Texas Passport Name Change Process – Step-by-Step 2026 Guide with Costs

Changing your name after marriage or divorce is a big milestone. But once you’ve updated your Social Security card and driver’s license, there’s one important document left: your U.S. passport.

If you live in Texas and need to update your passport name in 2026, this step-by-step guide explains everything clearly — including forms, documents, mailing address, fees, and processing time.

Let’s make this simple.

Do You Need to Change Your Passport Name?

You must update your passport if:

• You changed your last name after marriage

• You returned to your maiden name after divorce

• You legally changed your name through court

• Your current passport shows your old legal name

Your passport name must match your legal name on your Social Security record and government IDs.

First: Which Situation Applies to You?

The process depends on when your passport was issued.

There are three common situations:

1. Your passport was issued less than 1 year ago

2. Your passport was issued more than 1 year ago

3. You do not have a valid passport (expired or lost)

Let’s break each one down clearly.

Scenario 1: Passport Issued Less Than 1 Year Ago

If your passport was issued within the last 12 months, good news — you can update your name for free.

Form You Need:

Form DS-5504

This form is used specifically for name changes within one year of passport issuance.

Documents Required:

• Your current passport

• Original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order

• Completed DS-5504 form

• One passport photo (if required)

Cost in 2026:

$0 (No government fee)

You only pay if you request expedited service.

Where to Send It:

Mail your application to the address listed on the DS-5504 instructions (varies depending on regular or expedited service).

Scenario 2: Passport Issued More Than 1 Year Ago

If your passport is older than 12 months, you must renew it and update your name at the same time.

Form You Need:

Form DS-82 (Passport Renewal Form)

Documents Required:

• Current passport

• Certified marriage certificate or court order

• Completed DS-82 form

• One passport photo

• Payment

2026 Passport Renewal Fees:

• Passport Book: $130

• Passport Card (optional): $30

• Both Book & Card: $160

• Expedited Service (optional): $60 extra

You must pay with check or money order when mailing.

Scenario 3: No Valid Passport or Major Name Change

If:

• Your passport is expired for more than 5 years

• You cannot submit your old passport

• Your name changed significantly (not just last name)

You must apply in person.

Form You Need:

Form DS-11

What You’ll Need:

• Certified name change document

• Proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization certificate)

• Government-issued photo ID

• Passport photo

• Payment

2026 Fees for New Passport:

• Passport Book: $130

• Execution Fee: $35

• Expedited Service: +$60

Total for standard new passport book: $165

You must apply at a passport acceptance facility (post office, clerk’s office, etc.).

Step-by-Step Texas Passport Name Change Process

Here’s the simplified process:

Step 1: Update Your Social Security Record First

Before updating your passport, make sure your name is updated with the Social Security Administration.

Your passport application name must match your federal record.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Make sure you have:

• Certified marriage certificate or court order

• Current passport

• Proper passport photo

• Correct form

Photocopies are not accepted for legal name change proof.

Step 3: Complete the Correct Form Carefully

Use black ink if printing.
Double-check spelling.
Make sure your signature matches your current legal name.

Common mistake: signing with old name.

Step 4: Prepare Payment (If Required)

If renewal is needed, attach check or money order payable to:

“U.S. Department of State”

Do not send cash.

Step 5: Mail or Apply In Person

• DS-5504 and DS-82 → Mail

• DS-11 → In person

Use a trackable mailing method if sending by mail.

How Long Does It Take in 2026?

Processing times vary depending on demand.

Estimated processing times:

• Routine Service: 6–8 weeks

• Expedited Service: 2–3 weeks

• Expedited at Agency (urgent travel): Possible within 14 days (appointment required)

Texas residents can track application status online after submission.

Do You Need to Update Visa or International Records?

If you have:

• Travel visas in your passport

• Global Entry

• TSA PreCheck

• Airline loyalty accounts

You may need to update those separately after your passport name change is completed.

Always book flights under the name that matches your passport.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many delays happen because of small errors.

Avoid these:

• Sending photocopy instead of certified marriage certificate

• Forgetting signature

• Using wrong form

• Not including payment

• Wrong passport photo size

Double-check everything before mailing.

Can You Travel While Waiting?

If your passport is submitted for name change:

• You cannot travel internationally until it is returned

• Plan ahead if honeymoon or international trip is coming

If urgent travel is needed, request expedited service.

Do You Need to Change Passport Immediately After Marriage?

There is no strict deadline.

However:

If you plan to travel internationally under your new legal name, your passport must match your ID and airline ticket.

Many people wait until their next passport renewal unless travel requires earlier update.

Texas Passport Acceptance Locations

If applying in person (DS-11), you can visit:

• Local U.S. Post Offices

• County Clerk Offices

• Public libraries (some locations)

Appointment may be required.

Search “passport acceptance facility near me” to find the closest Texas location.

What If Your Marriage Certificate Doesn’t Show Full Name?

If your marriage certificate does not clearly show your new name format, you may need:

• Court-ordered name change
  OR

• Additional documentation

Most Texas marriage certificates allow automatic last name change, but middle name changes may require court approval.

Quick Cost Summary (2026)

Final Thoughts

Updating your passport name in Texas is not complicated — as long as you use the correct form and include proper documentation.

The most important things to remember:

• Choose the correct form (DS-5504, DS-82, or DS-11)

• Include certified name change proof

• Double-check signature and photo

• Consider expedited service if traveling soon

Taking your time and following each step carefully will prevent delays.

"This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice."