application letter for name change in passport

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First-time applicants and people who aren’t allowed to get a new passport by mail.

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Renewing Passports

Most people renewing a passport should mail their application directly to the State Department.

Renew by Mail

Passports for Minors

Passports for children under 16 have special requirements. Make sure you are prepared.

Apply for a First-Time Passport

If you've never had a U.S. passport, are 16 or under, or aren't allowed to renew an existing passport by mail, you need to apply for a new passport in person at the Post Office.

Step 1: Gather Documents Early

Generally, you should apply for your new passport as soon as you know you’ll be traveling internationally—at least several months in advance. Passport processing times may vary, so be sure to check the latest State Department service estimates . First-time applicants, minors, and applicants who need a new passport but may not renew by mail may submit their passport application at the Post Office. The U.S. State Department website explains what you'll need to bring with you.

Application forms (unsigned)
Proof of identity document and a photocopy of the front and back
Proof of U.S. Citizenship document and a photocopy of the front and back
Passport fees

Apply for a Passport in Person

Step 2: Prepare Your Application Package

Visit the U.S. Department of State website to learn how to apply for a passport and what documents you need.

Complete your Form DS-11 Application for U.S. Passport on the State Department website.
Print your completed application. DO NOT SIGN YOUR APPLICATION. A Postal employee must witness your signature.
Have a passport photo taken.
Photocopy your proof of identity and U.S. Citizenship documents.
Post Offices accept credit cards, checks, and money orders for Post Office acceptance fees.
State Department fees are mailed with your application. You can pay with a personal, certified, cashier's, traveler's check, or money order, payable to "U.S. Department of State."

Get Started on Your Application

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment

Post Offices that offer passport services have set hours, and you'll need to schedule an appointment using the online Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler or a Post Office lobby self-service kiosk.

Scheduling Online

Go to Schedule an Appointment .
Choose the passport service you need, along with the number of adults and minors who need appointments.
You can search for appointment by location or date first. If you search by location first, you'll then be asked to choose a date and time; if you search by date first, you'll then need to choose a location and time.
After you choose your appointment location and time, provide your contact information, and agree to the Terms and Conditions.
Click Review Appointment , then confirm your appointment.

If you need to modify or cancel your appointment, click the Manage Appointments tab and enter your confirmation number and email address or phone number.

Using a Self-Service Kiosk

Go to a Post Office location with lobby self-service kiosks. Find USPS Locations
At the self-service kiosk, touch the screen to begin, then select "Other Services," then "Passport Scheduler."
Choose the passport service you need, then enter the number of adults and minors who need appointments.
Search for Post Office locations by ZIP Code™ or City/State and choose a location.
Select an available appointment date and time, then agree to the Terms and Conditions.
Enter your contact information and decide if you'd like to receive SMS text notifications.
Review and confirm your information, then select “Schedule Appointment” to finalize.
Take your printed receipt listing your confirmation number and appointment details.

Step 4: Pay Passport Acceptance & Processing Fees

First-time passport applications have two types of basic fees, the application acceptance fee and the application processing fee. Passport photos and fees for faster processing are extra. Learn how to calculate fees and what you can use to pay for them.

Application Acceptance Fees – Postal Service

Pay acceptance fees in person at the Post Office. You may pay by check or money order, payable to "Postmaster," debit card, or credit card.

$35.00 - Post Office acceptance fee
$15.00 - Post Office photo fee (if needed)

Application Processing Fees – Department of State

State Department payment is sent with your application package. State Department fees are paid separately from USPS fees.

State Department Fees State Department passport fees vary. Calculate passport fees online .
Personal, certified, cashier's, or traveler's check, payable to "U.S. Department of State."
Money order payable to "U.S. Department of State." You can buy a money order at the Post Office with cash, a debit card, or a traveler's check. You cannot pay with a credit card.

Application Status Updates

Use the Online Passport Status System to check your application status if you applied by mail or in person. You may not be able to get a status update for 2 weeks after you apply or renew. During these weeks, your application and supporting documents are on their way to the Department of State. See more information about current processing times on the Department of State page " U.S. Passports ."

Renew a Passport by Mail

If you are eligible to renew your passport, please complete Passport Renewal Application Form DS-82 (see completion instructions on the form), and mail your completed renewal application directly to the State Department for processing. To verify if your passport is eligible for renewal by mail, please visit State Department Renew By Mail .

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility to Renew by Mail

A minor's passport may not be renewed by mail; to renew a minor's passport, you need to submit a new, first-time passport application in person . An adult passport may be renewed by mail if it meets certain requirements.

You can renew your adult passport by mail if you answer "Yes" to all 5 of the following statements:

Your passport:

Is in your possession to submit with your application.
Is undamaged other than normal "wear and tear."
Was issued when you were age 16 or older.
Was issued within the last 15 years.
Was issued in your current name or you can document your name change. (Name changes are explained on Change a Passport .)

If your passport does not meet all these requirements, do not mail your renewal application. You must prepare the same application package as a first-time passport applicant.

State Department Renew by Mail

Apply early for renewals as many countries require that passports be valid for at least 6 months after you enter their country. Learn how to properly prepare your application package and include all the necessary documents so your passport is processed on time.

Complete your Passport Renewal Application Form DS-82 on the State Department website.
Print and sign your DS-82 form.
Have a passport photo taken. You can schedule a passport photo-only appointment at a Post Office ™ location.
Calculate your passport renewal fees .
Collect your most recent passport, completed and signed application, renewal fees, and name change documents, if needed.
Use an envelope large enough to fit the application without folding it.
TIP : Pay for Priority Mail Express ® or Priority Mail ® service and get free envelopes that are large enough to hold your application. Order easily online: Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelope or Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope .
Address the envelope to the location for your state. See page 2 of your DS-82 form.

How to Renew a Passport - Details

Step 3: Mail Your Renewal Application

Department of State recommends using a USPS delivery tracking service to mail your renewal application.

Choose one of the following services:

USPS Priority Mail ® Service with Delivery Confirmation
USPS Priority Mail ® Service with Signature Confirmation
USPS Priority Mail Express ® Service (for overnight delivery requests)

Compare Delivery Tracking Services

Step 4: Follow Your Application Progress

If you use a USPS delivery tracking service, go to USPS Tracking ® to see when your package is delivered.

With a USPS tracking service, you can see when your application arrived using the tracking number on your receipt.

USPS Tracking Status

U.S. Passport Application Status

Expedited Passport Delivery

Get a new passport faster in emergencies & special cases.

If you need your passport faster for emergency travel or another special case, you can send your passport application via Priority Mail Express ® service and pay the State Department fee for faster delivery.

Life-or-Death Emergency

If you need to travel within 72 hours (3 business days) for an immediate family member who is dead, dying, or has a life-threatening illness or injury:

Visit the Life-or-Death Emergencies page on travel.state.gov to learn if you are eligible.
The State Department processes these requests by appointment only.
Your appointment date must be within 72 hours (3 business days) of travel.

Urgent Travel in Less than 10 Weeks

If you are traveling in less than 10 weeks, you must call the State Department Passport Agency to schedule an appointment:

You can call 1-877-487-2778 (1-888-874-7793 TDD/TTY) to schedule an appointment.
Your appointment date must be within 72 hours (3 business days) of travel, and you must provide proof of travel.

Note : An extremely limited number of appointments are available for customers who are traveling internationally in the next 72 hours (3 business days), and other restrictions apply .

Get My Passport Fast

Renew Your Passport Fast

If you pay an additional $60 for expedited service and mail it with Priority Mail Express , you can get your renewed passport within 10 weeks.

Check your eligibility under Renew Your Passport by Mail, Step 1: Check Your Eligibility to Renew by Mail .
Prepare your application as listed under Renew a Passport by Mail, Step 2: Prepare Your Application Package .
Add these special fees, both payable to the U.S. Department of State, to your regular processing fees.
$60.00—Expedited application processing at the State Department
$18.32—1- to 2-day delivery service for faster return shipping to you from the State Department
Clearly mark "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the envelope.
Ship your application to the State Department by Priority Mail Express. Cost varies by location.
Both parents/guardians must authorize the issuance of a child's passport. The best way to give consent is for both parents/guardians to go with the child when applying.
Children need evidence of citizenship.
Parents/guardians need proof of parental relationship.
NOTE: Children's passports are only valid for 5 years. They are not "renewable": When a child's passport expires, you must apply for a new passport for them. When making a passport appointment for a child, please choose "New Passport Only" or "New Passport with Photo Services."

Apply for a Minor's Passport

Department of State Passport Website English | Español
Ask Questions at the National Passport Information Center
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Plan Your Trip with the Traveler's Checklist
Get Help in an Emergency Overseas

Lost or Stolen Passports

If your passport has been lost or stolen, you should report it immediately to the U.S. Department of State.

Report Your Lost/Stolen Passport

Sample Request Letter for Name Correction on Passport

[Here briefly describe sample applications and letters for name corrections on passports and related documents etc. Wrong information may cause a huge problem in Passport issue. You must correct al data and information submitted with a proper documentation.]

Date…

The Administration Office…

Institution name…

Institute Address…

Sub: Letter for Name Correction on Passport

Recently I get my passport for working visa abroad (or student visa). But my name on the passport isn’t correct. My name is (name) (Copy of National ID card attached) and it is written as (name). Copy of the submitted form with my correct name is also attached for your review. I request you to please correct my name in your record and issue a new passport with the correct name because it is not acceptable with my other documents with this name.

Address…

Another format,

Dear [NAME],

I am writing this letter to request a name change on my passport. Please find enclosed all documents needed to process this request, as well as a check payable in the amount of [GOVERNMENT FEE]. If you need any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your time.

Sample Letter format for Nominee in Saving Bank Account

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How to change your name and what government agencies to notify

You might change your name through marriage, divorce, or court. Update your new name with Social Security, the motor vehicle office, and other government agencies.

How to legally change your name

The process of changing your name through marriage, divorce, or a court order can vary between states.

Before you get married, you must apply for a marriage license. After you apply for the license and get married, your new name will be reflected on your marriage certificate. Contact the local government where you are getting married to learn about applying for a marriage license and how to change your name.

When you file for divorce, you can change your name back to the name you used before you got married. In most states, you may do so when you apply for your divorce decree. Contact your local government to learn more about changing your name when you file for divorce.

Court order

In most cases, you must file a petition with your local court to change your name. To do so, you may need to file paperwork and appear before a judge to complete the process. Find your local government website and contact your circuit court to get information about how you can legally change your name.

Government agencies to notify when you change your name

Use certified copies of marriage and divorce certificates or name change orders as proof to notify these federal and state agencies that you changed your name.

Social Security card

Notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) early. Other agencies learn of name changes through the SSA.

Driver’s license or state ID card

Contact your state motor vehicle office . Having an updated license or state ID will make changing your name with other agencies easier.

Tax returns

Every name on your tax return must match Social Security Administration records. The IRS says it is critical to update names with the SSA before filing your tax return .

U.S. passport

Report your name change to the State Department as soon as possible to get an updated passport.

Naturalization certificate and certificate of citizenship

Complete a USCIS application online or by mail to update the name on your naturalization or citizenship certificate.

Veterans benefits

If you receive veterans health care or benefits, notify the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) .

Voter registration

Update your state voter registration:

Online through vote.gov or
By mail using the National Mail Voter Registration form

Postal service

Report your name change to the local post office that delivers your mail.

State benefits programs

Contact your state's social services office if you receive SNAP (food stamps), TANF (welfare), or other public assistance.

State and property taxes

Notify your state taxing authority .

If you own a home, notify the city or county property tax office.

LAST UPDATED: February 2, 2024

Have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

Letter Writing
Formal Letter Writing In English
Name Change Request Letter Sample

Name Change Request Letter Sample | Check Format and Sample Letters

If you have gone through a passport verification process, you would know how important it is to have the same name and address in your passport application and all the other supporting documents you are providing. So, it is important to make sure you change your name legally (if you ever want to change your name) and also get it updated in all official documents and identification cards, even if it is just an alphabet. Most often, a person changes their name for some personal or other reasons.

In this article, you will learn what a name change request letter is and how to write one in this article.

How to write a name change request letter, name change request letter to bank, application for surname change, surname change request letter to office, frequently asked questions on name change request letter sample.

A name change letter can be raised to banks, offices, government offices, etc. It should include information like your name, address, date, bank or organisation, address of the organisation, your previous name and the changed name or surname. Also, see to that you attach a copy of the proof of name change and other supporting documents.

To further understand the format better, refer to the name change request letter samples provided below.

Name Change Request Letter Samples

As mentioned, in order to change the name or surname, you will have to write a letter to your organisation following the name change letter format. It is similar to that of a formal letter . For instance, in case a child’s name is changed, then the parents will have to write an application letter to the principal of the school requesting to change their name in the register. Refer to the below-provided sample letters for a better understanding of the format.

Ayushi Sharma 567, Satya Nagar Bhubaneswar, Odisha – 751002

17th February, 2022

Shiva Kumar Mishra Branch Manager HDFC Bank Satya Nagar, Odisha – 751002

Sub: Request to change my name in the bank records

I have been a customer of your bank for a few years with account number (mention your account number). I am writing this letter to bring to your kind attention that I have changed my name for some personal reasons, and I want to change the same in the bank records as well. Since my name is now legally changed, I would like to request you to change my name from ARUSHI SHARMA to AYUSHI SHARMA. For your reference, I have attached the legal proof of my name change with this letter.

I request you to do the needful at the earliest possible, and I shall be highly obliged for the same. You can contact me on 9999999999 or at my mail address ([email protected]) for any further clarifications.

