Printer friendly version
EmailCorrecting or Changing Information in Your Passport
Correcting or Changing Information in Your Passport
What should you do if you:
- Find a printing error in your passport?
- Change your name?
- Need to add more visa pages?
- Want to extend the validity of a limited passport?
The answer will be different depending on the type of correction/change needed and how long ago your passport was issued. Please use this chart to determine what to do.
| PASSPORT CORRECTIONS/CHANGES CHART | ||||
| What type of correction or change is needed? | How long since the passport was issued? | Will I be charged? | Submit … | Send to… |
| Printing error (such as spelling or birthdate) | While the passport is valid. | No |
|
Issuing Passport Agency/ Center see Agency/Center Mailing List for Printing Errors |
| Name change | One year or less | No, unless expedited service is requested. |
|
Address shown on DS-5504 |
| Name change | More than one year, while the passport is valid | Yes - Amount depends on which form you use. See next column. |
If you ARE otherwise eligible to use Form DS-82:
If you are NOT otherwise eligible to use form DS-11, you must Use Form DS-11 Application for a U.S. Passport and apply in person at one of 9,000+ designated passport application acceptance facilities. You must provide:
|
Address shown on DS-82, or if applying with DS-11, you must apply in person at one of 9,000+ designated passport application acceptance facilities. |
| Additional pages | Anytime, while the passport is valid. | No, unless you request expedited service. | Form DS-4085 Application for Additional Visa Pages of Miscellaneous Passport Services | Address shown on DS-4085 |
| Extension of Limited Passport | Anytime, while the passport is valid. | Depends on circumstances | Form DS-5504, Application for a U.S. Passport Name Change, Data Correction, and Limited Passport Book Replacement Form or Form DS-82 Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail |
Address shown on form |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. For PRINTING ERRORS, after I follow the instructions on the PASSPORT CORRECTIONS/CHANGES CHART, when will I receive my passport?
- Routine Service is generally receipt of the new passport in less than 4 weeks after sending the required documents via First Class Mail.
- Expedited Service, which is receipt of the new passport in 3 weeks after sending the required documents via overnight delivery, fee is not required if you request the service. However if you did pay for this service, you may request reimbursement. Please write 'Expedite' clearly on the envelope you are mailing. Your passport will be sent back to you via overnight delivery at no charge.
- For receipt in less than two (2) weeks , customers may call 1-877-487-2778 to make an appointment at one of 14 Passport Agencies across the U.S. If an appointment is not available, follow the instructions to speak with a Customer Service Representative for guidance.
2. For a NAME CHANGE, ADDITIONAL PAGES, OR EXTENSION OF A LIMITED PASSPORT, after I follow the instructions on the PASSPORT CORRECTIONS/CHANGES CHART, when will I receive my passport?
- Routine service is generally receipt of the new passport in less than 4 weeks after sending the required documents via First Class Mail.
- For Expedited Service, which is receipt of the new passport in 3 weeks, there is an additional charge of $60 per application. In order to receive your passport within 2 weeks, we strongly suggest that you send the required documents via overnight delivery; and arrange overnight delivery for your return passport by including appropriate postage fees or a pre-paid envelope. Please write 'Expedite' clearly on the envelope you are mailing.
- For receipt in less than two (2) weeks , customers should call 1-877-487-2778 to make an appointment at one of 14 Passport Agencies across the U.S. If an appointment is not available, follow the instructions to speak with a Customer Service Representative for guidance.
3. I previously had my passport amended with new or corrected information. Can I still do that?
No. Since September 26, 2005, Passport Services no longer amends currently valid passports. Instead, customers are issued replacement passports. Please see the PASSPORT CORRECTIONS/CHANGES CHART to determine the specific procedure to follow depending on the type of change or correction.
4. Why did the Department of State decide to stop amending existing passports?
Replacing a passport instead of amending it improved the overall security of the document. Additionally, with the upcoming Electronic Passport (EP), the printed data must match the data contained on the chip embedded in the Electronic Passport.
5. Why can't you just rewrite over data on the chip?
The technology used to write data to the contactless chip is known as WORM - "Write Once, Read Many." The use of WORM and digital signature technologies will ensure that the data can be authenticated as having been generated from an official issuance source and that the data has not been altered.
6. Can I still get additional visa pages added to my passport?
Yes. Please see the PASSPORT CORRECTIONS/CHANGES CHART to determine the specific procedure to follow.
7. I just got my passport in my maiden name, so we could go on our honeymoon, but I plan to take my husband’s surname after we get back. Do I have to apply for a new passport with my married name?
I have a valid passport, but I just got divorced, and my divorce decree includes the resumption of my maiden name. Do I have to apply for a new passport?
We just adopted our foster child, who has a valid passport in his birth surname. The adoption decree changes his surname to ours. Does he need a new passport?
The answer to all three questions is “yes” because all citizens need to travel in their legal names. Please see the PASSPORT CORRECTIONS/CHANGES CHART to determine the specific procedure to follow.
8. I was issued a limited passport (less than full 10-year validity for those 16 years and older; less than 5-year validity for those 15 and younger). How do I get it replaced with a fully valid passport?
See the instructions that you received at the time your passport was issued, if issued overseas. Generally, you can apply for an extension using Form DS-82. The documentation required for replacement with a new, fully valid passport depends upon the reason for limiting the original passport. Examples: 1) The customer was issued a limited passport in the U.S. to make his/her emergency trip, but more complete citizenship documentation is required for a fully valid passport, or 2) Due to the loss or theft of a passport while traveling abroad, a U.S. Consulate issued a limited, non-digitized passport to facilitate re-entry into the U.S. (In these cases, customers are given instructions on how to reapply to obtain fully valid, digitized passports after they are back in the U.S.)
9. You misspelled my name on my passport. What do I need to do?
Please see the PASSPORT CORRECTIONS/CHANGES CHART to determine the specific procedure to follow.
10. Do I have to appear in person to get a replacement passport?
Generally no, you may send in the forms/documentation required according to the PASSPORT CORRECTIONS/CHANGES CHART . However, if you must apply using a Form DS-11, you must appear in person. If you are traveling in less than 2 weeks, you should call 1-877-487-2778 to make an appointment at one of 14 Passport Agencies across the U.S. to ensure your new passport with the needed change/correction is issued in time for your trip. Please see question #1 for additional information about timing for printing errors.
11. What about replacement passports for minors?
The same requirements apply to minors.
12. Will my old passport be returned if I apply for a replacement?
Yes. Except for passports submitted due to printing errors, your old passport will be invalidated and returned with your new, replacement passport if it is not damaged or mutilated.
