Changing your name, whether due to marriage, divorce, or personal reasons, comes with important considerations - particularly regarding your passport. A common question we receive is: "Can I still travel using my old passport after I've legally changed my name?" The answer isn't as straightforward as you might expect, so let's explore what you need to know.

Can You Use Your Old Passport After Changing Your Name?

Technically, your passport remains valid until its expiration date - even after a legal name change. However, there are important factors to consider when traveling internationally:

  • Your passport details must match exactly those on your flight tickets and travel reservations.
  • Discrepancies between your passport and other identification (like a driver's license or boarding passes) can cause significant travel delays or denial of boarding.

Recommended Best Practices

For seamless travel, the U.S. Department of State strongly recommends updating your passport to reflect your current legal name as soon as possible after the change. While legally you may still hold a valid passport under your old name, practical considerations—especially security and identity checks at airports—make updating advisable.

Traveling Immediately After a Name Change

If you need to travel soon after a name change and haven't updated your passport yet, you should:

  • Carry documentation verifying your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
  • Be aware that some airlines or immigration officials might still deny boarding or entry due to discrepancies.

How to Update Your Passport After a Name Change

To update your passport, you must apply for a passport renewal by mail (using Form DS-82) if your current passport is undamaged and was issued within the last 15 years. If these criteria aren’t met, you'll need to apply in person using Form DS-11.

You'll need to provide:

  • Your current passport
  • Proof of the name change (original or certified copy)
  • Recent passport photo
  • Appropriate fees

Processing Times

Standard passport renewal processing takes approximately 6–8 weeks. Expedited processing is available, reducing the wait to 2–3 weeks, or even faster in emergencies.

Common Questions (FAQs)

Q: Will my passport number change after a name change?
A: Yes, a new passport issued due to a name change will have a new passport number.

Q: Can I use my old passport for identification purposes?
A: Yes, your old passport can still serve as identification within the United States, as long as it is valid by date.

Q: What documents are accepted as proof of name change?
A: Accepted documents include marriage certificates, divorce decrees, adoption papers, or a court-ordered name change document.

Q: Can airlines refuse boarding if my passport name doesn't match my ticket?
A: Yes, airlines can and often will refuse boarding if the passport and ticket names don't match exactly.

Final Thoughts

While it's legally possible to travel internationally with a passport in your previous name, it's risky and potentially stressful. To ensure smooth travels, update your passport promptly after a legal name change. At USPassport.com, our experts can guide you through the name-change process quickly and clearly, helping you avoid any complications during your travels.