Yours sincerely,

Ayushi Sharma

Attachment:

Legal proof of name change
Copy of Aadhaar card with changed name

Chinmayee Das 448 Saheed Nagar Bhubaneswar, Odisha – 751007

The Principal Vikash Residential School Khandagiri, Odisha – 751036

Sub: Request to change my name and address in school records

I, Chinmayee Das, TGT English, am writing this letter to bring to your kind notice that I have changed my surname after my marriage. I have legally changed my name and address with my husband’s details, and the same has been updated in my certificates also.

Previous name – Chinmayee Das

New name – Chinmayee Das Mohanty

Changed address – 654 Mahatma Gandhi Road, Berhampur, PIN – 751090.

I would like to request you to kindly make the changes as per the proof so that there won’t be any further issues legally. I have enclosed the supporting documents along with the letter. Please do the needful at the earliest.

Chinmayee Das TGT English

Legal proof of surname and address change
Aadhaar card with new details

Ashima Chakraborty Shiv Krupa Building Dairy Circle, Koramangala Bangalore- 560043

The HR Manager UIV Solutions Ring Road, Mahadevpura Bangalore – 560016

Sub: Request to change my surname as per records

I, Ashima Dutta, with employee ID E09876, have now changed my surname and address details after my marriage. The details have been changed legally, and the necessary changes have also been made in the documents. I request you to update my details as mentioned below:

Before marriage:

Name – Ashima Dutta

Address – B Narayanapura, #98, 2nd Cross Road, Mahadevpura, Bangalore- 560016

After Marriage:

Name – Ashima Chakraborty

Address – Shiv Krupa Building, Dairy Circle, Koramangala, Bangalore- 560043

Kindly do the needful as early as possible to avoid any further miscommunication.

Ashima Chakraborty Contact: 9999999999 Mail id: [email protected]

Attachments:

Aadhaar card with the changed name
Legal proof of surname changed

How can I change my name in my bank loan account?

After your name or address has been changed legally, write a name change request letter to the branch manager of your bank, mentioning the old name and the changed name that has to be updated with your account details and legal proof of name change.

Can I write to the bank manager for the change of my surname in my current account?

You can write to the branch manager where your account is registered with the proof of legal changes made against your name.

Which documents can be considered as proof of name change?

An affidavit with the signature of the applicant and attested by the Judicial Magistrate/Notary will be considered as the legal proof of your name change.

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Updating or Correcting Your Documents

We issue secure documents you may use to establish your identity and immigration status or authorization to accept employment in the United States. These documents include your personal information, such as your full legal name, date of birth, country of birth, gender, and A-Number. This page provides information on how to update and correct the information on your documents.

If you want to update or correct your U.S. passport, see the State Department’s Change or Correct a Passport webpage. If you want to update your Social Security card, see the Social Security Administration’s Make Changes to Your Record webpage. If you want to update your driver’s license or non-driver identification card, refer to your local motor vehicle authority (PDF) for more information.

If you received your document from USCIS with an error that is not your fault (for example, USCIS made a typo when issuing your notice or document), you may submit a service request to address the error (select the Typographic Error option).

Alternatively, see below for information on how to request a replacement.

There is no fee if the request for correction is due to USCIS error.

Did your personal information change, and would you like to update your USCIS-issued document? For instance, if you recently changed your name, gender, or both, you may want to update your USCIS-issued document to reflect these changes.

If you are scheduled for an interview with USCIS, you may update your information at the time of your interview.

If we send you a Request for Evidence (RFE) asking for updated information, follow the instructions in the RFE.

Otherwise, see the table below for more information on how to request a change.

Name Change

If you would like to update the name reflected on your document, you must provide sufficient evidence of your name change, such as a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other vital document record. For more information, see USCIS Policy Manual Volume 12, Citizenship and Naturalization, Part K, Certificates of Citizenship and Naturalization, Chapter 4, Replacement of Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization .

Gender Change

As of March 31, 2023, you do not need to provide supporting evidence to change the gender listed on your immigration documents, with a limited exception. If you want to update your gender information on a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship, you must still provide the required supporting documentation of the change, as listed in the Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document instructions (PDF, 257.24 KB) . For more information, see USCIS Policy Manual Volume 12, Citizenship and Naturalization, Part K, Certificates of Citizenship and Naturalization, Chapter 4, Replacement of Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization .

Information on Requesting a Change by Document Type

The table below provides information on how to request a biographic change on a specific document.

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Passport Name FAQ

Home » Passports » How to Obtain a U.S. Passport

Questions applicants frequently ask include what name to include on the application (especially if the full name is long or the birth name is not used), what to do in case of printing errors, and how to sign the passport.

The answers to these and many other questions are provided below to help you understand possible options for how your name can be used in your passport.

The passport agent who examines your application must verify that the name to be written in your U.S. passport is the one that best identifies you. This is typically determined by the citizenship and identity documents that you submit. If you request a name that is significantly different from that which appears on the documents you submit, you must provide additional documentation to establish and support the link between the name you are requesting and the name on the evidence of citizenship or proof of identity.

List of Passport Name FAQ

Below, we've listed the most commonly asked questions about name issues in passports. If you find a question that you would like the answer to, just click the link.

Which name should I use on the passport application?

Question: I need to travel to Canada for a conference. On the passport application do I list the name on my driver's license (Vicki L.) or my birth certificate...

Can I change my passport name back to my legal name if I don't have a picture ID that has that given name?

Question: I had my passport issued in the short version of my given, legal name..also my driver's license, so they would match....however, my Soc. Security...

How does my name appear on my passport?

Question: How does my entire name appear on my passport? Is my middle name or initial on the passport? I am asking because I would like to know what...

Can I get a passport if the name on my birth certificate does not match the name on my driver's license and social security card?

Question: The last name on my birth certificate is different from the name I use on all of my legal documentation. I have used the last name of my...

The name in my passport does not match the name on my driver's license.

What to do if the name in your passport is different from the name in your driver's license when planning an international trip.

How do I get a passport if the name on my birth certificate is different from my current name?

Question: I am trying to plan a trip to the Ukraine for the first week in December. I need to get my passport to go. I do not have my birth certificate...

My first name on my birth certificate differs from the name on my driver's license.

Question: My first name on my birth certificate is Frankie. My first name on all of my other documents (driver's license, credit cards etc.) is Frank...

What problems will I face if I have dual citizenship and have different names in my passports?

Question: I am a Mexican Citizen living legally in the U.S. with Green Card (I have a valid Mexican Passport). I am engaged to a U.S. Citizen, considering...

How should we prepare our passports?

Question: Our last name starts with Van, has a space, and then the rest of our last name appears. Our licenses and my husband's social security card...

Can I have two non-hyphenated last names in my passport?

Question: I'm getting married in a few months, and we each plan on adding the other's last name to our current names. So my name will be MyFirst, MyMiddle...

Passport Name

Question: I am in the process of legally changing my first and middle name. When this is completed and I apply for a passport for my daughter, do I have...

How do I find out how my name will appear on my passport?

Question: My full first name is Anthony, but I go by Tony. I'm trying to fill out my passport info for paperwork for a trip, but I can't remember if...

Middle Name in Passport

Answers to questions about the middle name in a passport.

How can I have my passport name match my other documents?

Question: Hello, Thank you for your time in answering my question. My husband and I are going on a surprise cruise in 4 weeks!!! I need to get a passport...

Passport Name Printing Error

What to do when the name in a passport is printed incorrectly.

How to get a passport if assumed name is different from the name on birth certificate?

Hello, I am interested in obtaining my first passport, but I have a possible problem. My first given name on the birth certificate is not the same as...

I'm a resident of Puerto Rico and my Florida birth record and SS Card indicate the same last name, can I obtain my passport in Puerto Rico?

Question: If my Florida birth record and SS card show my first and last name (father's surname) the same, and in Puerto Rico it is customary to use the...

Should there be a space after the "Mc" of my last name in my passport?

Question: Just received passport and last name is listed MC NEIL. It should be just one word. I want to make sure that this is not the way you do it...

How do I see the name that will be listed on my passport?

Question: My passport has been applied for but I need to get my airline tickets. Will the passport have my full middle name or just the initial?

Should you put a child's full name on the passport?

Question: We are getting ready to get our 15-year-old son a passport so he can do some mission work in Mexico and have in case we ever go on a cruise...

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Changing the name on your passport or travel document

On this page, you may not be able to use some characters or accent marks, changing the name on your adult passport, changing the name on a child passport, dropping or inverting given names.

Changing your last name because your relationship status has changed

Changing your name on your passport back to the previous one

Reclaiming your indigenous name, changing the name on your passport can cause problems.

Be sure to make all of your travel bookings, such as tickets and hotels, in the name you have on your passport. Your ID should also ideally match the name you have on your passport.

If the name on your passport doesn’t match your bookings or other ID, you might have problems such as

delays at border crossings
not being allowed on your plane, boat, train or bus
countries not allowing you to enter

This could happen even if you carry your marriage or civil partnership certificate, legal change of name documents or proof of citizenship with you.

You can ask the consulate of the country you plan to visit about your name change. If you have a travel agent, you can also ask them.

We can only print the Roman alphabet and some accented letters in passports and travel documents. Most languages have alternative spellings of names to account for this.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has guidelines to help ensure all passports and travel documents are machine-readable, as they are used

in computer systems by domestic and foreign border control agencies
ticket purchasing
reservations
printing of boarding cards

All systems that handle passenger data, including personal identity information, follow the ICAO guidelines. This makes sure no matter where you travel, your passport or travel document works across computer systems.

The process is the same as applying for a new adult passport. However, because we’re changing the name on your passport, you need to give us some extra documents.

The application form and the steps to submit your application depend on where you’re applying from.

apply for a new passport in Canada (opens in a new tab)
apply for a new passport from the US (opens in a new tab)
apply for a new passport from outside Canada and the US (opens in a new tab)

Because we’re changing the name on your passport, you also need to include

a relationship change
a legal name change, a court order or an adoption order
the reclamation of your Indigenous name
supporting ID (opens in a new tab) that shows the new name
It can have either your new name or your previous name .
your current passport, if it’s still valid

You no longer need an updated proof of citizenship

You don’t need a new proof of citizenship if your name has changed because of

an adoption
a court decision
a legal name change

Your proof can have your old name or your new name on it.

Ignore the proof of citizenship instructions in section I on the form

Under the instructions for section I, it says you need an updated proof of citizenship. Ignore this and follow the instructions on the website instead.

We’ll update our forms soon.

application letter for name change in passport

The process is the same as applying for a new child passport. However, because we’re changing the name on their passport, you need to give us some extra documents.

apply for a child passport in Canada (opens in a new tab)
apply for a child passport from the US (opens in a new tab)
apply for a child passport from outside Canada and the US (opens in a new tab)

Because we’re changing the name on their passport, you also need to include

the reclamation of their Indigenous name
their current passport, if it’s still valid

Your child doesn’t need a new proof of citizenship if their name has changed because of

Their proof can have their old name or their new name on it.

Ignore the proof of citizenship instructions in section J on the form

Under the instructions for section J, it says you need an updated proof of citizenship. Ignore this and follow the instructions on the website instead.

If you have multiple given names on your proof of Canadian citizenship, you may ask for your given name(s) to be slightly different on your passport. You must be applying for a new adult passport to do so .

drop given names
invert given names

If you’re dropping or inverting your given name(s), the name you want on your passport must be the same as the name that’s on your supporting ID.

Changing your last name due to a change in relationship status

You need to apply for a new passport if you’re changing your last name due to a change in your relationship status. This could be a marriage, civil partnership or divorce. You’ll need to include all the required documents for a new application and pay the fees. The ID you provide with your application needs to show your new last name.

You also need to include 1 or more of the following documents. They can be originals or copies:

marriage certificate
common-law relationship certificate
separation agreement
divorce order or judgment
certificate to dissolve a registered common-law relationship
resumption of surname certificate

These documents

must show the last name you’re asking for on your new passport
Learn more about translating documents for passport applications .
don’t need to be signed by your guarantor

Changing your name after a legal name change, court order or an adoption order

You need to apply for a new passport if your or your child’s name has changed after a legal name change, court order or an adoption order.

The supporting ID you include with your application needs to show your new given name(s) and last name.

If your or your child’s proof of citizenship does not have the new legal name, you need to submit the proof of citizenship in your or your child’s previous name and provide one of the following documents:

a legal name change certificate
an adoption order
a court order

Whichever of these documents you give us, it must have both of the following:

your new name and
your old name

They can be the original or a photocopy. If you’re applying by mail we suggest sending photocopies so you can hold on to your originals.

We may need further documents or information if you got these documents outside of Canada. If they’re not in English or French, they need to be translated by a certified translator. Learn more about translations .

You need to submit a new application to change the name on your passport back to the previous one. You must also submit documents supporting the name change:

changing your last name due to a change in relationship status
legal name changes, court orders or adoption orders

You can change the name on your or your child’s passport or travel document to reclaim your Indigenous name. To ensure your passport or travel document is machine-readable, names can only be written in letters from the Roman alphabet and some accented letters .

There is no cost for this until May 30, 2026. Your updated passport or travel document will have the same expiry date as the current, valid one.

This is a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (PDF, 298.56 KB) . Learn more about our response to Call to Action 17 .

Who are you applying for?

What are you applying for?

When do you need the passport?

How do you want to apply?

Where in Canada are you applying from?

