How to change your name in a passport?

How do I change my name on a passport without a court order or decree?

• My name with the Social Security office was Brandon W (it was illegally/informally changed by my stepfather Mr. W, when my name is really Brandon P.). I had my passport under Brandon W. I went to the SSO and changed my name to Brandon P. I did not go to court. My name is now Brandon P on my Social Security card, birth cert, and drivers license. Passport agencies want a court order or decree. I do not have one. What do I do? I thought about reapplying for a new passport altogether. However, I think they will see that I have a passport already issued under Brandon W.

• Answer:

  I have a feeling you are going to have to go get official documentation to show that your name is legally changed. If it involved getting a court decree, then I guess that's what will have to happen. I think, though, that you should just be able to take in your name-change documents (all originals with the raised seals and so forth) and they should just be able to put an ammendment in the back of your passport showing your new name.