What Documents Do I Need for a United Airlines Name Change

Your complete guide for United Airlines name change process

Changing your name on an airline ticket is not exactly what you think of every day - until you need. Maybe you have just married and took a new last name. Maybe you have recently become divorced or your name has changed legally due to personal reasons. Whatever the case, if you are flying with United, it is necessary to know how the United Airlines name change process works - and most importantly what documents you need to get it.

In this wide guide, we will make you run through every document, step and tip to ensure that your name change is closed without any bottlenecks. Let us clarify it easy, stress-free and crystal.

Why does the name matter on your ticket

Before we dive into the documents, let us clarify one thing: Your name on the ticket should be completely matched by the ID issued by your government. This is not just a good idea - this is a TSA rule.
If your name does not match, you cannot even protect it in the past. It is important to take care of the change in the name of United Airlines as soon as this issue is noticed.

Need to request a name change?

There are all types of landscapes where you may need to update your name with United:

You got married recently and changed your last name.
You finalized a divorce and went back to your first name.
You are undergoing the name change by the court for personal reasons.
You made a typo or spelling mistake during the booking process.
Whatever your situation, United has procedures to help fix it - as long as you have the right documents.

United Airlines name changes policy observation
The United allows name change in two categories:

1. Minor name improvement

These are simple changes like:
Fixing a typo (e.g., "John" to "John")
Reversing the first and last names
Reconcile
You usually do not require legal documents for this - just call the customer service or correct it online when the option is available.

2. Legal name changes

These are for more official updates:
The name of marriage or divorce changes
Court-order name change
Legal documents are required, and changes are reviewed based on the case-by-case. This is the place where paperwork becomes necessary.
What documents do I need to change the name of United Airlines?
Here is good goods - to process your name change, break whatever you need to provide you:

1. Marriage certificate

If you have named your husband or wife after getting married, then your marriage certificate is the document that proves it. it must:
Become an official, certified copy
Include your full name before and after marriage
Mixed by a recognized legal authority

📌 Tip: A wedding invitation or marriage announcement did not cut it - you need real legal documents.

2. Divorce decree

Just finalized a divorce? You will need a divorce that specifically explains that your name has been changed back to a former name.
Make sure:
The document is certified by a court
This includes your old and new names
It is signed by a judge or a legal officer
Some divorce is not mentioned as a name change, so if you are not yours, you may need a court order or additional legal evidence.

3. Court order for change of legal name

If you have changed your name for individual, religious, or identity causes, a legal name change document from the court is required.
It should be a document:
Come from a recognized American court
Include your full old name and new name

4. ID issued by updated government

In almost every case, you will also need a photo ID issued by a government showing your updated name, such as:
A driver's license
A state-state ID
A passport
ID acts as evidence that the name change has already been processed legally.

5. Booking confirmation details

You will also need to provide:
Your reservation confirmation number
Original name on booking
Your desired (correct) name
This helps to connect your request to your current reservation.

How to submit your documents to United Airlines

Once you collect the document, what to do next here:
Call United Customer Service 1-800-864-8331
Explain that you need to submit documents for a change of legal name
You will be directed:
Upload your documents through a safe online form
Or email them to a specific united team
Wait for United to review and confirm the update
Get your updated ticket and verify that it matches your ID
📧 Ensure that your attachment is clear, in the general formats like PDF or JPEG.
Tips for a smooth document submission process
Submit quickly: Do not wait until the last minute - united on at least 5-7 commercial days.

Refine all the spelling: Errors can delay processing.
Use only official documents: no photocopy of informal objects.
Follow: If you do not listen back within 72 hours, call them.

What happens after submitting your documents?

After presenting, what to expect here:
A confirmation email or call from united
Possible reuse of your ticket
In some cases, one name improvement fee or rent difference may be applicable
Your updated name should be reflected on your reservation and boarding pass
Fees you can face
Here is a quick breakdown of possible costs:

Name change fee limit type
Minor improvement $ 0 - $ 75
Legal name change $ 75 - $ 200
The ticket varies from the re -fee route
Fare difference if the new ticket cost is high
Good news: If you catch this issue quickly, many improvements can be made with minimum (or not) cost.

Can you change your name online?
Minor types and improvements can sometimes be handled online:

Go to United.com

Click "My Travels"

Enter your confirmation number and last name

Select your trip and see if "edit" or "correct name" option is available

For legal name change, however, you will need to call and submit the documents directly.

What will happen if you are flying within 24 hours?
Things become a bit difficult with a short time.

What you should do here:
Call United immediately: 1-800-864-8331

Tell them that your flight is soon and you need a name update

Be ready for email documents immediately

You can face congestion fees or restrictions depending on the situation

Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Can I change the name for someone else on my ticket?
No, United does not allow ticket transfer to a separate person.

Question: Will my mileagePlus account be automatically updated?
No, after changing your name, you have to update your mileagepolas profile separately.

Question: Can I make changes at the airport?
It is risky. Most name change requests to avoid boarding issues must be done at least 24-48 hours in advance.
conclusion
Changing your name on the reservation of United Airlines should not be complicated - as long as you have the right documents. Whether it is marriage, divorce, or a change in order, United has a system to handle it efficiently.
Here is your checklist to keep things simple:
✅ Learn your change type (minor or legal)
✅ Collect the correct legal documents
✅ Contact United Asap and deposit everything quickly
Re -check your new ticket before going to an airport
By being ready and active, you can avoid unnecessary stress and fly with confidence, knowing that your reservation matches your ID.