British Columbia
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Northwest Territories
Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island
Saskatchewan
In 2 to 9 business days
By end of next business day
A travel document

Reclaim your Indigenous name on your adult passport

To be eligible to apply at no cost, your passport must not

be valid for less than 6 months
have been declared lost or stolen

If your passport is any of the above, you must apply for a new passport and pay the fees.

Documents you need to submit with your application

You need to submit

your current passport
1 piece of supporting ID that shows the name change
a completed form PPTC 657E (PDF, 1.26 MB)
We’ll refund you the cost of the new photos if you give us the receipt.
an updated birth certificate or citizenship certificate
legal name change document
court order or
It must show both your previous name and your reclaimed name.

Reclaim your child’s Indigenous name on their passport

To be eligible to apply at no cost, their passport must not

If their passport is any of the above, you must apply for a new child’s passport (opens in a new tab) and pay the fees.

Documents you need to submit with their application

their current passport
proof of parentage
all documents that refer to the custody of, mobility of, and access to the child , if applicable
a completed form PPTC 658E (PDF, 1.28 MB)
a birth certificate or citizenship certificate with their previous name and a
It must show both their previous name and their reclaimed name.

If you’re applying in person and need your passport in 10-20 business days

By appointment

You can book an appointment online (opens in a new tab) .

Some locations have a high demand for appointments. Their availability may vary.

Without an appointment (walk-in)

Avoid potential lines by applying at a Service Canada Centre . Your application will be processed within 20 business days, plus mail time.

You can get walk-in services at a Service Canada Centre or a passport office (opens in a new tab) . If the location is busy, we may prioritize people who need a passport within 48 hours.

Someone else can submit your application for you if you can’t go yourself. Learn more about who can submit a passport application on your behalf (opens in a new tab) .

If you’re applying in person and need your passport in 2 to 9 business days

You may need to provide proof that you need the passport .

You can book an appointment online (opens in a new tab) .

Go to a passport office with express pick-up service (opens in a new tab) .

If the location is busy, we may prioritize people who need a passport within 48 hours.

If you need your passport by end of next business day

You do not need an appointment.
You must provide proof that you need the passport .
You can check walk-in wait times (opens in a new tab) before you go.

Submit the application by mail from Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec or Saskatchewan

Service standards don’t include mailing time. Mailing times vary across the country.

Use a certified courier or traceable mail service to reduce the delivery time of your application and help protect your documents.

Mailing address (non-courier)

Government of Canada Passport Program Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0G3

Courier address

Government of Canada Passport Program 22 De Varennes Street Gatineau, Quebec J8T 8R1

Submit the application by mail from British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut or Yukon

Government of Canada Passport Program PO Box 4000 STN LCD 3 Mississauga, Ontario L5K 0A9

Submit the application by mail from New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia or Prince Edward Island

You must provide proof that you need the passport

Proof you need the passport can be

If travelling by car, a written statement explaining why you need to travel
a travel itinerary showing proof of payment
proof of illness or death in the family requiring you to travel
For example, for legal, banking or residency requirements

If we can’t deliver the passport in time to you or your child, we aren’t liable for any losses.

We recommend that you don’t finalize any travel plans until you get your passport.

Reclaim your Indigenous name on your travel document

your current travel document
a photocopy of your proof of immigration status in Canada with your reclaimed name

How to submit your application

Mail us your form and supporting documents. Your travel document and any original documentation you submitted will be returned to you by mail. They may be in 2 separate packages.

If using a courier

Centralized Network – Certificate of Identity Section Place du Centre, Commercial Level 2 200 Promenade du Portage Gatineau, QC J8X 4B7 Canada

If applying by mail (non-courier)

Use a certified courier or traceable mail service to reduce the delivery time of your application. This will also help protect your documents.

OSC PPT-COI PO Box 8783 STN T CSC Ottawa, ON K1G 5G8

Reclaim your child’s Indigenous name on their travel document

their current travel document
a photocopy of their proof of immigration status in Canada with the reclaimed name

How to submit their application

Mail us their form and supporting documents. Their travel document and any original documentation you submitted will be returned to you by mail. They may be in 2 separate packages.

Page details

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Going and being abroad
Change of name passport applications: caseworker guidance
HM Passport Office

Names: change of name passport applications

Updated 1 December 2022

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] .

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/names-change-of-name-passport-applications/names-change-of-name-passport-applications-accessible

Version 18.0

His Majesty’s Passport Office guidance on dealing with passport applications when the customer has a change of name

About: Names: change of name passport applications

This guidance tells His Majesty’s Passport Office operational staff how to deal with passport applications that have a change of name, including:

how customers apply to change their name

how to deal with:

adult and child name changes

name changes for someone who you suspect is an offender

name changes and name differences after the customer has registered or naturalised

a change of name as the customer has changed gender

a change of name after a passport was lost or stolen

name changes for British overseas citizens and British overseas territory citizens

name changes on joint citizenship applications

name changes for diplomats and officials

name changes and differences when the customer needs an interview

name changes on standard, heightened and substantial risk applications

additional checks that you need to do when the customer has changed their name

name changes that may be an indication of fraud

carrying out searches and file requests when the customer has changed their name

If you have any questions about the guidance and your line manager or senior caseworker cannot help you or you think that the guidance has factual errors then email Guidance & Quality, Operating Standards.

If you notice any formatting errors in this guidance (broken links, spelling mistakes and so on) or have any comments about the layout or navigability of the guidance then you can email Guidance & Quality, Operating Standards.

Publication

Below is information on when this version of the guidance was published:

version 18.0

published for Home Office staff on 14 November 2022

Changes from last version of this guidance

This guidance has been updated to reflect the change of name of the Queen’s Messenger Service to the King’s Messenger Service.

How customers apply when they have a change of name

This section tells His Majesty’s Passport Office staff how customers may apply for their passport when they have a change of name. It also tells them what to do if a customer records the wrong service type on their application.

A customer may apply for their passport following a change of name, using a:

postal application

online application

counter application

Change of name: postal and online applications

Customers may use a paper application form to apply for their passport when they have a change of name. If they do, they must:

tell us (on section 1 of the application form) they have a change of name

include their previous name (on section 2) on the application

Depending on the type of application, some customers may apply to renew their passport online, when they have a change of name. However, they must still include their previous name when they apply.

For applications on the Digital Application Processing (DAP) system, examiners will be presented with a task, if the customer does not declare a change of name but it’s different to the one on their last passport (see DAP – change of personal details).

Change of name: counter applications

We accept paper Premium (adults only) and Fast Track applications that have a change of name. The service available to customers depends on the type of name change. Customers can use the:

Paper Premium service or the Fast Track service , if they are renewing their passport and have changed their name because they have married or entered into a civil partnership

Fast Track service , if they are renewing their passport and have changed their name, other than because they married or entered into a civil partnership

Front office examiners must make sure the customer puts all of their previous names on the application and note them on the ‘Back office examination form’.

Back office examiners must carry out watchlist and Main Index (MI) checks when dealing with a change of name (see Names - name related case notes, system checks and warnings).

Digital Premium Service applications: change of name

Customers using the Digital Premium Service (DPS) must put their previous name in the ‘previous name’ section of the application. If the name has more than 47 characters, it will be shown in the ‘additional information’ section.

Correct service types for when there is a change of name

Ams service types when there is a change of name.

If you are dealing with an application where the customer has reported a change of name, you must make sure the customer has selected the correct service type. You must check if the application is held on either:

AMS (Application Management System)

DAP (Digital Application Processing)

Some customers tell us on their passport application that they have a change of name but record the service type as ‘renewal’ instead of ‘changes’.

If there is a change of name but the customer recorded it as ‘renewal’, you, the examiner, must update the service type on the Application Management System (AMS) to ‘changes’.

If there is a change of name but the customer recorded it as ‘renewal’, you the examiner, must update the service type on AMS to ‘changes’.

DAP service types when there is a change of name

You do not need to correct service types on the DAP system, as it will present you with a task if the customer changed their name but did not declare it.

When the change of name application is from a third party

You must carefully deal with passport applications that include a change of name from a third party. The third party must provide evidence:

of the change of name and evidence the customer uses it for all official purposes (see Names: evidence to change a name)

that they are the correct person to give us the change of name (see Authorisation and Consent)

If the customer is unable to complete or make their own change of name deed or statutory declaration (for example, they have a severe disability) we will consider:

a court order that allows the third party to change the customer’s name

a statutory declaration made by a third party that shows the customer’s old and new names, together with the reasons for the change, supported by additional evidence, for example, a letter from:

a health authority confirming they have known the customer in both their old and new name

an older relative confirming the reasons for the change of name from the old to the new name

another government department (for example, a local authority), confirming they have known the customer in both their old and new name

When the customer has a change of name but asks us to use their old one

If a customer or parent tells us their name (or their child’s name) has changed, but then asks us to use the old name, because they do not have evidence to prove the new name, you must:

refer the application for EAC (Enhanced Application Checking) if the application is processed on AMS

complete additional checks, and decide if you need to Refer for investigation for applications processed on DAP

Changing an adult’s name

This section tells His Majesty’s Passport Office operational staff how to deal with adult applications that include a change of name.

When dealing with an application for an adult change of name, you must use the guidance in this section with:

change of name on British overseas citizen (BOCs) and British overseas territory citizen (BOTCs), if the change of name is for BOCs or BOTCs customers

name and change of name on diplomatic or official passport applications, if the application is for a diplomat or official

Digital Application Processing: change of name applications, if the application is in DAP

Why adults may change their name

Customers may change their name, because they have:

married or entered into a civil partnership

changed gender

Customers may also decide to change their name for other reasons and do this using:

enrolled deed polls, unenrolled deed polls or change of name deeds

statutory declarations

acts of Parliament

The name the customer uses must be acceptable for use in the passport. You, the examiner, must refer to:

names that cannot be used in the passport, for names:

that may cause public offence

the system cannot accept because of technical reasons

that may breach trademark or copyright laws

how to show uncommon names, for:

names that have cultural or naming conventions (traditions that mean a name must be shown in a certain way)

Welsh names

Irish and Gaelic names

names that have junior prefixes or suffixes

stage, professional and religious names

customers who only have a single name

names that have titles

Reducing fraud risks when an adult changes their name

Most customers will change their name for genuine reasons. To reduce the risk of customers changing their name for fraudulent reasons, you must refer to the:

confirming identity guidance for any additional checks you must carry out when the customer has changed their name

risk indicators guidance, to check if the change of name is an indication of fraud

System checks and case noting when changing an adult’s name

When using this guidance to change a name, you, the examiner, must refer, to Names: name related case notes, system checks and warnings, to:

carry out checks on:

Main Index (MI), to make sure there is not an existing or expired passport held in a previous version of the name

all combinations of the new and old name against the watchlist

make sure the case notes include all correct information

Evidence we need to change an adult’s name

You must refer to Names: evidence to change a name, for what you can accept if an adult customer changes their name. In most cases, customers who change their name, must provide 1 piece of evidence that shows:

the change of name (for example, a marriage certificate if the customer changed the name because they married or a statutory declaration)

they use their new name for all official purposes

Customers aged 16 or 17 year olds whose name changed before they turned 16

If a customer aged 16 or 17 applies for a passport and their name changed before they turned 16, you must refer to child’s name has changed before they turned 16 but the passport application was sent after they turned 16.

Adult customers whose name changed before they turned 16

We may get a passport application for a customer aged 18 or over whose name changed before they turned 16. As they are now aged 18 or over, they do not need parental consent to change their name. We will accept they are using the name if they send us evidence of the name change (for example, this could be a change of name deed made before they turned 16) and that they use it for all official purposes.

Change of name after a passport was lost or stolen

Customers who have changed their name after their passport was lost or stolen, must still provide evidence to show they have changed their name, in line with this guidance.

They must also report their passport lost or stolen when applying for a replacement passport.

Change of name following a marriage or civil partnership

There is no legal basis for customers to change their name because they have married or entered into a civil partnership. Customers may:

keep their own name (birth or legal surname, if they previously changed it)

take their partner’s surname

create a double-barrelled surname made up of their own and partners surnames (see What we class as a double barrelled surname to understand what we will and will not accept as a double barrelled name)

Also see, BN(O) customer has double barrelled name following marriage.

Customer was previously married or in a civil partnership

Marriage and civil partnership certificates that say ‘divorced’ or ‘previous marriage dissolved’ indicates the customer was previously married or in a civil partnership. It does not always mean they used a previous name.

If the marriage or civil partnership certificate shows ‘divorce’ or ‘previous marriage dissolved’, you do not need question it with the customer, as long as:

the marriage or civil partnership certificate shows the link between the previous and new name

Customers who take their partner’s surname as their own

A customer who takes their partner’s surname as their own new surname, must provide evidence of the change of name, which will usually be a marriage or civil partnership certificate.

We do not need any other evidence, as long as the marriage or civil partnership certificate shows the link between the customer’s previous and new name.

Marriage and civil partnerships: multiple changes of name

Customers who change their name more than once through marriage or civil partnerships, must provide evidence that shows each name change and the link between each name change. This must go back to the name on their:

birth or adoption certificate (for first time applications)

old passport (for renewal or replacement applications)

Non-dual citizens: previous surname as additional forename

Customers who have married or entered into a civil partnership, may use their previous surname as a new forename. If they do, they must provide us with:

evidence of the change of name, such as a statutory declaration (we cannot accept the marriage or civil partnership certificate as evidence of a change of name)

evidence they use the name for all purposes

This is because we treat adding a forename as a change of name.

1. Check you have evidence of the change of name (Names: evidence to change a name).

2. Check if you need to carry out any system checks on the name (see Names: name related case notes, system checks and warnings).

