Would you like to change your surname or first name? Read how you can do this.
On this page
Conditions
You in any case have Dutch nationality. For the other conditions you can consult the website of the Dutch government.
How does it work?
The procedure is different for first names and surnames.
Change your first name
Would you like to legally change your first name? Then you should contact a lawyer because you will need to file this petition with the Dutch courts. Questions about how your petition is proceeding can be addressed to your lawyer.
Change your surname
Would you like to change your surname? You can file a request to the Ministry of Security and Justice. The municipality will subsequently alter the data on your birth certificate and in the Personal Records Database (BRP).
- You write a request to the Ministry of Security and Justice. You can use the name change application form on the website of the Integrity and Screening Agency (Dienst Justis).
- You will receive a confirmation from the ministry with an explanation about the subsequent procedure.
- The ministry will ask the municipality (Department of Public Service) for advice on your request.
- The Minister of Security and Justice will take a decision on your request for a name change within 10 months.
- The municipality of your birth will alter the data on your birth certificate. Your data will also be changed in the Personal Records Database (BRP) in the municipality where you live.
- Once the procedure has been completed, certain documents will no longer be valid. For example, your passport or driving licence. You will need to reapply for these documents.
- There is a difference between changing a name for minors, changing a name for adults and changing a name due to mental and/or physical health.
- The Minister of Security and Justice will rule on your request for a change to your family name. The name change is done by Royal Decree. You will receive this decision by post, and if you were born in the Netherlands the municipality of your birth will also be informed. Your personal data will also be changed in the BRP.
- For a foreign document see the page: Register a foreign certificate.
Fees
The Department of Public Service at the municipality will change your personal data in the BRP for free. The name change itself does cost money. After it receives your request, the Ministry of Security and Justice will tell you how much and how you need to pay.
How long does it take?
Once the Department of Public Service receives the Royal Decree, your data will first be altered on your birth certificate and subsequently in the BRP as well. In total this take a maximum of 4 to 6 weeks.
New surname in the BRP
Legally changing your surname is different from requesting a new surname in the BRP, for example because you got married or divorced. More information can be found under Request a change in the use of your surname.
You’ve recently had the best day of your life: you just married your significant other, and life could not be better for you. Now, however, there’s a problem: the name in your passport no longer matches the name in your ID. Technically speaking, you are a different person now. Will you get into any issues at the airport, or is it necessary that you apply for a passport name change after marriage? Well, that depends on where you intend to go – but you will find out more by reading this article.
- Do I Have to Get a New Passport after Getting Married
- How Soon Do I Have to Change My Name on My Passport after Marriage?
- How to Change Your Name on a Passport after Marriage
- Passport Name Change Checklist
- Read More
- Final Thoughts
Do I Have to Get a New Passport after Getting Married
The short answer to this is that it depends – but at the same time, it is still recommended. For example, if you leave the United States, some countries require you to have your after-marriage name on your passport. On the other hand, there are countries that accept your old passport – but require that you bring your marriage certificate as proof.
That being said, if you are traveling to a different country and if you intend to keep your old passport, you will require two different things: you will have to call the consular section of the country that you are trying to visit, asking about the issue. Secondly, if it is indeed possible, you would have to take your marriage certificate with you each time you decide to travel.
If you don’t want to go through this entire process every time you travel, you may want to change your passport. Granted, if you are only traveling to your home country and know for a fact that you can get by with showing your marriage certificate, you don’t necessarily have to change it. But if you like to travel to different countries, you may want to change your passport to avoid any last-minute documentation changes.
How Soon Do I Have to Change My Name on My Passport after Marriage?
This pretty much depends on your travel schedule – you won’t receive any penalties if you do not change it right after. You can wait a week, a month, a year, however much you like. The only things that might affect you are some extra fees that you might have to pay.
If your old passport was issued less than one year ago, then you won’t have to pay any fees for it – not unless you go for the expedited services. Still, if your passport was issued more than one year ago, you need to pay the appropriate fees when you apply for the renewal. This is why it is actually in your advantage to change your passport as soon as possible, to avoid any extra fees.
Other things might also affect how soon you can change your passport. For example, if you already have trips booked in your maiden name, then you may want to postpone changing your name until you actually finish the trip. Your passport name needs to match your boarding pass identically, lest you won’t be allowed to board. That’s why you need to wait until your return. Talk with the consular office and see whether you may board with your marriage certificate as proof upon your return or not.
