The process required for obtaining a passport has become more complicated and comprehensive than ever before. This has happened in part because of increased border security measures that have been put in place since the attacks of September 11, 2001. These new regulations are making some people hesitant to apply for a passport or for changes to their passport, but something like a United States passport name change change does not have to be daunting.
It is quite straightforward in most cases to apply for changes to your new passport and it is normally also quite affordable. Most of the common changes that people need to apply for do not even require a fee and only a short form is required to process the change. There are fees that are imposed for certain changes and to have these changes done in a speedy fashion there is also a small fee.
One of the most common changes that people have to make to their passport is when it is sent out or printed with the wrong information due to a printing error. This is a simple change that can be made at any time during the valid years of the passport. This is a change that requires no fee be paid and it requires only the DS-5504 form. This form can be picked up at a post office or printed from the website. It can also be returned via mail or turned into a postal employee at the post office.
Another common change that people need is a name change. This is often needed if a marriage or divorce has taken place since the passport was issued. There is no fee for this change either unless expedited service is needed. The DS-5504 form must be used and it must be submitted one year or less after the passport was issued. This form can be easily printed out online and returned to your local post office. It can also be mailed to the address on the form.
If a name change must be made more than one year after the issue of the passport, a fee is imposed for the change. The DS-82 form must be used for these changes. This form can be picked up at a passport office or printed out on the passport website.
If additional Vista pages must be added there is no fee and this can be done anytime as long as the passport is valid. If expedited service is needed, a fee will be assessed by the passport agency. This is normally a small fee of only $60.
The total cost for a passport is around $120 for the application and related fees. $60 must be added if the passport application must be rushed. If an individual cannot prove citizenship another $60 fee will be imposed for the passport agency to verify citizenship. These fees are quite low, but they can add up if you have certain circumstances that require special services.
Changes in general are simple to request and can be made quickly if needed. These US passport name change are most often free, but if you need them done quickly there will be a cost. It is not scary at all to make changes to your passport. Changes like a passport name change are easier than many believe. Passports today are more comprehensive than ever, but getting one or changing one is still a relatively simple process.