3. Add a case note to show all the actions and decisions you have made (see Names: name related case notes, system checks and warnings, for what you must include in the case note).

4. Issue the passport in the customer’s new name.

Non-dual citizens who use their old surname and new surname

Customers may take their new married or civil partner’s surname but use both their previous and new surname (for example, for professional purposes). They must confirm they do on section 8 of the application form or provide us with a written and signed statement.

As long as they are not dual citizens, when you get the written statement, you must:

1. Check you have evidence of the change of name (see Names: evidence to change a name).

3. Add a case note to show all the actions and decisions you have made (see Names: name related case notes, system checks and warnings for what you must include in the case note).

4. Add an observation to show: ‘The holder is also known as [forename and previous surname]’.

5. Issue the passport in the customer’s new name.

Non-dual citizens who use their previous surname

Customers may take their new married or civil partner’s surname but only use their previous surname for all official purposes. They must sign the application form in their previous surname and give us:

evidence of a change of name (which will usually be a marriage or civil partnership certificate)

evidence they use their old name for all official purposes

4. Add an observation to show ‘The holder is also known as [forenames and married or partner’s surname]’.

5. Issue the passport in the customer’s previous name (they use for all official purposes).

What we class as a double barrelled surname

A double barrelled surname is created by joining 2 existing surnames using a space or a hyphen. For example:

Linda Crickle marries or enters a civil partnership with John Wood, and they create a double barrelled name of Crickle-Wood or Crickle Wood

We can accept a marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate as evidence the name is used for all official purposes if a customer creates a double barrelled surname.

The customer’s name will not be double barrelled if they combine their own and their partners surnames to make a new name consisting of one word, (without a hyphen or space), such as when:

Linda Crickle and John Wood combine their surnames to create the name Cricklewood

In this scenario we cannot accept their change of name without additional evidence (such as a change of name deed) and proof the name is used for all official purposes.

Non-dual citizens: using a double barrelled surname

Customers who married or entered into a civil partnership, may take their previous and new surname to make a doubled barrelled surname, with or without a hyphen.

Customers must provide us with evidence of the change of name (usually, a marriage or civil partnership certificate). We do not need any other evidence, as long as the marriage or civil partnership certificate shows:

the link between the customer’s old and new name

how the new name was made

the spelling of the name has not changed

You, the examiner, must:

3. Add a case note show all the actions and decisions you have made (see Names: name related case notes, system checks and warnings for what you must include in the case note).

Non-dual citizens: no longer using double barrelled surname

If we issued a customer with a passport in a double barrelled surname (using their previous surname and their married or civil partner surname) but they want to renew it using just their married or civil partner surname, we need evidence:

of a change of name (for example, statutory declaration) as we cannot use the marriage or civil partnership certificate

they use the name for all official purposes

3. Add a case note show all the actions and decisions you have made (see Names: name related case notes, system checks and warningsfor what you must include in the case note).

Non-dual citizen husband who takes a wife’s name

A husband may decide to take their partner’s name when they have married or entered into a civil partnership.

The customer must provide us with evidence of the change of name (usually, a marriage or civil partnership certificate). We do not need any other evidence if the marriage or civil partnership certificate clearly shows the link between the old and new names.

Dual citizens using double barrelled or single names

You must refer to Names: aligning names on foreign documents, if a customer has married or entered into a civil partnership and has applied for their passport in a:

single name (but their foreign passport is in a double barrelled name)

double barrelled name (but their foreign passport is in a single name)

Dual citizens using their old name

We will issue a passport in the old name, as long as the customer’s name on the passport application form matches their name on the foreign passport.

This is because dual citizens may have multiple passports and we expect them to change their names (on their foreign passports) to match the name on their passport application (see Names: aligning names on foreign documents).

This reduces the risk of customers using multiple names to travel across borders using different identities.

Post-dated passports in a married or civil partnership name

Some customers apply for their passport in a future married or civil partnership name (for example, because they plan to travel directly after the ceremony). You must refer to applications for post-dated passports when dealing with the application.

Change of name due to divorce

How we deal with customers who change their name through divorce, will depend on if they:

revert to their birth name and had no other previous changes of name (between their birth name and married or civil partner name)

revert to their birth name and had a previous change of name (between their birth name and married or civil partner name)

revert to a previous name that was not their birth name

change their name to a brand new name

Customer reverts to birth name: no previous name changes

If a customer reverts to their birth name from a married or civil partnership name and had no other previous name changes (so the only previous change of name was from the birth name to the married or civil partner name) the customer must:

their full birth certificate (you may accept a short birth certificate, as long as it shows you all of the information you need)

their marriage or civil partnership certificate that shows how the name changed from their birth name to their married or civil partner name (if they do not send it, see customers who do not send their marriage or civil partnership certificate or just send their divorce document

a signed statement to explain why they are reverting to their birth name

evidence they use the birth name for all official purposes

sign the declaration form in their birth name

Customer reverts to birth name: previous name changes

If a customer reverts to their birth name from their married or civil partnership name but they had a change of name in between (for example, when a customer changed their birth name by deed poll and then again by marriage or civil partnership), you must:

ask the customer for:

their full birth certificate (you may accept the short birth certificate as long as it shows you all of the information you need)

their marriage or civil partnership certificate that shows how the name changed from their previous name to their married or civil partner name (if they do not send it, see customers who do not send their marriage or civil partnership certificate or just send their divorce document )

a signed statement to explain they are reverting to their birth name

make sure you can see the link between all of the name changes from the birth name to the married or civil partner name (using the passport history records or the change of name documents, if you have them)

If you cannot see the link between the names (for example, the passport history is not clear or there is no record of a change of name document) you must:

ask the customer for the change of name documents that shows the link from the birth name to the married or civil partner name

ask for evidence that shows the customer was using the names (if the customer cannot provide the change of name document)

consider if you have enough information that shows the link from the birth name to the married or civil partner name

If you are not satisfied with the link from the birth name to the married or civil partner name, you must treat the change as a new change of name and ask for evidence:

of a change of name (or example, statutory declaration)

they use the name for all purposes

Evidence to confirm a divorce

Some customers may send us their divorce document or final order (a document to show someone has legally brought their civil partnership to an end). We do not usually need it, but we will accept it instead of a marriage or civil partnership certificate, if it shows the link between their names.

If the customer does not have their divorce document, you must refer to change of name evidence: divorce documents.

Where a customer does not send their marriage certificate or their divorce document or final order, you may use MI to check the link between the birth name and the married or civil partner name. You must only do it when you have the customer’s full birth certificate, evidence they use the name for all official purposes and a signed statement.

You must check the old passport records and notes on MI to see if it clearly shows the link between the birth name and the married or civil partner name.

does you do not need to ask the customer for their marriage or civil partnership certificate or divorce document

does not, you must ask the customer for their marriage or civil partnership certificate

Customer reverts to a name that is not their birth name

Some customers may:

revert to a previous name that is not their birth name, for example, to a:

previous married or civil partner name

a name they previously changed to by deed poll

If they do, you must treat it as a change of name and ask the customer for evidence:

of the change

Change of name: adult changed gender

If the customer has changed their name because they have changed gender, you must refer to name changes because the customer has changed gender.

Adults change of name after registration or naturalisation

You must refer to name changes and name differences after the customer has naturalised or registered , when dealing with:

changes of name after the customer naturalised or registered

differences with the customer’s name, after the customer registered or naturalised

Minor changes to forenames and surnames

We consider a minor change to a:

forename as:

a change to the spelling (for example, from Lesley to Leslie)

a change to the order of the forenames

adding or dropping a hyphen between 2 forenames (as long as a forename does not become a surname or a surname does not become a forename)

dropping a forename

surname as:

the adding or removing of a hyphen on a double barrelled name

We do not consider adding a forename as a minor change of name. If a customer does, they must provide evidence that they have changed their name and use it for all official purposes (see Names: evidence to change a name).

If a customer uses their previous surname as a new forename, as they have married or entered in to a civil partnership, you must refer to non-dual citizens who use their previous surname as an additional forename .

We accept applications that show a minor change to the forename, as long as the customer provides 2 pieces of evidence that shows they use the name for all official purposes (see Names: evidence to change a name).

Minor forename changes: first time adult applications

The customer may tell you the name on their application has changed slightly from the name on their supporting documents.

1. Carry out system checks on all combinations of the name (see Names: name related case notes, system checks and warnings).

2. Tell the customer you will issue a passport using the name on the:

application, if they provide 2 pieces of evidence to show they use the name for all official purposes

birth certificate with an observation to show they are also known as [name on application form], if they do not provide 2 pieces of evidence to show they use the name for all official purposes

3. Make sure the name correctly shows on the system, by using the name on the:

birth certificate (if the customer does not provide 2 pieces of evidence to show they use the name for all official purposes)

application (if the customer provides 2 pieces of evidence to show they use the name for all official purposes)

4. Add a case note to show all the actions and decisions you’ve made (see Names: name related case notes, system checks and warnings for what you must include in the case note).

5. Issue the passport.

Adding or removing a hyphen on a double-barrelled surname

If a customer adds or removes a hyphen on a double barrelled surname without any evidence, we will accept the name, as long as they have not changed the spelling or order of their name.

Minor changes on renewal and replacement applications

When a customer sends a renewal or replacement application with a minor change to their name (for example, Michael to Micheal), you must:

tell the customer you will issue a passport in the name on their old passport, unless they give you 2 pieces of evidence that shows they use the name for all official purposes (see Names: evidence to change a name)

If a customer tells you they will send you evidence, you must:

1. Electronically store the application, while you wait for their evidence.

2. Deal with the change of name, in line with current guidance when you get the evidence.

The customer may tell you to use the name shown on the old passport.

2. Update the name on the system with the name on their old passport.

3. Add a case note to show all actions and decisions you have made (see Names: name related case notes, system checks and warnings for what you must include in the case note).

Middle name held old passport: not on new application

The customer’s old passport may show a middle name, but the customer does not include it on their renewal or replacement application and there is no evidence to show they have changed their name.

2. Update the name on the system to include the customer’s middle name, as shown on their old passport.

3. Deal with the application (in line with current guidance).

4. Add a case note to show all actions and decisions you made (see Names: name related case notes, system checks and warnings for what you must include in the case note).

Middle name on new application: not on the old passport

If the old passport does not show a middle name but the renewal or replacement application shows one, you must consider why. For example, it may not have originally been included because:

of an error (for example, the customer never changed their name and it should have been on the previous passport)

the customer changed their name by statutory declaration (to remove the middle name)

If the middle name was not originally included because:

the customer formally changed their name (to remove it) and they now want to include it, they must provide us with evidence of a change of name and evidence they use it for all official purposes

we previously treated it as a minor change of name, they must provide us with 2 pieces of evidence they use the name (so we can treat it as a minor change to add it back on)

of an error (meaning it should have originally been included) we can accept the customer’s birth certificate that shows the middle name, as evidence

2. Tell the customer what evidence to send (depending on why the middle name was not originally included).

3. Carry out system checks on all combinations of the name (see Names: name related case notes, system checks and warnings).

4. Add a case note to show all actions and decisions you have made (see Names: name related case notes, system checks and warnings for what you must include in the case note).

Previous passport names in a different order to the application

If the order of the forename and middle names on the old passport is different to the order of the names on the renewal or replacement application, you must contact the customer and ask them to confirm the name they use for all official purposes.

The customer may want their forename and middle name on their passport in the same order as on their old passport.

2. Update the names on the system so that they match the name on the old passport.

If the customer wants their name in the new order they’ve put on their application form, ask them to send you 2 pieces of evidence that shows they use it for all official purposes (see evidence to change a name).

Name on old passport: different spelling to application

When the spelling of a forename or middle name on the customer’s old passport is different to the spelling on their renewal or replacement application, you must contact them and ask them to confirm the name they use for all official purposes.

The customer may want the passport in the same spelling as their old passport.

2. Update the name the system so it matches the name on the old passport.

3. Add a case note show all actions taken and decisions made (see Names: name related case notes, system checks and warnings for what you must include in the case note).

If the customer wants the name in the new spelling, you must ask them to send 2 pieces of evidence that shows they use it for all official purposes (see Names: evidence to change a name).

Name on old passport: in a different order to the application

When a customer’s forename and surname on their old passport is in a different order to their name on the new passport, you must contact them and ask them to confirm the name they use for all official purposes.

The customer may want their passport issued in the name that is in the same order as on the old passport.

2. Update the name on the system so that it matches the name on the old passport.

If the customer wants their name in a new order, you must ask them to send evidence of the change of name and evidence they use it for all official purposes (see Names: evidence to change a name).

Customer adding or removing a hyphen between 2 forenames

When a customer sends a renewal or replacement application and they add or remove a hyphen between 2 forenames, you must tell the customer you will issue a passport in the name on their old passport.

You can issue a passport using their new name if they give you 2 pieces of evidence that shows they use the name for all official purposes (see Names: evidence to change a name)

When a name is considered unusual

If you accept a name change but you consider it to be unusual, you must first discuss the application with your line manager. If they agree, you must:

1. Tell the customer they must confirm in writing that they understand we cannot take responsibility for any difficulties they may have when they use their passport.

2. Keep a permanent record of the letter (see How to keep scans of documents).

Joint Citizen application (JCAP): difference in spelling

When dealing with JCAP applications, examiners must use the Withdrawing Joint Citizenship and Passport applications (JCAP) guidance.

There may be a difference with the spelling of a name on the system and the application form.

2. Confirm the correct spelling with the customer and ask for supporting documents to show the correct spelling (if you do not already have it).

