Do I need a new ESTA application if my name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or another legal proceeding?
If your name has changed but you have not yet submitted your application, then you should make
your changes and submit it. Although the form can be completed in minutes and the process of
obtaining authorisation is usually quick, the U.S. authorities recommend completing the form at
least 72 hours prior to your flight, or at the time of booking. Make sure all information is
correct before submitting your application to ensure things run smoothly.
If you have already submitted your form, making alterations to your application depends on the
type of information you wish to change.
You can change information such as:
- your destinations
- city of embarkation
- email address
- phone number
- flight details
- the address where you will be staying in the United States
can be all be changed at any time by clicking on the "Update or Check Status button" on your ESTA
form. These can be changed because they have no effect on the decision whether to issue your ESTA.
You cannot change:
- your last name
- gender
- country of residence
- citizenship
- any other biographical information
or make changes to any questions relating to your eligibility to enter the U.S. If you need to
update any of these details, you are required to prepare
an entirely new ESTA form.
The new ESTA application
should be filled out and submitted within 24 hours, and requires a repayment
of the original fee. Once the new application is submitted, the previous application is
automatically made void.
My old passport is still valid, do I need to get a new one to apply for ESTA?
No, you don’t. If your old passport is still within date and valid, you can still apply using that
passport, even though it has your old name on it. However, you must make sure that you bring any
necessary documents with you that proves that you are the person that your travel document is
referring to, as well as proof that the change occurred. This could include documents such as a
marriage certificate, a civil union certificate, adoption papers, divorce papers or any other
legally recognised documents that mandate the change of name.Please note, that if you’re a British citizen you cannot apply for ESTA using a
post-dated passport