Change of Name in Passport

There are several common reasons why someone may need to change the name on their passport. Some of the key reasons include:

• Marriage or Divorce - When getting married, many people choose to take their spouse's last name. Conversely, after a divorce, some individuals revert back to their maiden name and need to update their passport information.
• Legal Name Change - In some cases, people legally change their first, middle, or last name for personal reasons. This requires updating the name on all legal documents, including the passport.
• Errors on Passport - If there are any errors in the name printed on the passport, such as misspellings, it's important to get the passport corrected by applying for a name change.
• Preferred Name Usage - Some people go by a name that differs from the legal name on their birth certificate and other documents. Updating the passport name can make travel more convenient.

The process for a change of name in your passport is the same as applying for a new adult passport. However, since you are changing the name on your passport, you will need to provide some additional documents.

The specific documents required can vary depending on the reason for your name change, but generally you'll need to provide:

• A completed passport application form.
• Your current valid passport, if it is still valid.
• Letter to the Passport Control Officer requesting the name change.
• An official document showing your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce deed poll, or the Kenya Gazette Notice.
• A copy of your birth certificate incase you want to amend your passport, such as correcting your date or place of birth.

Kenyans who need to change their name in their passport due to marriage, divorce, or a deed poll are required to apply for a new passport.This process involves submitting an application for a new passport on the e-citizen portal along with the necessary supporting documents;

1. Pre-filled Application form.
2. Original and copy of passport (bio data page).
3. Copy of Kenya birth certificate.
4. Original and copy of Identity card (over 18 years old applicants)
5. Copies of parents’ documents ID or passport. 
6. Three (3) colored passport photo.
7. Letter addressed to the Passport Control Officer requesting for Name change.
8. Copy of Marriage certificate (where applicable)
9. Copy of Deep Poll and Kenya Gazette Notice (where applicable)
10. Copy of Resident card/ certificate of Naturalisation
11. Copy of Registrations for Kenyans by Registration
12. For Dual citizens- proof of having either regained Kenya citizenship and or declared Kenya citizenship.

Read more : How to apply for a kenyan passport online 

Applicable fees will depend on the type of passport and the number of pages in the passport. Below are the fees for passport issuance:

The process for a change of name in your child passport is the same as applying for a new child passport. However, since you are changing the name on their passport, you will need to provide some additional documents.

• Current valid passport, if it is still valid.
• Proof of citizenship.
• Letter to the Passport Control Officer requesting the name change and explaining reason for change of name.
• An official document showing your legal name change, such as a court order, adoption order, or the Kenya Gazette Notice.
• A copy of  birth certificate incase amending the passport, such as correcting date or place of birth.

A parent can make the application for the new passport using their already created eCitizen account.

eCitizen Portal

How to apply for a kenyan passport online

Applying for a new kenyan adult passport

Applying for a new child passport