3. Change the name on the system (if it’s a spelling mistake).

4. Add a case note to the application so that UK Visa and Immigration issues the nationality certificate in the correct name (see Names: name related case notes, system checks and warnings for what you must include in the case note).

Changing a child’s name

This section tells His Majesty’s Passport Office operational staff how to deal with child applications that include a change of name.

When dealing with change of name for an adult, you must refer to changing an adult’s name .

You must use the guidance in this section with:

change of name on British overseas citizen (BOCs) and British overseas territory citizen (BOTCs) applications , if the change of name is for BOCs or BOTCs customers

name and change of name on diplomatic or official passport applications , if the application is for a diplomat or official

Digital Application Processing: change of name applications , if the application is in DAP

System checks and case noting when changing a child’s name

When using this guidance to change a child’s name, you, the examiner, must refer to Names: name related case notes, system checks and warnings to:

Case noting when changing a child’s name

When using this guidance to change a child’s name, you, the examiner, must refer to Names: name related case notes, system checks and warnings to make sure the case notes include all correct information.

HM Passport Office’s definition of a child

Our definition of child may be different to other government departments. The children’s guidance tells you what we define as a child.

Why a child may change their name

Children may change their name, through:

a change of gender

court orders, specific issues orders and overseas court orders

The new name the child uses must be acceptable for use in the passport. You, the examiner, must refer to:

how to show uncommon names for:

Reducing the risk of fraud when a child’s name has changed

confirming identity guidance for any extra checks you must carry our when the customer has changed their name

Evidence we need to change a child’s name

Customers, who apply for their child’s passport with a change of name, must provide evidence to show the:

change of name (for example, a statutory declaration)

new name is being used for all official purposes

You must refer to Names: evidence to change a name for what you can accept.

We will need everyone with parental responsibility to give their consent to change a child’s name (see consent needed to change a child’s name).

Types of child name changes

Unlike adult change of names, we do not recognise minor changes to a child’s name. Any type of change to a child’s name is seen as a change of name, including:

dropping the forename or middle name

changing the spelling of the forename or surname

adding a forename, middle name or surname

changing the forename or middle name

changing the order of the forename and middle name

changing the surname

changing the full name

adding or removing a hyphen

Parental responsibility: when changing a child’s name

Everyone with parental responsibility must give consent to change the name for anyone under the age of 16 (18 if the child has a care order or court order in place). Normally, both parents have parental responsibility, but others may get it through court orders or something similar.

When dealing with a change of name for a child, you must:

consider who has parental responsibility

check that everyone with parental responsibility has given consent to change the child’s name

consider if there are any court orders that:

prevent the child’s name from being changed

allow the child’s name to be changed without the consent of everyone who has parental responsibility (see parents and guardians: consent guidance for types of court orders)

If it’s unclear if the parent has sole parental responsibility, you must:

send letter 319 to the customer to ask them to confirm in writing, that they have sole responsibility

keep a permanent record of the customer’s reply on the system

add a case note to show all of the actions and decisions you made

The legal basis for consent

We are guided by the legal position on who can change a child’s name. It is defined by case law and the judgement given by the Court of Appeal on case Re P (1997) 2 FLR 730.

The case was about whether a county council was obliged to recognise a change of surname for 3 children, when:

they were presented with a signed deed poll, as evidence of the change of name

the father (who had parental responsibility) did not give consent to change their names

The court’s decision was that the change of a child’s surname was fundamental and where there is a dispute and both parents have parental responsibility, either:

the consent of both parents is needed

a court order is needed that allows the change of name without the consent of everyone who has parental responsibility

To make sure we are consistent with the conditions of different parts of the UK, our approach to consent and parental responsibility applies to all child changes of name.

Caveats (objections to a child having a passport)

A parent, or other interested party, can submit a caveat to a child having a passport.

If someone submits a caveat, you must refer to the parents and guardians: consent guidance, when dealing with a passport application for a child. You must scan any documents about caveats on the system.

Parental responsibility: vulnerable customers and children

We usually need the consent of everyone with parental responsibility to change a child’s name. Some customers may not be able to get the consent of someone with parental responsibility, if it would put their (or their child’s) welfare at risk (for example, if they may be subject to abuse). When this happens, you must refer to safeguarding: consent issues.

If you have any doubts about the consent being genuine, you must refer to the Authorisation and consent guidance.

Overseas parental responsibility, consent and court orders

Customers applying from overseas, must provide any court orders relating to a child. You must refer to the parents and guardians: consent guidance, when dealing with an overseas application that includes a court order relating to a child.

Scanning consent evidence, court orders and caveats

You must scan on the system:

letters of consent

court orders

any letters you got that helped you make your decision

The scanning supporting documents guidance tells you how to scan documents on to the system.

Watchlist checks on everyone with parental responsibility

Parents must add their details to the application. For applications on:

AMS, you must carry out manual watchlist checks on:

the child’s parents

anyone else with parental responsibility who consents to a child’s change of name, including if they are named in a court order

the Digital Application Processing (DAP) system:

DAP will automatically carry out the check on the parents

you must manually carry out a watchlist check on anyone else with parental responsibility who consents to a child’s change of name, including if they are named in a court order

No consent given to change a child’s name

If we cannot get the consent from everyone with parental responsibility, the customer must send us a court order that shows it allows them to change a child’s name, without needing the consent of everyone with parental responsibility.

If someone with parental responsibility has died, you must refer to ‘when someone with parental responsibility has died or loco parentis (in place of a parent) applies’.

Full birth certificates showing parental responsibility

In some cases, we may be able to check who has parental responsibility using the full birth certificate (see full birth certificate guidance).

A father may not automatically lose parental responsibility if they have been taken off a birth certificate but may have lost parental responsibility by other means, for example, a court order.

If there is evidence to suggest that someone else has parental responsibility, we will need their consent before we change a child’s name.

Statutory declarations: showing parental consent

Some customers may tell us on their statutory declaration that everyone with parental responsibility consented to the child’s change of name or is aware of it.

We will only accept the statutory declaration as evidence everyone with parental responsibility has given their consent, if it includes:

the names of everyone with parental responsibility

the signatures of everyone with parental responsibility

Change of name deeds that show consent

Some change of name deeds may be signed by both parents. We will accept it, as long as there is no other evidence that shows someone else also has parental responsibility.

When you get a letter of consent (or change of name deeds) that show consent, (signed by both parents) you must:

1. Scan it on the system.

2. Add a case note that shows all actions and decisions you have made (see Names: name related case notes, system checks and warnings for what you must include in the case note).

Enrolled deed poll that shows consent

When a customer sends us an enrolled deed poll, issued by the Supreme Court, as evidence of a change of name, we will not need the consent of everyone with parental responsibility. This is because the Enrolment of Deeds Regulations 1994 requires, either the:

consent of everyone with parental responsibility

reasons why the consent of everyone with parental responsibility could not be given

The Judge will take into account the lack of consent from anyone who has parental responsibility, before deciding to allow the change of name.

Change of parental responsibility during a name change

Someone else may get parental responsibility after everyone with parental responsibility already gave their consent to change a child’s name and got a change of name document (for example, statutory declaration).

We will accept the change of name without the new person’s consent, as long as everyone who had parental responsibility, consented to the change of name at the time.

When someone believes they have parental responsibility

If someone does not give consent to change a child’s name and they believe they have parental responsibility, you must give them 1 month to provide evidence to show it. If they:

provide you with evidence to show they have parental responsibility, you must only accept the change of name if they (and everyone else who has parental responsibility) gives their consent

do not provide us with evidence to show they have parental responsibility, you must accept the change of name (as long as everyone else who has parental responsibility gives their consent)

Parental responsibility: unable to get consent

Some customers may have difficulty getting the consent of someone else with parental responsibility (for example, because they no longer have contact with them).

When this happens, the customer must provide us with a specific issue order that allows them to change the child’s name without the consent of everyone who has parental responsibility.

Parental responsibility: loco parentis or a person has died

If someone with parental responsibility has died, the customer must send us:

evidence of the change of name and evidence the child uses it for all purposes (see Names: evidence to change a name)

any court orders that are in place (or confirmation there are none)

a written statement to explain the situation

the child’s birth certificate

the death certificate of the person who had parental responsibility

If loco parentis applies, the customer must send us:

evidence the customer is acting as loco parentis (see parents and guardians: consent guidance)

a court order that allows the customer to change the child’s name without the consent of everybody with parental responsibility

We must safeguard (protect) adults and children who may be at risk. If someone acting as loco parentis cannot provide evidence, you must raise a query with the Guidance & Quality, Operating Standards using the Quality and Examination Support team (QuESt) referral process.

No consent: child’s new name used for all official purposes

If a child’s new name is the one they use for all official purposes, we will not accept it, unless everyone with parental responsibility has given their consent (or there is a court order allowing the change of name). We will issue the passport using the original name.

For example, the new name is used with the NHS and child benefit but not everyone with parental responsibility has given (or can give) consent for the child’s change of name. When this happens, we will issue the passport in their old name.

To stop any problems with differences the name may have on the child, you must tell the customer they have the option of getting a court order, allowing them to change the child’s name without the consent of everyone with parental responsibility. We must not insist they do it, as it is up to them to decide.

If a customer does not get a court order, you must:

1. Deal with the application, in line with current guidance.

2. Issue the passport in the child’s original name.

3. Tell the customer we cannot accept responsibility for any difficulties they may have (as the passport will be issued in the child’s original name but the child may use their new name for all other purposes).

Changing a child’s name when there is a court order

We ask customers to send us any court orders they have, when they make an application for a child.

Court orders granting leave or permission to change a name

Court orders usually give leave (permission) to change a child’s name, instead of a document that formally changes their name. Because of this, we also need evidence a child has changed their name and evidence it’s being used for all official purposes (see Names: evidence to change a name).

You must be careful when a passport application, includes a:

change of name for a child

court order giving leave (or permission) to change the child’s name and 1or more years have passed between the date it was issued and the date the customer sent the passport application

This is because, we:

cannot be certain the court order giving leave (or permission) to change the child’s name has been used

need to be sure the child uses the name for all official purposes

When this happens, you must:

1. Make sure you have evidence the child has changed their name and it’s being used for all official purposes (see Names: evidence to change a name).

2. Scan the evidence on to the application.

If we get evidence to show they use the new name for all official purposes after 1 year from when the court order was issued, we need evidence of the change of name (for example, statutory declaration).

Court orders that specifically include a change of name

Some court orders may specifically say that a child is now known by a new name. When this happens, you must:

1. Not ask for any evidence of the change of name or evidence that the child uses the new name for all official purposes.

2. Add a case note to show all the actions and decisions you have made (see Names: name related case notes, system checks and warnings for what you must include in the case note).

3. Deal with the application, in line with current guidance and issue the passport in the new name on the court order.

Court orders that describe a child’s name

We will not accept a court order as evidence a child has changed their name when it describes the child in a different name. For example, it shows the child’s name under ‘Name’, ‘Full Name of Child’ or in the body of the court order.

1. Ask the customer to provide:

evidence the child has changed their name and that they use it for all official purposes (see Names: evidence to change a name)

the consent of everyone with parental responsibility (or a court order that allows a change of name without it)

Court orders for children up to the age of 18

Some court orders extend to the child’s 18th birthday and include a statement that nobody can cause the child to be known by another name, without the court’s consent. These include:

child arrangement orders

special guardianship orders

care orders under section 31 of the Children’s Act

Even if the court order does not relate to a child’s change of name, the customer must send it to us so we can check it allows them to change the child’s name.

Changing a name when a child is in care

Court orders for children in care usually includes a statement that while it’s in place, a child’s name cannot be changed without the consent of the court. If the court order does not include this, before we change the child’s name, we need:

evidence that the child has changed their name and that they use it for all official purposes (see Names: evidence to change a name)

the consent of everyone with parental responsibility (or a court order that allows the change of name without it)

Be aware that some court orders grant parental responsibility, even though it may not be immediately clear on the order (for more information, see parents and guardians: consent guidance).

Changing a name when a child arrangement order is in place

When a child arrangement order is in place that confirms who the child must live with, the child’s surname cannot be changed, unless we have either the:

written consent of everyone with parental responsibility

court’s consent through a specific issue order (section 13(1) of the Act)

For any change of name, we still need:

the consent of everyone with parental responsibility

evidence of the change of name and that it is used for all official purposes

Changing a name when there’s a special guardianship order

When there’s a special guardianship order, we will need either:

the consent of everyone with parental responsibility before we can change any part of a child’s name

a court order that allows the change of name

Local authorities who want to change the child’s name

You must refer to parents and guardians: consent guidance, when dealing with applications for children in care of a local authority.

Local authority: changing a child’s name (England and Wales)

We will not accept an application that includes a change of name for a child from a local authority in England and Wales unless, we have either the:

leave (permission) of the court

Local authority: changing a child’s name (Northern Ireland)

Under the Children Northern Ireland Order 1995 , we will not accept an application that includes a change of name for a child from a local authority in Northern Ireland, unless we have either the:

leave of the court

Local authority: changing a child’s name (Scotland)

The Children (Scotland) Act 1995 focusses on the needs of children and their families and defines parental responsibilities and rights about children.

When loco parentis (in the place of a parent) or testamentary guardianship (someone named in a will to act as a guardian) applies and there is a change of name, we need either:

a court order allowing the change

If anyone with parental responsibility has died, you must refer to when someone with parental responsibility has died.

Change of name through adoption

When dealing with adoptions, you must refer to:

parents and guardians: consent guidance

adoptions guidance

Names: aligning names on foreign documents if an adopted child has a foreign passport in a different name

If a child’s name has changed through adoption, we do not need evidence they use the name for all official purposes or the consent of everyone who has parental responsibility, as long as we have the full adoption certificate or adoption order.

