Change or Correct a Passport

If you need to change or correct your U.S. passport because your name has changed or your passport was issued to you with an error, please read the information below carefully to learn how to request a new or replacement U.S. passport.

Printing Errors and Spelling Errors

Printing errors and spelling errors, including incorrect name, gender, or place of birth, can be corrected at no charge at any time while the passport is still valid.

• If reported within one year of issuance, a new, corrected passport will be issued, which will be valid for 10 years from the date the new, correct book is issued.
• If reported after one year of issuance, the new, corrected passport will be valid until the expiration date of the original, incorrect passport.

The requirements for replacement passports apply for both adults and minors.

To correct a printing or spelling error in your passport:

• Mail Form DS-5504 with one color passport photo and evidence of the error.
• Print a blank Form DS-5504 and complete by hand; or use our online guide for step by step instructions.

Name Changes

If your name has legally changed through marriage, divorce, or a court ordered change of name, you will need to apply for a new passport. The process and cost depend on how long it has been since your passport was issued.

If less than one year has passed since your passport was issued:

• You will not have to pay any passport or processing fees, unless you request Expedited Service.
• Submit Form DS-5504 by mail with your current passport, your original or certified name change document (no photocopies or notarized copies), and a color passport photo. You may:
  • Use our online guide to fill out and print Form DS-5504; or
  • Print Form DS-5504 and complete by hand.

  More than one year has passed since your passport was issued, and you are eligible to use Form DS-82*:

  • Submit Form DS-82 by mail with your current passport, your original or certified name change document (no photocopies or notarized copies), a color passport photo, and all applicable fees. You may:
    
    • Use our online guide to fill out and print Form DS-82; or
    • Print Form DS-82 and complete by hand.

    More than one year has passed since your passport was issued, and you are not eligible to use Form DS-82*:

    • You must submit Form DS-11 in person at an Acceptance Facility or a Passport Agency, along with your evidence of U.S. citizenship, your original or certified name change document (no photocopies or notarized copies), a valid ID and photocopy of that ID, a color passport photo, and all applicable fees. You may:
      • Use our online guide to fill out and print Form DS-11; or
      • Print Form DS-11 and complete by hand.

      If you have begun using a different name but cannot legally document the change with a court order, divorce decree, or marriage certificate, then:

      • Submit Form DS-11 in person at an Acceptance Facility or a Passport Agency, along with your evidence of U.S. citizenship, a valid ID and photocopy of that ID, a color passport photo, and all applicable fees. You may:
        • Use our online guide to fill out and print Form DS-11; or
        • Print Form DS-11 and complete by hand.

        *Form DS-82 Eligibility

        You are eligible to use Form DS-82 only if:

        • You can submit your most recently issued passport;
        • You were at least 16 years old when your most recent passport was issued;
        • Your most recent passport was issued less than 15 years ago;
        • Your most recent passport has not been lost, stolen, damaged, or mutilated; and
        • You use the same name as on your most recent passport, or have had your name changed by marriage or court order, and can submit proper documentation to reflect the name change.

        PassportUSA is a document preparation company that is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of State or any government agency. Blank Passport forms and instructions can be provided for free from travel.state.gov. We do not charge for the forms, however, we charge for assisting you in completing the form online. We do not review the information you submit on a legal stance or any other professional standpoint. We are not a government approved agency. We do not provide legal advice, and are not a substitute for an attorney. All forms that can be completed online using our service are available as blank forms with written instructions for free from the U.S. State Department. PassportUSA's fee does not include any government application, biometric, or filing fees. Access to and use of PassportUSA.org website is subject to PassportUSA's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. If your prepared application is not accepted for any reason, we will refund all our fees. You may visit the U.S. Department of State and download free forms by clicking here.