Use the chart below to determine how to correct, change or update information in your U.S. Passport
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Correcting, Changing and Updating Information in Your U.S. Passport
- If I submit my current U.S. passport for a printing error correction based on the instruction in the chart above, when will
I receive my passport?
- Printing error corrections are given priority at the Passport Agency and are generally processed within a time period equivalent
to Expedited Processing. See Application Processing Times for more information.
- If I submit my current U.S. passport for a name change, additional visa pages or extension of a limited passport based on
the instruction in the chart above, when will I receive my passport?
- General application processing times apply. Unless you request expedited service, you will receive your application based
on the current routine service processing times. See Application Processing Times for more information.
- In the past, my passport was amended with new or corrected information. Is that still possible?
- No. Since September 26, 2005, Passport Services no longer amends currently valid passports. Instead, customers are issued
replacement passports. Please see the chart above to determine which procedure is appropriate for your situation.
- 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.
- 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.
- Can I still get additional visa pages added to my passport?
- Yes. Please see the chart above or Add Extra Pages to Your U.S. Passport to determine the specific procedure for doing so.
- I was just issued a passport in my maiden name, so that I could go on my honeymoon. However, I plan to take my husband’s
surname when we return. Do I have to apply for a new passport with my married name?
- Yes, because all citizens need to travel in their current, legal names. Please see the chart above or Change Your Name to determine the specific procedure to follow.
- I have a valid passport, but I just got divorced. My divorce decree includes the resumption of my maiden name. Do I have
to apply for a new passport?
- Yes, because all citizens need to travel in their current, legal names. Please see the chart above or Change Your Name to determine the specific procedure to follow.
- 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?
- Yes, because all citizens need to travel in their current, legal names. Please see the chart above or Change Your Name in Your U.S. Passport to determine the specific procedure to follow.
- I was issued a limited passport*. How do I get it replaced with a fully valid passport?
- For a U.S. Passport Issued Overseas, see the instructions that you received at the time your passport was issued. The documentation required for replacement
with a new, fully valid passport depends upon the reason for limiting the original passport.
For a U.S. Passport Issued in the United States, see the instructions that you received at the time your passport was issued. Based on the specific circumstance, customers
are given instruction on how to reapply to obtain a fully valid passport. Generally, you can apply for an extension Form
DS-5504 or Form DS-82. The documentation required for replacement with a new, fully valid passport depends upon the reason for limiting the original
passport.
See Replace Your Limited Passport Book for more information.
*A limited validity passport describes any passport issued with less than full 10-year validity for those 16 years and older
and less than 5-year validity for those under age 16.
- You misspelled my name on my passport. What do I need to do?
- To correct the typo in your currently valid U.S. passport please see Printing Error in the chart above.
- Do I have to appear in person to get a replacement passport?
- Generally no, you may send in the forms/documentation required by mail according to the chart above. However, if you must apply using Form DS-11, you, likewise, must appear in person.
- What about replacement passports for minors?
- The same requirements apply to minors as apply for adults.
- 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 to you with
your new, replacement passport if it is not damaged or mutilated.