If a customer sends a renewal or replacement application with an adoption certificate or order, you must:

make sure it includes a referee who has confirmed (or certified) a photo in the new name

manually cancel the old passport on MI (if the old name was not in section 2 of the application)

Middle name is not included on an application

Customers may send us a renewal or replacement application for their child, without including their middle name, even though it was on their old passport. When this happens, we will issue a new passport in the same name as their old passport, unless we have:

the consent of everyone with parental responsibility to change the name

You must add a case note to show all the actions and decisions you have made (see Names: name related case notes, system checks and warnings for what you must include in the case note).

Children under 16 who changed their own name

We will accept a change of name for children under 16, when they themselves have changed it, if:

everyone with parental responsibility has given their consent to the application in the child’s name

we have evidence of the change of name and that they use it for all official purposes (see Names: evidence to change a name)

This is because:

a child under 16 cannot complete a change of name until they are 16

those with parental responsibility, have accepted the child’s change of name, by sending us a signed passport application form

16 to 17 year olds with a change of name

For the purposes of this guidance, a young adult is someone aged 16 or 17 years old.

Customer changed their own name after they turned 16

If a 16 to 17 year old applies for a passport with a change of name and it was them who changed it after they turned 16, we will accept it, as long:

they give us evidence of the change of name and that they use it for all official purposes (see Names: evidence to change a name)

there are no court orders in place

We will not:

need the consent of everyone with parental responsibility (as the 16 to 17 year old changed their own name after they turned 16)

accept any objections to the change of name from anyone with parental responsibility

If there is a court order in place for the 16 to 17 year old, you must check it to see what consent you need.

If the 16 to 17 year old changed their name because they changed gender, you must refer to customer change of name because they changed gender , to check what:

consent you need (as the rules are different when a child or 16 to 17 year old changes gender)

change of name evidence you need

Customer changed their own name before they turned 16

If a 16 to 17 year old applies for a passport and with a change of name and it was them who changed it before they turned 16, we will accept it, as long as:

we have consent from all who have parental responsibility:

if the 16 to 17 year old cannot provide consent and they are now 16 and over, they can provide a new change of name document they have completed themselves

When someone else changed their name before they turned 16

If a 16 to 17 year old applies for a passport with a change of name and it was a third party (for example, a parent) who changed it before they turned 16, we will accept it, as long as:

we have consent from all who have parental responsibility

When someone else changed their name after they turned 16

If a 16 to 17 year old applies for a passport with a change of name and it was a third party (for example, a parent) who changed it after they turned 16, we will accept, it as long as:

If the 16 to 17 year old has applied for a passport in their new name, we can accept they have consented to the change of name and we do not need the consent of everyone with parental responsibility.

Third party application

We will not accept an application from a third party for a 16 to 17 year old whose name changed, unless it is because the 16 to 17 year old:

cannot give consent due to a severe disability

has a court order in place

Court orders or if the customer cannot give consent

If there is a court order or the 16 to 17 year old cannot give consent, we need:

evidence of the 16 to 17 year old’s change of name and evidence they use it for all official purposes (see Names: evidence to change a name)

evidence that shows the 16 to 17 year old cannot give consent (if the reason the third party made the application is because the 16 to 17 year old cannot give consent)

the court order (if the reason the third party made the application is because there is a court order in place for the 16 to 17 year old)

the consent of everyone with parental responsibility (to show they consented to the name change)

If the third party gives evidence to show the 16 to 17 year old cannot give consent, you must:

check it to see if it confirms the 16 to 17 year old cannot give consent

discuss the case with your OTL (if you have doubts)

add a case note to show all of the actions and the decisions you made, including what evidence you received

If we do not get the evidence to show the customer cannot give consent, you must refer the application to Guidance & Quality, Operating Standards using the Quality Examination Support team (QuESt) referral process. Guidance & Quality, Operating Standards will confirm whether you can accept the change of name.

No court order or reason why the customer cannot give consent

If there’s no court order or reason why the 16 to 17 year old cannot give consent, you must refuse the application. The 16 to 17 year old must apply for their own passport.

False name changes and name changes made in error

We may find that the person who sent the application has made a false declaration to change a child’s name.

1. Send the application to the Counter Fraud team (CFT), along with confirmation of any written disputes. The CFT report such cases to the police, who will decide whether to take legal action.

2. Send a letter to the person who made the application to explain the situation and tell them that unless there is a court order that consents to the name change:

they must return the passport within 2 weeks so we can cancel it

we will issue a new passport in their old name, valid up to the expiry date on the old passport

3. Send a new application form (but you may be able to reopen to reissue). You will need new photos if you cannot reopen to reissue or if a countersignatory needs to countersign them.

4. Not ask for evidence for the use of the name for all official purposes.

If the person who made the application does not respond after 2 weeks, you must:

1. Send them a first reminder and allow 2 weeks for the customer to respond.

2. Send a second and final reminder, if they do not respond 2 weeks after we sent the first reminder. The reminder must tell the customer you will cancel the passport, if they do not respond. Send the reminder by Royal Mail ‘Signed For delivery’, unless:

the address is in an area where secure delivery signatures are mandatory, in which case, send it by secure delivery

it is an overseas address, in which case, send it by DHL

3. Add a passport note to show all the actions and decisions made (see Names: name related case notes, system checks and warnings for what you must include in the case note).

If the person who made the application still does not respond, you must refer the application to Guidance & Quality, Operating Standards, using the query referral process.

Guidance & Quality, Operating Standards will respond, taking into account:

if you must cancel the passport

what case notes you must add

if you must add a watchlist entry to stop any more passports being issued for the child to the person who made the false declaration

Child’s name was changed in error

There may be times when we find we issued a passport in error. For example, we issued it in the child’s new name without the consent of everybody with parental responsibility.

When dealing with such cases, you, the examiner, must:

1. Send a letter to the person who made the application, to explain the situation and tell them unless there is a court order that consents to the child’s change of name:

to return the passport within 2 weeks so you cancel it

you will issue a new passport in the child’s old name, valid up to the expiry date on the old passport

2. Send them a new application form. If we were at fault, send a pre-paid label and tell them we will refund the cost of the photos.

3. Not ask for evidence for the use of the name for all official purposes.

1. Send them a first reminder and allow 2 weeks for them to respond.

it is an overseas address, in which case send it by DHL

3. Add a passport note to show all actions taken and decisions made (see Names: name related case notes, system checks and warnings for what you must include in the case note).

If the person who made the application still does not respond, you the examiner must:

1. Tell the person who raised the complaint (if there is one), that:

we have done what we can to investigate their complaint

they can raise the issue with the police, if they wish to take it further with the person who made the application

2. Not disclose any personal or sensitive information about the child or the person who made the application to the person who raised the complaint.

3. Arrange for the child’s name to be added to the watchlist so we can resolve the issue when they return the passport (for example, as part of a renewal application).

4. Add a passport note to show all the actions and decisions you have made (see Names: name related case notes, system checks and warnings for what you must include in the case note).

5. Arrange for the child’s name to be added to the watchlist so we can resolve the issue when they return the passport (for example, as part of a renewal application).

When we get another application for the child, you must:

cancel the old passport on MI

resolve any issues with the child’s name, before you issue a new passport

Changing a child’s name because they have changed gender

If a child has changed their name because they have changed gender, you must refer to name changes because the customer has changed gender.

Changing a child’s name following birth re-registration

It is possible for a child’s name to change when the parents re-register the birth (see birth certificates guidance). When this happens, you do not need any other evidence of a change of name.

Incorrect name on birth certificates

We must not tell the customer to take steps to correct the birth certificate to support their passport application.

If they tell us the name on their or their child’s birth certificate is wrong (before we use the correct name on the passport) they must provide us with evidence of the change of name and that they use it for all purposes (see Names: evidence to change a name).

If the customer asks you how to correct the birth certificate, you must tell them they may only be able to change it, if they can show a mistake was made when they registered the birth and have evidence that the child was, either:

using a different name to the one on the birth certificate (at the time the child’s birth was registered)

has been known by a different name to the one on the birth certificate (from when they were born or shortly afterwards)

Any corrections to a birth certificate will be made using a ‘marginal note’ (a note added to the relevant section of the birth certificate). We can then issue the passport using the name in the marginal note.

Changing a child’s name after they registered or naturalised

You must refer to name changes and name differences after naturalisation or registration , when dealing with:

changes of name after the child was naturalised or registered

differences with the child’s name after they registered or naturalised

Change of name after the passport was lost or stolen

Children who have changed their name after their passport was lost or stolen, must still provide evidence to show they have changed their name, in line with this guidance.

Child’s name on collective passports

We need the signed and written consent of everyone with parental responsibility for a child to be included on a collective passport, if it’s in a different name to that on their:

full British passport (if they have one)

birth certificate or nationality certificate (if they do not have British passport)

Joint Citizen application (JCAP): difference with spelling

Examiners must use the Withdrawing Joint Citizenship and Passport applications (JCAP) guidance, when dealing with JCAP applications.

There may be a difference with the spelling of the name on the system and the application form.

3. Change the name on the system, if it’s a spelling mistake.

Digital Application Processing: change of name applications

This section tells His Majesty’s Passport Office operational staff using the Digital Application Processing (DAP) system how to deal with change of name applications.

The DAP system will automatically reject an application and transfer it to the Application Management System if it does not fit the criteria.

The Document Management Service (DMS) will validate the documents sent in by the customer. If the documents meet the criteria for processing in DAP they will complete their checks and keep the application in DAP. They will transfer the application to AMS if the customer’s documents do not meet the DAP acceptance criteria.

How to deal with a change of name application in DAP

When documents are received on a DAP (Digital Application Processing) application, they will be validated by the:

Document Management Service (DMS)

Document Handling Unit (DHU)

If the application meet the criteria for processing in DAP the DMS or DHU will complete their document checks. DAP will transfer the application to AMS (Application Management System) if it does not meet the DAP acceptance criteria.

If the customer has changed their name, DAP will create a Change of name task. This task is one of the Change of personal details tasks.

check the customer’s personal details (for example, previous name and new name)

view the document (in the Document tab) where you can:

view the validation checks the Document Management Service carried out on the document (on a DMS validation referral form)

view the validation checks the Document Handling Unit carried out on the document (on the Item validation tab in ARD)

record your decision for the task:

accept the change of name

ask the customer for another document

complete additional checks and decide if you need to refer the application to the Counter Fraud team (CFT), if you have fraud concerns

How to check the document

1. Click on View document to open the document.

2. Check that the old and new names on the document match the old and new names on the DAP application, using the Names – evidence to change a name guidance.

3. Close the View document screen.

How to accept a customer’s new name

If the old and new names on the document match the old and new names on DAP and you have no other concerns with the application, you must:

1. Select Yes in Do you accept the change of name?

2. Add a case note to record your decision and any other information (for example, the date of marriage ceremony).

3. Click Save to record your decision.

If you have fraud concerns with a change of name

If you have fraud concerns about a change of name, you must:

1. Complete additional checks, as required by following the guidance.

2. Select No in Do you accept the change of name?

3. Add a case note to explain why you are referring the application for investigation.

4. Click Save to record your decision.

DAP will automatically transfer the application to CFT.

If you need to ask for a document

If you need the customer to send a document as evidence of their change of name you must:

1. Send an email to the customer asking for a new document.

2. Select Not sure, ask for new documents, in Do you accept the change of name?

3. Add a case note to explain why you are asking for new documents. For example, the case note could say ‘document is laminated’.

4. Click Save.

Name changes after naturalisation or registration

This section tells His Majesty’s Passport Office operational staff how to deal with changes of name or differences with the name, after the customer has naturalised or registered and how name related risks that mean the customer may need to attend an interview.

When using this guidance to change a name, you, the examiner, must refer to Names: name related case notes, system checks and warnings to:

Referring DAP applications to AMS

Digital Application Processing (DAP) examiners must transfer the application to the Application Management System (AMS) if all the following points apply:

the customer:

is applying for their first British passport

got their British nationality by naturalisation or registration

has changed their name from the name shown on the certificate

This is so the AMS examiner can refer the application to Intel hub.

Referring the application to Enhanced Application Checking

Customers who change their name, after they registered or naturalised, may be an indication of fraud. In line with the Enhanced Application Checking (EAC) Procedure, you, the examiner, must refer the application to EAC, when:

you have any concerns with the customer’s identity or suspect any fraudulent activity

the customer has had multiple changes of name after they naturalised or registered

Referring the application to Intel hub

You must refer all first time applications from customers who got British nationality by naturalisation or registration and then changed their name, to Intel Hub. You must do this after you issue the passport.

This is because Intel hub will add the customer’s previous name to the watchlist, to stop someone else using their old identity on future applications.

To send the application to Intel Hub, you must:

1. Complete the change of name following registration or naturalisation form (you will need to include the new passport number when it is printed and added to Main Index).

2. Send it by email to Intel Hub.

3. Return all supporting documents to the customer.

The name we use when a customer has registered or naturalised

When a customer has naturalised or registered, we will issue the passport in the name shown on their naturalisation or registration certificate, unless they provide us with evidence of a change of name and evidence they use it for all purposes (see Names: evidence to change a name).

