How to Complete a Name Change on Travel Documents

Whether you’re changing your name after marriage, divorce, or a legal court order, it’s important to update your travel documents in the right order so everything matches when you travel.

1. Update Your Legal Name First

Before touching any travel documents, make sure your name is officially changed with:

• Social Security Administration

• State-issued ID/driver’s license

• Any court orders, marriage certificates, or divorce decrees finalized

You’ll use these as proof for updating your passport and other records.

2. Update Your U.S. Passport

Follow the U.S. Department of State rules based on when your current passport was issued:

• If your passport is less than 1 year old:
  You can usually change the name at no passport fee by submitting the correct form (currently DS-5504), your current passport, name-change document (original or certified copy), and a new photo if required.

• If your passport is more than 1 year old:
  You typically renew it under your new name using the standard renewal form (currently DS-82 for eligible renewals or DS-11 in other cases), plus your name-change document and a new photo.

Make sure your new passport shows your correct full name before booking new international travel.

3. Update Your Airline Profiles and Frequent Flyer Accounts

Once your passport and ID are updated:

• Log into each airline account and update your profile name to match your new legal name exactly.

• If the system doesn’t allow edits (or if you have upcoming flights), contact the airline by phone or chat and ask what documentation they need to update your name.

4. Fix Any Existing Airline Tickets

If you already have flights booked under your old name:

• Contact the airline (or your travel advisor) as soon as possible.

• Explain that you’ve had a legal name change and ask about their name correction policy.

• Be ready to provide your marriage certificate, court order, or other legal proof, plus updated ID/passport details.

Airlines differ: some will correct a name after a legal change with no fee, others may charge change fees or require re-ticketing.

5. Update Trusted Traveler Programs (TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, etc.)

If you’re enrolled in TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or another trusted traveler program:

• Log into your account and follow the instructions to update your name, or

• Call or visit an enrollment center if required.

Your name on these programs must match your passport and airline profiles for benefits (like PreCheck) to work correctly.

6. Update Cruise Lines, Tour Companies, and Hotel Loyalty Programs

Next, update:

• Cruise line accounts

• Tour operator profiles

• Hotel loyalty accounts

This helps keep future reservations consistent and avoids last-minute verification issues.

7. Double-Check All Future Reservations

Before you travel, verify:

• Your airline ticket name matches your passport exactly (first, middle, and last where applicable).

• Cruise and tour bookings match your passport or ID.

• Any visas, ESTA, or entry authorizations are updated or re-applied for if required under your new name.

8. Keep Documentation With You When You Travel

For your first few trips after a name change, it’s smart to carry:

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

• Your updated passport and ID

Occasionally, an airline or border agent may ask for additional confirmation.