 1-2 day delivery is "Available for an additional fee." For amounts, the form says to "Visit travel.state.gov for the current fees and processing times for expedited service."

What to send

"Attach one color photograph 2x2 inches in size and your issued U.S. passport and supporting documents." The photo must be "Taken less than six months ago."
"an official certified name change document (such as a certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or a certified copy of a court order) showing a seal and officiate's/judge's signature." If you can't, "you must apply on form DS-11." See getting certified copies.
"This form can be submitted by mail." The form adds: "The Department recommends using a trackable mailing service when submitting your application."
On returns: "All documentary evidence that is not damaged, altered, or forged will be returned to you. Photocopies will not be returned."

Get the form free from the State Department (eforms.state.gov); its guidance is at travel.state.gov/namechange. Questions: the National Passport Information Center, 1-877-487-2778.

Common questions

Is there a fee for Form DS-5504?

The form says eligible passport holders can re-apply "at no cost (unless expedited service is requested for a name change or limited passport replacement)." It says to check travel.state.gov for current fees.

What document proves my name change?

The form asks for "an official certified name change document (such as a certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or a certified copy of a court order) showing a seal and officiate's/judge's signature."

What if my passport is more than a year old?

DS-5504 covers a name change "less than one year after" a passport that "was issued less than one year ago." Otherwise, see which form fits (DS-82 or DS-11) on our passport page and at travel.state.gov/namechange.

The rest of the list

The passport is one step. The kit puts Social Security, your license, passport, payroll, taxes, voter registration and accounts in order, with trackers in PDF and Word.

A new Social Security card in your new name is free from the Social Security Administration (ssa.gov). Official passport and agency forms are free from the agencies. This kit is a paid planning guide; you don't need it to change your name.

Get the Name Change Kit (PDF + Word), $12

Instant download. 14-day no-questions refund. Edition 1.0, dated 2026-10-07. Federal steps for every state; state steps you look up.

Sources

U.S. Department of State, Form DS-5504 with instructions (edition 04-2025)