Name error on the naturalisation or registration certificate

Customers must contact UK Visas and Immigration, if the details on their naturalisation or registration certificate are incorrect. You must refer to the naturalisation certificates guidance for information about when:

reissue naturalisation or registration certificates using the correct details

add endorsements to naturalisation or registration certificates to show if they have officially accepted the correct details

you can accept the correct name

If UKVI does not issue a new naturalisation or registration certificate with the correct details or add an endorsement to officially accept them, you must tell they customer they can either:

have the passport in the name shown on their naturalisation or registration certificate

have their passport in the correct name (but they must provide evidence of a change of name and that they use the name for all official purposes)

withdraw their passport application (in line with the withdrawal of passport applications guidance)

Name changes after a customer has naturalised or registered

In all cases where the customer’s surname on the passport application is different to surname on the naturalisation or registration certificate, you must make sure the customer is the rightful owner of the document.

For all customers who got British nationality through naturalisation or registration and have changed their name from the one shown on the naturalisation certificate, you must:

make sure you:

enter the old name on the naturalisation or registration certificate into the previous name field on the system (if the application is on the Application Management System)

record the name on the naturalisation or registration certificate in the case notes

manually check the name on the naturalisation certificate against the watchlist

deal with any matches (in line with current guidance)

search Main Index using the name on the naturalisation or registration certificate (see maintaining Main Index work instructions)

deal with any previous issues you find (in line with current guidance)

Change of surname: marriage or civil partnership

If the customer’s surname has changed because they got married or entered into a civil partnership, you must be satisfied with how the name has been changed by looking at the names on the:

marriage or civil partnership certificate

naturalisation or registration certificate

You must be able to see how the name has been made up and you can see the link between the previous and new name.

1. Carry out any system checks on the name (see Names: name related case notes, system checks and warnings).

2. Accept the change of name.

The customer’s surname may have changed because they got married or entered in to a civil partnership and it was before they were issued with their naturalisation or registration certificate.

2. Tell the customer to send us:

a signed statement that they are using their married name for all official purposes

their marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate (if we do not already have it) and evidence they use their married name for all official purposes (see Names: evidence to change a name)

3. Electronically store the application, while you wait for them to respond.

4. Add a case note to show all the actions and decisions you have made (see Names: name related case notes, system checks and warnings for what you must include in the case note).

5. Issue the passport in the name shown on the marriage or civil partnership certificate.

Name change not through marriage or a civil partnership

If the customer’s name has changed and it is not because they have married or entered into a civil partnership and there is no evidence the customer has changed their name.

2. Contact the customer by phone to tell them we will issue their passport in the name shown on the naturalisation or registration certificate.

3. Update the name on the system so it matches the name on the naturalisation or registration certificate.

4. Add a case note to show all of the actions and decision you made (see Names: name related case notes, system checks and warnings for what you must include in the case note).

5. Issue the passport using the name shown on the naturalisation or registration certificate.

If the customer does not want us to use the name shown on the naturalisation or registration certificate, you must:

1. Ask them to provide evidence of the change of name and that they use it for all purposes (see Names: evidence to change a name).

2. Carry out system checks on all combinations of the name (see Names: name related case notes, system checks and warnings).

Name on the application form in a different order to documents

The names on the application form may be in a different order (including the surname) to the name on the naturalisation or registration certificate and the customer has not provided evidence to show they have changed their name.

2. Tell the customer we will issue their passport in the name on the naturalisation or registration certificate.

The customer may tell us they do not want us to use the name shown on the naturalisation or registration certificate.

Forenames on the application form are different to the documents

The forenames on the application form may be in a different order to those on the naturalisation or registration certificate and the customer has not provided evidence they have changed their name.

The customer may not want the name on the naturalisation or registration certificate to show in the passport.

1. Carry out system checks on all spellings of the name (see Names: name related case notes, system checks and warnings).

2. Ask them to provide evidence of the change of name and that they use it for all purposes (see Names: evidence to change a name).

Documents show additional forenames

The naturalisation or registration certificate may have additional forenames to the name on the passport application form, but the order of the names has not changed.

4. Add a case note to explain why you added the observation (see Names: name related case notes, system checks and warnings for what you must include in the case note).

Foreign passport: name does not match

You must not tell the customer to return their naturalisation or registration certificate to UKVI when they issued it in a correct name but it does not match the name on their foreign passport. Instead, you must deal with the application, in line with the Names: aligning names on foreign documents guidance.

Checking the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration system

We use information held by UKVI on the UKVI system, to help us determine a customer’s immigration history, identity and nationality (if they have previously naturalised or registered).

In line with the interview requirements for naturalised or registered first time applicants guidance, you must check the UKVI system (using a UKVI system enabled examiner) to confirm the customer’s details. If you can, the customer may not need to attend an interview.

Customer change of name because they have changed gender

This section tells His Majesty’s Passport Office operational staff how to deal with passport applications when the customer (adult or child), has changed their name as they have changed gender. When dealing with change of gender applications, you must also refer to the gender recognition guidance.

When using this guidance to change a child’s name, you the examiner must refer to Names: name related case notes, system checks and warnings to make sure the case notes include all correct information.

In line with the gender recognition guidance, you must not use the case notes to record any:

unnecessary references to a customer’s gender reassignment

references to surgery or treatment

any personal opinions or assumptions

System checks and case notes: customer has changed gender

When using this guidance to change a child’s name, you the examiner must refer to Names: name related case notes, system checks and warnings to:

Customer has changed name: due to change of gender

Where a customer has changed their name due to a change of gender, the evidence we need to support their passport application will depend on if the customer has a full or interim Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC).

No full or interim Gender Recognition Certificate

Customers may change their name because they have changed gender but do not have a full or interim Gender Recognition Certificate, for example, because they:

are under the age of 18 and cannot get one

have not applied for their change of gender to be legally recognised with the Gender Recognition Panel

If the customer does not have a GRC, they must provide us with:

evidence the gender change is likely to be permanent (for example, a signed letter from a medical professional, for example, consultant or GP on headed paper)

evidence that their name has changed and that they use it for all purposes (see Names: evidence to change a name)

the written consent of everyone with parental responsibility to change the:

gender, if the person changing gender is under the age of 18 (in line with the authorisation and consent guidance and the gender recognition guidance)

the name, if the person changing gender is also changing their name and is under the age of 16

If the customer cannot give us evidence they use the new name for all purposes:

1. You must refer their application and all supporting documents to Guidance & Quality, Operating Standards using the Quality and Examination Support team (QuESt) query referral process.

2. Add a case note to show all of the actions and decisions you made.

If the customer has a full or interim GRC

If the customer has a full or interim GRC, we will accept it as evidence of the change of name. We:

do not need any other evidence that they have changed their name

only need evidence that they use the name for all purpose - if you have doubts that the customer is not using the name (see Names: evidence to change a name)

Customer reverted to their old gender: changed name

If the customer has changed their name because they have reverted to their old gender, we need evidence:

of the change of name

that they use the name for all official purposes, including if it is their previous name or a new name (see Names: evidence to change a name)

that the gender they are reverting to is likely to be permanent (for example, a letter from a medical professional, for example a consultant or GP)

Customer adopts the dress and manner of the opposite sex

If a customer has changed their name because they have adopted the dress and manner of the opposite sex, they must provide evidence of:

their preferred identity, in line with the Gender Recognition guidance

the change of name and that they use it for all official purposes (see Names: evidence to change a name)

We will not issue a passport in the customer’s new name, if it’s being used for some but not all official purposes.

Foreign passport: name changed due to change of gender

When a customer changes their name because they have changed gender and hold a foreign passport, they must change the name on it to meet our Names: aligning names on foreign documents guidance.

Name changes: BOC, BOTC and BN(O) applications

This section tells His Majesty’s Passport Office operational staff about the extra requirements when British overseas citizens (BOCS) and British overseas territory citizens (BOTCs) have a change of name. It also tells them how to deal with minor changes we accept for British national (overseas) (BN(O)) applications.

You must also refer to changing an adults name or child’s name , which provides detailed guidance on dealing with applications that have a change of name.

You must deal with:

BOC applications, in line with the British overseas citizen’s guidance (BOC)

BOTC applications, in line with the British overseas territory citizen’s guidance (BOTC)

BN(O) applications, in line with the British national (overseas) guidance (BNO)

Only examiners who have had full nationality or complex nationality training, will deal with BOC, BOTC and BN(O) applications when there is a full change of name.

When a BOC, BOTC, or BN(O) has a change of name

All BOC, BOTC, BN(O) and British citizen passports must be in the same name (see Multiple British passports and nationality statuses).

Before we issue a British citizen or variant passport, you must tell the customer to give us evidence that shows they have changed the name in their other passport and dual national passports, first.

Confirming identity and nationality: BOC change of name

You must reconfirm the nationality and identity of BOCs, when:

they have a change of name or change in spelling, from the name on their source documents

a previous BOC passport has the observation ‘the holder is also known as [name]’, and it was not added to show we applied an exception to when the customer must align their name (see Names: aligning names on foreign documents)

You must not automatically keep the observation ‘the holder is also known as [name]’ on the new passport. You must only keep the observation after careful consideration and in line with this guidance.

BN(O) customer has double barrelled name following marriage

Some customer’s previous BN(O) passport may be in doubled barrelled surname following marriage (made of up their maiden and husbands name), even though they may have:

took their married name and only use that name

kept their maiden name and only use that name

This is because at the time the customer made their application for their previous BN(O) passport, they may have been told they had to apply using the double barrelled name. Their Permanent Identity Care (PIC )and HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) passport will be in the correct name (for example, their married or maiden name).

Customer states they only use their married or maiden name

If the customer tells you, they do not use the double barrelled name and only use their married (or maiden) you must:

ask them for:

their marriage certificate (to show how the double barrelled name was made up)

evidence they use the name for all official purposes (you may accept the PIC, HKSAR and address evidence)

accept the name on the application when all of the following apply:

you can see how the name was made up from the marriage certificate

the name on the application matches the name on the PIC, HKSAR (and any other foreign passport they hold) and address evidence

If the customer cannot provide their marriage certificate (or does not want to), you must ask them for evidence:

of a change of name (to show a change of name from the double barrelled name to the name they use)

Names and change of names for diplomats and officials

This section tells His Majesty’s Passport Office operational staff about the extra requirements for Diplomats and officials who have a change of name. You must also refer to changing an adults name or child’s name , which provides detailed guidance on dealing with applications that have a change of name.

Passports for diplomats, British officials or King’s Messenger Services must be in the same name as their standard British passport. (see Multiple British passports and nationality statuses). If they do not have one, they must apply for one using the same name and wait for it to be issued.

If there is a change of name, we will not issue a passport in the new name until all valid passports have been sent to us to change.

Name differences when a customer needs an interview

This section tells His Majesty’s Passport Office Customer Service Office (CSO) staff how to deal with name changes and name differences when the customer needs to attend an interview. It also tells operational staff about applications that have been passed with eligibility issues that relate to the customer’s name.

If the customer arrives for their interview appointment and gives a different name to the name shown on the appointment schedule or the name on the system, we must check why.

To identify the customer and pass them to the interview stage, you, the interview receptionist, must ask the customer for the name they applied in (for example, they may have applied for a post-dated passport).

When CSOs prepare for the interview

Customers may be referred for an interview, if they have:

changed their name after they naturalised and there is more than 1 year between the date they naturalised or registered and the date they sent their passport application

changed their name since they naturalised or registered

names they did not disclose to UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) during the naturalisation or registration process

CSOs must check the case notes to see why the customer has been asked to attend an interview so they can ask relevant questions during the interview.

What CSOs must consider during an interview

When CSOs carry out the interview, they must take into account:

that a post-dated passport application will be in the customer’s married name instead of the name they currently use (the customer’s current name will be shown in the previous names field on the personal details screen)

the differences in the name may be explained by checking the case notes

the differences in the spelling and the order of the forenames or abbreviations because, while the name on the application should match the name on the supporting documents, the customer may be known by another name socially

the customer’s name will match the details they used when they got their British nationality (by registration or naturalisation), unless the customer has provided evidence of a change of name and evidence they use the new name for all purposes (see Names: evidence to change a name)

Signing the signature form after the interview

Unless it is a Digital Customer Services application, the customer will be asked to sign their signature on the signature form so we can compare it against the signature on the screen. You the CSO must check that the signature matches the name.

CSOs pass the interview: application returned to examination

The purpose of the interview is to check that the customer is the rightful owner of the identity and not if they are eligible for a passport based on their nationality.

If a CSO is satisfied with a customer’s identity but has other concerns that an examiner in the Application Processing Centre (APC) needs to deal with, the CSO may pass the interview and return it to examination. This may include concerns with the customer’s name.

When dealing with applications that have been passed with eligibility issues and the reason is because of concerns with the customer’s name, you, the examiner, must refer to the Interviews - UK applications.

When CSOs must leave a name related case note

You, the CSO, must leave a case note when:

the names on the customer profile do not match the name on the application (for example, the application form shows Jackie but the passport is to be issued in the name Jacqui)

the customer mentioned they have other names that they use for all purposes

there are multiple changes of name and it’s not obvious what the name changes are

Belfast interview office (video interviews without audio)

Officers conducting video interviews without audio must leave a full case note, when:

they find the customer has a name they did not previously tell us about

the customer cannot align their name because it meets one of our exceptions (see Names: aligning names on foreign documents)

Searches and file requests: customer has a change of name

This section tells His Majesty’s Passport Office operational staff what they must do when they need to carry out a search using the Peterborough Search team and the customer has changed their name.

If you, the examiner, need to carry out a search using the Peterborough Search team (PST) and the customer has changed their name, when completing the search from, you must:

include the change of name

include the date the name changed

check the spelling of unusual names to make sure they are correct

This allows the PST to carry out a correct search (in alphabetical order) for the record.

