How can you change your last name without getting married

Changing your name in your passport

If you have changed your name by marriage or divorce, you may apply for a new passport to be issued in your new name, using form DS-82 or DS-5504.  If you have changed your name any other way, you must apply using form DS-11, Click here for instructions.

  • If your current passport was issued less than one year ago and you consequently got married/divorced, you may apply for a passport in your new name by using  Form DS-5504. There will be no charge for routine processing such an application. Please follow the instructions below on how to proceed.
  • If your current passport was issued more than one year ago and you consequently got married/divorced you may apply for a passport in your new name using form DS-82.  Go to our section on adult passports for application instructions.  You will be required to the pay regular passport fee.

1. Fill out FORM DS-5504

Complete FORM DS-5504 online, and print it out single-sided. Back to back printed forms cannot be processed. Do not print the instructions as you are to use this website instead.  At ‘Mailing Address’ list your Dutch address, even if it is only temporary.  You cannot currently list a “Country” when completing the “Emergency Contact” section on our forms. Please list an emergency contact in the United States.  You may sign the form at home.  Applications filled out by hand may require longer to process.

3. Proof of U.S. citizenship

Provide your most recently issued full validity (10-year) U.S. passport, with a photo copy of the biographical information page.

5. Evidence of name change through marriage or divorce

You will need to submit your original marriage or divorce certificate.  Documents presented must be in English or be accompanied by a sworn translation into English. If married and divorced in the Netherlands, please submit the original international version made out in several languages, including English, of the marriage certificate (uitreksel uit de huwelijksakte, dienst van de burgerlijke stand). If your divorce decree does not state your maiden name, and you wish to have that name in your passport again, please also your birth certificate.

6. Provide photocopies

Aside from the original(s) provide a plain photocopy of your passport’s biographical information page and any supporting documents as applicable to your application.  Copies of the forms are not required.

9. New passport will be delivered by mail

Provide a prepaid return envelope

  • Size: 23 x 16 centimeters or 9×6 inches – no bigger envelopes, no padded envelopes, no big DHL envelopes, please.
  • On this envelope attach your DHL label*, or
  • write the passport applicant’s name and address, and stick 5 x regular ‘1’ PostNL stamps in the top right corner.

We cannot send passports to addresses outside of the Netherlands.
*We recommend using the trackable “waybill” from DHL express, or DHL parcel label.  These you must order online at: https://my.dhlexpress.nl/pwa/shipment/package/.
When prompted, please select “Mailbox Parcel”, and enter your personal information as the recipient. Check the option “E-mail Notification”.
When asked about the sender, enter your own name and the following mailing address: John Adams Park 1, 2244 BZ Wassenaar. Use your own e-mail address as sender and receiver so you receive all correspondence regarding your shipment.  The cost of the trackable service begins at €3.95.  Print your DHL label and glue or tape it on your return envelope.

When using regular stamps note this way the shipment is not trackable. Mailing is at your own risk.

All valid passports will be canceled during your appointment as you cannot have two valid passports.  Plan your appointment accordingly as you may be without a valid passport for up to three weeks.

If you are also applying for a passport card, bring two prepaid return envelopes as cards arrive two to three weeks after passport books.

Your canceled old passport and all original documents provided, will be returned to you with your new passport.

Processing time

Passports are printed in the United States with a secure photo-digitized image of the bearer.  From receipt of your application by the Consulate General in Amsterdam, you should allow for up to 4 to 6 weeks for your application to be processed.

Can you give yourself a new last name?

Most states allow you to legally change your name simply through usage. You can choose a name and just start using it in social settings and in your business. This can be a completely legal name change.

What does a woman have to do to change her last name?

Here are the first steps you must take to legally change your name after getting married: Use your new name on the marriage certificate. Change your identification documents such as your Social Security card and driver's license or state-issued I.D.

How much does it cost to change your last name in NC?

I have petitioned the court to legally change my name and I was born in North Carolina. What should I do next? If you have received notice of final order from the court, you are required to complete our Birth Certificate Modification Application Form and pay the associated fee of $39.

How much does it cost to change your last name in PA?

Financial Assistance – When representing yourself, a legal name change in Pennsylvania typically costs between $250 and $600.