Change of Name Procedures

Department of State directives determine the manner in which names are entered in United States passports. The following information covers the majority of cases that arise. If a particular case does not fall within these guidelines, the Embassy/Consulate will consult with the Department of State.

Note: If applying for a passport and change of name for a child under the age of fourteen, please contact the Embassy.

1. Adoption of Spouse’s Surname: An applicant who assumes his/her spouse’s surname upon marriage, may have his/her passport written in that name, upon presentation of an original marriage certificate. If, for any reason, this document is not available, the applicant must appear personally at this office to execute his/her application and provide acceptable identification showing exclusive use of the married name. The applicant will be asked to make a statement as to the reasons why the certificate cannot be presented.

2. Hyphenated Surname through Marriage: A person may have a hyphenated surname placed in a passport, providing the original marriage certificate, or acceptable identification in the hyphenated name, is produced. The surname joined by the hyphen may be written in the order in which the applicant uses them.

3. Married/Divorced/Widowed Applicants Using Maiden Name or Previous Married Surname: A married, divorced, or widowed applicant who uses a maiden or previous married surname exclusively may have the passport written in that surname provided he/she submits three pieces of acceptable identification. If using a previous married surname, the applicant will be required to complete a statement, which includes the spouse’s name, date and place of birth, date of marriage, and reason for termination (i.e. divorce, death). You will also be required to furnish the divorce or death certificate. The applicant will need to produce evidence of claim to the former name i.e. marriage certificate or, in the case of maiden name, a birth certificate or expired U.S. passport in that name. An applicant whose maiden or previous surname is restored after a divorce may present the divorce decree or court order so specifying (original or certified copy)

4. Maiden or Previous Married Surname as "known as" entry: A woman may have her maiden or previous married surname included in her passport as a "known as" name. She must submit a sworn statement confirming use of her former name, plus documentary evidence of her claim to that name such as a previous passport, a birth certificate, or a previous marriage certificate.

5. "Known As" Professional or Religious Name: An applicant who has assumed a name for professional or religious reasons, while retaining the use of the legal name, may have the professional or religious name included in the passport as a "known as" name. Both the legal name and the professional or religious name must be shown on the application. The applicant must present acceptable identification in the "known as" name together with public documents as described below. A sworn statement confirming the use of the "known as" name will also be required.

6. Use of Stepfather’s Surname by Minor: A minor who has been using the surname of his/her stepfather may have this name reflected on the passport providing documentary evidence as described below establishing the minor’s exclusive use of that surname for at least five years is provided. Also required is the written consent of both natural parents. Written consent may be in the form of the natural parents’ notarized affidavit of consent, execution of the minor’s passport application, or signature on the minor’s passport application to identify the child. If the child has used the name for less than five years the name may be written as a "known as" name providing documentary evidence is submitted (see paragraph 5).

7. Use of Guardian’s Surname: When the whereabouts of the natural parents are unknown or the natural parents are deceased, and the child has assumed the guardian’s surname, the passport may be written in that surname. In all cases the guardian must provide evidence of legal guardianship (such as the original or certified copy of a court order) and documentary evidence as described on page on showing the exclusive use of the guardian’s surname for at least five years. If the whereabouts of the parents are unknown the guardian must also provide a notarized affidavit regarding the whereabouts of the natural parents and the child’s assumption of the guardian’s surname. In the case of the death of the natural parent(s) the death certificate(s) must also be provided.

8. Assumption of Parent’s Birth Surname Following Divorce: If a minor has assumed the birth surname of a parent following divorce, a passport for that minor may not be written solely in that surname unless the following documents are submitted:

9. Complete Change of Name through Usage: An applicant requesting the issuance of, or amendment to, a passport showing an assumed name, where the name has not been legally changed by Court Order, may have a passport written in the assumed name providing s/he has been known exclusively by this name for at least five years. The applicant must present acceptable identification in the assumed name together with public documents as described below showing the use of the assumed name for at least five years.

In addition, the applicant must be able to submit "Statement of Witness in Support of Change of Name" executed by two or more persons who have personal knowledge of the applicant’s use of both names, and who can attest to the applicant’s exclusive use of the assumed name for at least five years. These statements may be executed by relatives, close friends, or business associates. Witnesses will need to accompany the applicant to this office in order that their statements may be prepared and sworn to before a Consular Officer.

The witnesses will need to produce some form of legal (photo) identification, preferably their own passports. Affidavits will be executed free of charge. The applicant will also be required to execute his/her own sworn statement confirming the usage of the assumed name.

10. Complete Change of Name by Court Order/Adoption/Statutory Declaration: An applicant who has had his/her name legally changed by U.S. Court Order, and who submits the original or certified copy of the order or decree, may have a passport issued in the new name as reflected in the order or decree. Uncertified copies are not acceptable.

A child who has been legally adopted and has a court order showing a change of name may have a passport issued in the new name provided the original court order shows the previous and present names. An applicant who has had his/her name changed by Statutory Declaration may have a passport issued in that name providing acceptable identification showing usage of the new name is submitted with the original declaration. A minor (under the age of 18) must have the statutory declaration signed by both parents. If parents are separate or divorced, please see paragraph 6, 7 or 8.

Note: There are varying forms for name changes. However, the only acceptable document for a passport name change is a statutory declaration, which has been executed in accordance with the statutory declarations act, 1835. This document must be signed by the applicant in the presence of a Solicitor administering the oath; the document will be sealed by that official.

The declaration should be signed thus: "Janet Doe formerly Janet Smith".

What documents are required?
All applications for a change of name (except a change of name by marriage where the marriage certificate is available) must be accompanied by at least three pieces of acceptable identification:

II wish to amend my existing passport: If you wish to have your existing passport amended to reflect your new name, please complete the form DSP-19. You need not submit photographs. There is no fee for this service.

II wish to apply for a new passport: If you wish to renew your passport to reflect your new name, it will be necessary for you to present the following documentation:

Method of Application

Applying in person: All forms of name changes must be executed personally at the Embassy. No appointment is necessary. The Consular Section is open to accept applications from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, Monday through Thursday and from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 am, on Fridays.

Assistance in finding medical help: If you become sick or hurt, you can contact a consular officer for a list of local doctors, dentists, and medical specialists. If you are injured or become seriously ill, a consul will help you find medical assistance and, at your request, inform your family or friends.

Assistance in getting funds: Should you lose all your money and other financial resources, consular officers can help you contact your family, bank, or employer to arrange for them to send you money.

Help in an emergency: In the event that your family needs to reach you because of an emergency at home or because they are worried about your welfare, they should call the State Department's Citizen Emergency Center at (202) 647-5225. The State Department will relay the message to consular officers in the country in which you are traveling. Consular officers will try to locate you, pass on urgent messages, and, consistent with the Privacy Act, report back to your family.

Visits in jail: If you are arrested, you should ask the authorities to notify a U.S. Consul. Consuls cannot get you out of jail. You are in a foreign country and are subject to its laws. However, Consuls can work to protect your legitimate interests and ensure that you are not discriminated against. They can provide a list of local attorneys, visit you, and contact your family and friends.

Making arrangements after the death of an American citizen: When an American dies abroad, a consular officer notifies the American's family and informs them about options and costs for disposition of remains. Costs for preparing and returning a body to the U.S. may be high and must be paid by the family.