Consulate General of the United States Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Changing your name in your passport

If you have changed your name by marriage or divorce, you may apply by mail for a new passport to be issued in your new name. If you have changed your name any other way, you must apply in person. See our Name change in person page.

There are two separate types of applications with different specifications: 1 is a free service, using form DS-5504, 2 is a paid service using form DS-82.

1. If you apply to have your name changed within one year of your current passport issuance date (i.e. your current passport is less than one year old), please apply using the DS-5504 form. There will be no charge for routine processing in this case. Please follow the instructions below on how to proceed.

2. If you apply to have your name changed one year or later after your current passports issuance date (i.e. your current passport is more than one year old) please apply using the DS-82 form.You will be required to the pay regular passport fee in this case.  See our section on Adult passports for more information.  Also see the note below regarding supporting documentation.

Please note: For both (1) and (2) above you will need to submit documentary evidence such as a court order, marriage or divorce certificate, or other satisfactory evidence to support a change of name.  Only originals or certified copies will be accepted. Documents presented must be in English. If married or 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, please also include a copy of your birth certificate.

If your passport was issued within the last 12 months please submit the following by mail:

1. Complete and sign the DS-5504 form — please also see our Tips for completing the DS-5504 form. If your passport was issued a year or more ago, please use form DS-82;
2. Your current passport;
3. One U.S. format, 2"x 2" (5 x 5 Cm.) photo. See our photo specifications page;
4. Your original marriage certificate and/or divorce decree;
5. Enclose a self addressed return envelope. If you want us to return your passport by registered mail, please provide sufficient postage with your return envelope.;
6. Mail your passport and application to:
   
   Passport-by-Mail Service
   American Citizen Services
   American Consulate General Amsterdam
   Museumplein 19
   1071 DJ  Amsterdam
7. There is no fee for this service.

Processing time

Passports are printed in the United States with a secure photo-digitized image of the bearer.  You should allow for up to 10 to 15 working days for your application to be processed.