Replace a Limited Validity Passport

A limited-validity passport is any regular passport that is issued for less than the full validity period (10 years for those 16 and older and 5 years for children under 16). The process to apply for a full-validity passport depends on the reason the limited-validity passport was issued.

Note: If your limited-validity passport was issued for a reason not addressed below, refer to the letter included with the passport for more information.

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Where was your limited-validity passport issued?

Inside the United States

 

Why is your passport limited?

When was it issued?

How you replace it

Pending replacement of your naturalization certificate

Less than two years ago

Submit the following by mail (if in the United States or Canada) or in person at an embassy/consulate (if overseas):

  • Form DS-5504
  • Your limited passport
  • One color passport photo
  • Your naturalization certificate
Please Note: You will not have to pay any fees if you paid the fees when you applied for your limited passport (unless you request Expedited Service).

More than two years ago

Submit the following in person at an acceptance facility or a passport agency:
  • Form DS-11
  • Your limited passport
  • Valid ID and photocopy of that ID
  • One color passport photo
  • Your naturalization certificate
  • All applicable fees

Selecting a new gender marker 

Less than two years ago

Submit the following by mail:

Please Note: You will not have to pay any fees if you paid the fees when you applied for your limited passport (unless you request Expedited Service).

More than two years ago

Submit the following in person at an acceptance facility or a passport agency:

Name change

Less than one year ago

Submit the following by mail:

  • Form DS-5504
  • Your limited passport
  • One color passport photo
  • Your original or certified name change document (no photocopies or notarized copies)
Please note: You will not have to submit any fees unless you request Expedited Service.

More than one year ago

Submit the following in person at an acceptance facility or a passport agency:

  • Form DS-11 (or DS-82 by mail, if eligible)
  • Your limited passport
  • Valid ID and photocopy of that ID
  • One color passport photo
  • Your original or certified name change document (no photocopies or notarized copies)
  • Passport fees
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Outside the United States

 

Why is your passport limited?

When was it issued?

How you replace it

Your limited passport was issued outside the United States in an emergency.

Less than one year ago

Submit the following by mail (if in the United States or Canada) or in person at an embassy/consulate (if abroad):

  • Form DS-5504 or Form DS-11 (refer to your letter)
  • Your limited passport
  • One color passport photo
Please Note: You will not have to pay any fees if you paid the fees when you applied for your limited passport (unless you request Expedited Service).

More than one year ago but less than 15 years ago

Submit the following in person at an acceptance facility or passport agency (if in the United States) or in person at an embassy/consulate (if abroad):
  • Form DS-11 (or DS-82 by mail, if eligible)
  • Your limited passport
  • One color passport photo
  • All applicable fees
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit a photocopy of my naturalization certificate?

No, you must submit the original. We will return it to you separately from your new passport. We recommend using a trackable delivery method and secure  packaging (such as a sturdy cardboard or Tyvek envelope) to submit your passport application and supporting documents.

Last Updated: November 6, 2023