Name Corrections and Major Name Changes:  If you need to change or correct a name in a passport, you may need to apply for a new one in person using a DS-11 form and presenting a government-issued photo ID in the new name (see Adult First Time Passport Applicants).  There are three exceptions:

1) You are correcting a mistake in a passport issued within the past year, using a DS-5504 form (see instructions below);
2) You are changing a name in a passport issued within the past year, using a DS-5504 form, and you have a formal name change document, like a deed poll, a court order or a marriage certificate, issued within the past year (see instructions below);
3) You qualify to use DS-82 form for your renewal and you have a formal name change document, like a deed poll, a court order or a marriage certificate, issued within the past year (see Adult Passports)

In these three instances, you may renew the passport and make the change/correction by mail and the photo ID in the new name is not required.  For all name changes, you must provide us with the original documents showing/proving the change and their photocopies.  Original documents will be returned to you.  If the original documents are in a language other than English, please bring a certified English translation as well.

Minor Name Changes:  There is a long list of small name changes that do not require a formal name change document, merely a government-issued photo ID in the new version of your name you would like to use.  Minor name changes must be done in person using a DS-11 form (see Adult First Time Passport Applicants).  If you are not sure if the name change you contemplate is minor or not, please consult our staff by email at ACSHK@state.gov.  Minor name changes include (not exhaustive):

1) Adding or dropping a middle name
2) Changing your first and/or middle name to initials or vice-versa
3) Changing your first and/or middle name to a common variant of the name, e.g. Richard🡪Rick or vice-versa, Margaret🡪Maggie or vice-versa
4) Changing the spelling of your first and/or middle name in a way that does not change pronunciation, e.g. Ann🡪Anne, John🡪Jon
5) Adding or dropping an extra first and/or family name

Name Changes through Common Usage:  It is possible to make a major name change without a formal name change document, in person and using a DS-11 form, by showing that you have used a different name than the one on your U.S. passport exclusively for five years.  Please email our staff for further information on documentary requirements at ACSHK@state.gov.

Gender Marker Changes or Corrections: If your most passport issued within the past year shows an incorrect gender marker, you may make the correction by mail using the DS-5504 (see instructions below).  If you wish to change your gender marker on your U.S. passport to better accord with a new gender identity, no documentation is required.  You must change your gender marker in person using a DS-11 form (see Adult First Time Passport Applicants).

Date of Birth/Place of Birth Changes or Corrections: If your most passport issued within the past year shows an incorrect date or place of birth, you may make the correction by mail using the DS-5504 (see instructions below).  If you wish to change your date or place of birth, in person and using the DS-11 form, please email our staff for further guidance at ACSHK@state.gov.

Biographical Data Corrections or Major Name Changes within one year after passport issuance