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Names and name change

What name goes in my passport, can i use the name everyone knows me by.

How do I apply if I have only one name?

Do I need a new passport if I change my name?

What if i have two or more australian passports, how do i get a passport in my new name, what name change documents do i need, name change because of change in marital status, name change because of gender transition, name change because of personal preference, what if i’ve changed my name more than once, what if the name on my citizenship certificate is different to the name on my birth certificate or foreign passport.

The name in your passport will be the name on your full Australian birth certificate, or Australian citizenship certificate, or most recent Australian passport issued after 20 August 1986 with a validity of two years or more, unless you can provide the documents we require to accept a different name.

You may be known in the community by a different or shortened name (e.g. Bill rather than William), but if you haven’t registered that name, or if it isn’t the name in your most recent Australian passport issued after 20 August 1986 with a validity of two years or more, then your new passport will show your name as it appears in your Australian birth certificate, citizenship certificate, marriage certificate or name change document.

How do I apply if I only have one name?

If you have only one name (because you don’t have a family name or you don’t have a given name):

enter your name in the ‘Family name’ field of the application
in the ‘Given name’ field, enter XXX (this won’t appear in your passport).

Please note : Not all countries accept passports with only one name. You should check the entry requirements for any destination you plan to visit or transit through. For more information, visit Smartraveller .

If you change your name because of a change in your marital status (including marriage, divorce, entering or leaving a registered relationship or the death of a spouse), you can get a new passport or keep using your current passport. We recommend booking travel in the name that’s in your passport.

If you change your name for other reasons, you should stop using your current passport.

You can’t have different Australian passports in different names.

If you have two or more concurrent passports , and you want to change your name in one of them, then you have to change all of them at the same time.

To get a passport in your new name, you’ll need to show us documents that prove your citizenship and your identity , including documents that link your new name to your old name.

If you’ve changed your name, you have to show us documents that link your current name to the name on your Australian birth certificate or Australian citizenship certificate.

The particular documents you need will depend on whether you changed your name because of:

a change to your marital status (including marriage, a divorce that's been finalised, entering or leaving a registered relationship or the death of a spouse), and/or
a gender transition , and/or
personal preference .

If you’ve changed your name more than once, you’ll need to document all the name changes that directly link your current name to the name on your Australian birth certificate or Australian citizenship certificate.

If you’ve changed your name because of a change in your marital status (including marriage, divorce, entering or leaving a registered relationship or the death of a spouse), two kinds of document are relevant:

mandatory documents that link your current name to the name on your Australian birth or Australian citizenship certificate – without one of these documents, we can’t issue a passport in your new name
additional documents that show you meet one of the conditions for a free replacement passport, if you’re eligible – without one of these documents, you can’t get a free passport in your new name.

Mandatory documents that link your names

If you’ve taken your spouse or partner’s family name, or added it to your own family name, you can generally link your names by showing us:

your Australian birth certificate or Australian citizenship certificate, and
a marriage, registered relationship or name change certificate issued by a Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in Australia.

We don’t require a separate name change certificate if your name change is registered in an amended Australian birth certificate or Australian citizenship certificate.

In some circumstances, we always require an Australian name change certificate, amended Australian birth certificate or amended Australian citizenship certificate:

if you’ve changed your given name(s), or
if you’ve entered or left a de facto relationship, or
if you were born in Australia and married or entered into a registered relationship overseas, or
if you formally registered a name change in Australia after you married or entered a registered relationship and you’re now reverting to a name you previously used.

We’ll accept a foreign marriage, registered relationship or name change certificate only if you can’t get an Australian equivalent because you were born overseas and you live overseas and you married or entered into the relationship overseas. You must have entered the marriage or relationship after you became an Australian citizen, and the certificate has to be legalised . Any foreign-language documents have to be translated in full by an approved translation service.

If you’ve changed your name more than once, you need to show us documents that directly link your current name to the name on your Australian birth or Australian citizenship certificate.

If your current passport expires more than two years from now and hasn’t been lost or stolen or suffered major damage , you can choose to apply for a replacement passport . A replacement passport costs less than a standard passport, and in some circumstances it’s free, but it’s only valid until the expiry date of the passport it replaces.

Additional documents to get a free replacement passport

If you’ve changed your name because of a change in your marital status, you can choose to get a free replacement passport if:

your current passport expires more than two years from now, and
your current passport hasn’t been lost or stolen or suffered major damage, and
you’ve changed your family name, and
this was your most recent name change, and
you can show us that the name change related to a change in your marital or de facto relationship status.

You’re not eligible for a free replacement passport if you’ve only changed your given name(s) and not your family name.

To get a free replacement passport, you need to prove that your name change related to a change in your marital status by providing:

a marriage or registered relationship certificate
evidence of a finalised divorce – this must be a divorce order or a certificate of divorce
a revocation of registered relationship certificate
evidence of the death of your spouse or partner – this could be a death certificate, a coroner’s report, a medical certificate, a cremation certificate, or an Australian birth certificate that records the death
a B11 - General declaration by passport applicant (PDF 127.03 KB) affirming the circumstances of a de facto relationship
evidence of a de facto relationship, such as property or lease documents in both names.

For the purpose of proving that you’re eligible for a free replacement passport, we accept foreign certificates. They don’t have to be legalised.

Any documents that aren’t in English have to be translated in full by an approved translation service.

If you’ve changed any part of your name because of a gender transition , you need to show us a name change certificate issued by a Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in Australia, unless:

your new name is already reflected in a re-issued Australian birth certificate or Australian citizenship certificate, or
you were born and live overseas and the name change happened overseas.

We’ll only accept a foreign name change certificate if you were born overseas and live overseas and the name change happened overseas. The name change must have happened after you became an Australian citizen. The foreign name change certificate has to be legalised . If it’s not in English, it needs to be translated in full by an approved translation service.

If you have a current passport that expires more than two years from now and hasn’t been lost or stolen or suffered major damage , you can choose to get a free replacement passport .

If the change of name document doesn’t also show your preferred gender, then you also have to provide documents which establish that you’ve transitioned your gender.

If you’ve changed your name because of personal preference, you’ll need to show us a name change certificate issued by an Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages , unless:

We’ll only accept a foreign name change certificate if you were born overseas and live overseas and the name change happened overseas. The name change must have happened after you became an Australian citizen. The foreign name change certificate needs to be legalised . If it’s not in English, it needs to be translated in full by an approved translation service.

If you have a current passport that expires more than two years from now and hasn’t been lost or stolen or suffered major damage , you can choose to get a replacement passport , but you have to pay the fee . You also have to show us your current passport.

If you were born overseas and your Australian citizenship certificate doesn’t show your gender and place of birth, then you need to prove your gender and place of birth by showing us either:

your foreign birth certificate, or
a foreign passport.

If the applicant is a child, you always need to show us the foreign birth certificate with details of the child’s parents.

If these documents are in a different name to the name on your (or the child’s) Australian citizenship certificate, you need to show us documents that link the two names.

For this purpose, we accept foreign documents.

These documents don’t have to be legalised.

Any documents not in English need to be translated in full by an approved translation service.

Sex and gender diverse passport applicants
Citizenship documents
Identity documents

Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Sample Name Change Request Letter Template
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COMMENTS

Name Change for U.S. Passport or Correct a Printing or Data Error
Was issued in your current name (or you can show your name change) If you are eligible to renew, submit the following by mail: Form DS-82; Your most recent U.S. passport; Your original or certified name change document, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order; One color passport photo; Fees, which are different depending ...
The Complete Passport Name Change Guide: Step-By-Step
A passport name change requires submitting a formal application. These applications, outlined in the step-by-step guide below, follow the same processing timeline as standard passport applications. Currently, a passport application takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks to process. Requesting expedited service will get it processed in just 2 to 3 ...
Form DS-5504 Name Change, Corrections, & Limited Passport Replacement
STEP 1: Complete and Print Form. Follow the instructions below to download the passport application form DS-5504: Right click on the link. Select "Save Target As..." Choose the folder where you want to save the form. Click the link to open the form in PDF format: Form DS-5504: Application for a U.S. Passport: Name Change, Data Correction, and ...
How to Apply for Changes or Corrections on a US Passport
1 Gather all documents required to apply for passport changes or corrections. Passport Form DS-5504, completed offline or filled out online at PPTForm, printed and signed. One new passport photo - This must be a different photo than the one on the passport you are correcting or changing. For a passport correction, submit proof that the ...
Passport Forms
3. Data Corrections, Some Name Changes, and Limited-Validity Passports (DS-5504) You may be eligible to use this form if you need to change or correct your passport, or you need to replace a passport that was limited to less than 10 years validity (which is the normal validity period for an adult's passport.) Make sure to sign and date the form ...
Passport Name Change
Passport Name Change Application Form DS-5504, completed offline or filled out online at PPTForm, printed and signed. Select "Complete Form Online" to begin. One NEW passport photo - This must be a different photo than the one on the passport you are changing. Photocopy of your driver's license or other state-issued ID (front and back ...
Passport Name Change Application
The Passport Name Change Application is the same form that is used for corrections to passports that have printing errors. The DS-5504 is a two page form with a space for your photo and signature on the first page. When you complete this application form for a passport renewal, you will need to include the following information:
Passport Application & Passport Renewal
Collect your most recent passport, completed and signed application, renewal fees, and name change documents, if needed. Choose your envelope. Use an envelope large enough to fit the application without folding it. TIP: Pay for Priority Mail Express ® or Priority Mail ® service and get free envelopes that are large enough to hold your ...
U.S. passports
Lost or stolen passports. If your passport is lost or stolen you must report it to the State Department right away. How you replace it depends on if you are inside or outside the U.S. Find out how to apply for or renew a passport for an adult or a minor under 18. Know what to do if a passport is lost or stolen.
Acceptable Forms of Name Changes for Passports
After a year, it is necessary to apply for a renewal which has an application fee of $110 or for a new passport which has an application fee of $110 and an execution fee of $35. Routine processing for a passport name change takes 4-6 weeks. It is possible to expedite passport renewal with a name change. Applicants who request this service by ...
PDF PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT STATEMENT
AUTHORITIES: Collection of this information is authorized by 22 U.S.C. 211a et seq.; 8 U.S.C. 1104; Executive Order 11295 (August 5, 1996); and 22 C.F.R. parts 50 and 51. PURPOSE: We are requesting this information in order to establish the identity of an applicant for a U.S. passport as part of his or her application for a U.S. passport. The collection of the Social Security number will be ...
Sample Request Letter for Name Correction on Passport
Dear [NAME], I am writing this letter to request a name change on my passport. Please find enclosed all documents needed to process this request, as well as a check payable in the amount of [GOVERNMENT FEE]. If you need any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your time.
How to change your name and what government agencies to notify
Court order. In most cases, you must file a petition with your local court to change your name. To do so, you may need to file paperwork and appear before a judge to complete the process. Find your local government website and contact your circuit court to get information about how you can legally change your name.
Name Change Request Letter Sample
Name Change Request Letter Sample: Learn how to write a name change request letter in this article. ... If you have gone through a passport verification process, you would know how important it is to have the same name and address in your passport application and all the other supporting documents you are providing. So, it is important to make ...
Updating or Correcting Your Documents
These documents include your personal information, such as your full legal name, date of birth, country of birth, gender, and A-Number. This page provides information on how to update and correct the information on your documents. If you want to update or correct your U.S. passport, see the State Department's Change or Correct a Passport webpage.
Passport Name FAQ
Passport Name FAQ. Questions applicants frequently ask include what name to include on the application (especially if the full name is long or the birth name is not used), what to do in case of printing errors, and how to sign the passport. The answers to these and many other questions are provided below to help you understand possible options ...
Changing the name on your passport or travel document
You need to submit a new application to change the name on your passport back to the previous one. You must also submit documents supporting the name change: changing your last name due to a change in relationship status. legal name changes, court orders or adoption orders. They can be the original or a photocopy.
Names: change of name passport applications
Change of name: postal and online applications. Customers may use a paper application form to apply for their passport when they have a change of name. If they do, they must: tell us (on section 1 ...
Names and name change
To get a free replacement passport, you need to prove that your name change related to a change in your marital status by providing: a marriage or registered relationship certificate. evidence of a finalised divorce - this must be a divorce order or a certificate of divorce. a revocation of registered relationship certificate.
U.S. Passports
Routine: 6-8 weeks* Expedited: 2-3 weeks and an extra $60* *Consider the total time it will take to get a passport when you are booking travel. Processing times only include the time your application is at a passport agency or center.. It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive at a passport agency or center. It may take up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport after we ...

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List of Passport Name FAQ

Which name should I use on the passport application?

Can I change my passport name back to my legal name if I don't have a picture ID that has that given name?

How does my name appear on my passport?

Can I get a passport if the name on my birth certificate does not match the name on my driver's license and social security card?

The name in my passport does not match the name on my driver's license.

How do I get a passport if the name on my birth certificate is different from my current name?

My first name on my birth certificate differs from the name on my driver's license.

What problems will I face if I have dual citizenship and have different names in my passports?

How should we prepare our passports?

Can I have two non-hyphenated last names in my passport?

Passport Name

How do I find out how my name will appear on my passport?

Middle Name in Passport

How can I have my passport name match my other documents?

Passport Name Printing Error

How to get a passport if assumed name is different from the name on birth certificate?

I'm a resident of Puerto Rico and my Florida birth record and SS Card indicate the same last name, can I obtain my passport in Puerto Rico?

Should there be a space after the "Mc" of my last name in my passport?

How do I see the name that will be listed on my passport?

Should you put a child's full name on the passport?

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