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Change or Correct a Passport

Do you need to correct or update your U.S. passport due to a name change, data error, or printing error? Pick the topic below to learn how.

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The process to change your name on your passport varies depending on your situation. Expand the boxes below to find the process that applies to you.

Submit the following by mail:

  • Form DS-5504 (find mailing instructions on the form)
  • Your most recent U.S. passport
  • An original or certified document which shows that you changed your name less than one year after we issued your most recent U.S. passport. Examples include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
  • One passport photo

You will not have to submit any passport fees unless you want expedited service which costs an extra $60. 

You may be eligible to renew your passport by mail using Form DS-82 or apply in person using Form DS-11.

Can I renew by mail?

You can renew by mail using Form DS-82 if your most recent passport:

  • Is submitted with your application
  • Is undamaged (other than normal wear and tear)
  • Was issued when you were age 16 or older
  • Was issued within the last 15 years
  • Was issued in your current name (or you can show your name change)

If you are eligible to renew, submit the following by mail:

  • Form DS-82
  • Your most recent U.S. passport
  • Your original or certified name change document, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order
  • One color passport photo
  • Fees, which are different depending on your age
  • Send Form DS-82 and supporting documents using USPS. UPS, FedEx, DHL, and other companies cannot deliver to the PO Box addresses listed on Form DS-82.

How do I apply in person if I cannot renew by mail?

If you are not eligible to renew your passport by mail using Form DS-82, apply in person and submit the following:

  • Form DS-11
  • Your evidence of U.S. citizenship and photocopy of that evidence
  • Your original or certified name change document, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order
  • Valid ID and photocopy of that ID
  • One color passport photo
  • Fees, which are different depending on your age

Please note: If your name has changed because you are married and you show us an ID issued in your new name, you do not need to submit proof of your name change. You must include the details of the marriage on the second page of Form DS-11.

If you cannot show the change with a court order, divorce decree, or marriage certificate, apply in person and submit:

  • Form DS-11
  • Your evidence of U.S. citizenship
  • Valid ID issued in the name you are currently using and photocopy of that ID
  • One color passport photo
  • Fees, which are different depending on your age

What should I do if my name is different than what is on my citizenship evidence, or I cannot show my new name through marriage or on a court order?

You may need to fill out Form DS-60: Affidavit Regarding a Change of Name if:

  • The name you are using is different than the name on your evidence of U.S. citizenship, or
  • Your new name is not shown on a court order or through marriage.

This form must be completed by two people who have known you by both names. You must also submit three certified or original public records that show you have used the new name for five years or more.

You can correct your passport if there is a data or printing error. A data error may include an issue with your name, gender, or place of birth. A printing error may include data is missing on the biographical page, discoloration, or crooked printing. We will correct the error at no charge if the passport is still valid.

To correct a data or printing error, submit the following by mail:
  • Form DS-5504 (find mailing instructions on the form)
  • Your current passport
  • One color photo
  • Evidence of the error (e.g. your U.S. birth certificate showing the correct spelling of your last name).
  • You will not have to submit any fees.
How long can I use the new, corrected passport?  
  • If you are reporting the error within one year of us issuing your incorrect passport, the new passport will be valid for 10 years.
  • If you are reporting the error after one year, the new passport will be valid until the expiration date of your original, incorrect passport. 
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Frequently Asked Questions

Please see our Selecting Your Gender Marker page for information.

No. You don’t need to update your current passport with your new address.

Call 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY) if you have an application in process and you are waiting for a passport. 

If your photo looks bad because of our printing error, you can use Form DS-5504 to reapply at no cost to you.

If your photo is printed correctly and you dislike your photo, you may use Form DS-82 (if eligible) to reapply. You must pay the normal fees.

Last Updated: February 9, 2024
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Processing Times

Routine: 4-6 weeks*

Expedited: 2-3 weeks and an extra $60*

*Consider the total time it will take to get a passport when you are booking travel. Processing times only include the time your application is at a passport agency or center.

  • It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive at a passport agency or center. It may take up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport after we print it. 
  • Processing times + mailing times = total time to get a passport

Urgent Travel: See our Get my Passport Fast page.