How to Change Your Name on a Passport after Marriage
There’s plenty to remember when it comes to traveling to another country. Every person must go through a couple of hoops if they wish to travel internationally after getting married.
Newly Married People
If you are newly married and had your passport changed less than one year ago, then you’ll be happy to find out that it won’t cost you a dime to change your name in the passport. All you have to do as the applicant is to complete Form DS-5504 – one that you may easily download from the passport section of the U.S. Department of State website.
If you cannot complete the form online (which is also an option), you may choose to mail the paperwork, along with the necessary documents. You will have to submit your old passport, a passport photograph, and your marriage certificate in original (copies aren’t accepted). On the form, you can find the address where you need to mail it.
Mind the Date
If you’ve married some time ago and there’s already been more than a year since your last passport change, then you will be required to complete form DS-82. You must submit the same documentation required by newly married people, only you will have to pay a renewal application fee. Make sure that you mail your passport documentation using traceable services.
Absence of Marriage Certificate
There are some instances in which the person might not be able to provide the original marriage certificate. In this case, you need to complete Form DS-11 – which is also required if your passport expired more than 5 years ago. In the application package, you will have to include the form (completed), proof of being a citizen in the U.S., a valid I.D with your new married name and a photocopy, a passport photograph, along with a first-time application fee.
You may be required to bring in further documentation if your current paperwork was issued recently. Bear in mind that, in this case, you might not be able to mail the documents – you need to be there in person.
Passport Name Change Checklist
If you are planning to travel under your new name, there are certain steps that you are required to go through. Here is a checklist that you need to remember before changing your passport.
Review Your Travel Calendar
Do you have any trips booked for the future that still have your maiden name on them? Well, in this case, you might want to postpone changing your passport name until you return. Most airports won’t even let you board the plane if the name on the ticket does not match the name on the passport.
Gather the Paperwork
Depending on your passport and how long it has been since you updated it, you need to gather a couple of documents – the most important being a valid passport and proof of your marriage.
Fill the Application
Once more, depending on your status, you will need to determine whether you need to fill out a passport form DS-82, DS-5540, or DS-11. The forms are not complicated, but if you have questions, you might want to take a look at the instructions page.
Get a Recent Passport Photo
Your passport photo not only needs to be in color and follow the requirements, but it must also look like it’s certainly you in the picture. Plus, since scratches, rips and other defects will get the picture rejected, you need to get a new one.
Decide If Expedited Services Are Needed
How soon do you need your new passport? If you must update your passport ASAP, then you might want to go for expedited services.
Find Out the Fee
Depending on your status, you may or may not have to pay a fee. In general, you will only pay if it hasn’t been a year since your last passport update – that is, if you aren’t opting for expedited services. You should make a payable check to the U.S. Department of State.
Submit the Application
With everything gathered, you may renew your passport in person or by mail. Bear in mind that you may only use the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Otherwise, your mail will be returned without being processed.
Read More
- The Non-ECR Category: A Guide
- How to Renew an Indian Passport
- How to Renew Your Passport at the Post Office
- The Complete Guide to Having a Valid Visa on an Expired Passport
- Indian Passport Photo Requirements
- How Long Does it Take to Get a Passport?
- Form DS-11 for Passport Applications
Final Thoughts
Changing your passport may take a few steps, along with a bit of waiting time until you get the new one. However, when you get your paperwork in order, it should make your travel plans much easier.
Need a Loan? Get One in 3 Simple Steps
If you are considering applying for a personal loan, just follow these 3 simple steps.
Apply
Apply online for the loan amount you need. Submit the required documentation and provide your best possible application. Stronger applications get better loan offers.
Accept
If your application meets the eligibility criteria, the lender will contact you with regard to your application. Provide any additional information if required. Soon you’ll have your loan offer. Some lenders send a promissory note with your loan offer. Sign and return that note if you wish to accept the loan offer.
Repay
The loan then gets disbursed into your U.S. bank account within a reasonable number of days (some lenders will be as quick as 2-3 business days). Now you need to set up your repayment method. You can choose an autopay method online to help you pay on time every month.
About Stilt
Stilt provides loans to international students and working professionals in the U.S. (F-1, OPT, H-1B, O-1, L-1, TN visa holders) at rates lower than any other lender. Stilt is committed to helping immigrants build a better financial future.
We take a holistic underwriting approach to determine your interest rates and make sure you get the lowest rate possible.
Learn what others are saying about us on Google, Yelp, and Facebook or visit us at //www.stilt.com. If you have any questions, send us an email at [email protected]
Frank Gogol
I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.