Change or Correct Passport
Update your passport information at no cost for eligible cases.
Check if this guide is for you
Use DS-5504 if your passport is still valid and:
- Name change: Your legal name changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, and your passport was issued less than 1 year ago
- Data error: Your passport contains incorrect biographic information (wrong name spelling, sex designation, or place of birth)
- Printing error: Your passport has printing defects (missing data, discoloration, crooked printing, or poorly printed photo)
Important: The passport must still be valid. If your name changed more than 1 year ago, use DS-82 or DS-11 instead.
Identify your case
The process is the same, but required documents are different.
Recent name change
Less than 1 year since BOTH passport issuance AND legal name change
- Passport issued < 1 year ago
- Name changed < 1 year ago
- Have legal documentation
Data or printing error
The government made a mistake on your passport
Sign and date page 1
Sign your new legal name (or current name if correcting an error) in black ink
Fee WaivedSince you are filing within 1 year of issuance, no payment is required.
- For name changes: Sign with your new legal name (as shown on your marriage certificate or court order)
- For correction only: Sign with your current legal name
- Use black ink only and write today's date
Include proof of change
The documents you need depend on your specific situation
Recent name change
Legal name changed less than 1 year after passport was issued
Data or printing error
The government made a mistake on your passport.
Validity of corrected passport
- Error reported within 1 year of passport issuance: New passport valid for 10 years
- Error reported after 1 year of passport issuance: New passport valid until original expiration date.
REQUIRED
You must include your valid passport book/card (the one with the error). It will be returned to you, stamped, separately after your new passport is issued.
Attach a new photo
Even for minor corrections, a new photo is required
Specifications
How to attach
Do not reuse the photo from your old passport. A new photo is required.
Mail to the Passport Processing Center
We recommend using trackable USPS Priority Mail
Your envelope should contain:
- Completed & signed DS-5504 form
- Your current passport (with error/old name)
- New 2x2 color photo (stapled)
- Evidence documents (Scenario A or B)
STANDARD PROCESSING
MAIL TO:
National Passport Processing Center
P.O. Box 90155
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155
EXPEDITED PROCESSING
MAIL TO:
National Passport Processing Center
P.O. Box 90907
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0907
Processing Time
- Routine: 4-6 weeks once the passport agency receives your application.
- Expedited: 2-3 weeks (requires an additional $60 fee, paid with your processing fee by check or money order).
Processing time does not include mailing time to or from the passport agency (each leg can take up to 2 weeks with standard mail).
Recommended Shipping
Use USPS Priority Mail with tracking. This typically costs $8-10 and provides insurance, tracking, and 2-3 day delivery. Keep your tracking number.