How To Change or Correct a Passport

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You need to know how to update your passport if certain parts of your personal information changes. Usually, passports are valid for 10 years. It is possible that your name or mailing address will change during that time. If this happens to you, you need to know how to update your US passport. In fact, there are some instances when you are required to update your document before you can use it as your ID. This means that, depending on which part of your information changed, you could encounter difficulty when you try to travel if your passport is not updated.

You may be wondering, “How do you update your passport?” Whether you need to update the name on a passport or other information, there are specific procedures you need to follow. If you do not correctly submit your update, you may risk not experiencing delays in receiving your new document. This, in turn, could delay your travel plans.

Why would I need to update my passport?

There are many reasons why you would need to update a US passport. Some of the most common reasons include:

You get married. If you change your name after you marry someone, you need to know how to update your passport after marriage. If your passport does not reflect your legal name, you will be unable to use it to travel internationally.
Your mailing address changes. You may choose to update your passport address if you move from one location to another. However, this is not a requirement. You can still use your passport to travel even if your mailing address is outdated.
You change your sex. If you change your sex, you need to update your passport to reflect this change.

How to Update My Passport

“How do I update my passport?” is a question you may have. However, keep in mind that the procedure you need to follow depends on why you are updating your document.

How to Update Your Name on a Passport

If you need to update your passport with your married name, you need to provide specific documents. Regardless of how old your passport is, you must submit the following items along with your request for an update:

A passport photo
Your current passport
Payment, if applicable
Court documents that prove you underwent a legal name change
Proof that you are a U.S. citizen

However, keep in mind that there are additional documents you need to submit if you want to update a passport. The additional documents you need to bring depend on when your current passport was issued. For example:

If your passport was issued within the past year, you must use Form DS-5504. You need to submit this document by mail.
If your passport was issued more than one year ago, you may qualify to use Form DS-82. You need to submit this document by mail. If you do not qualify to use this method, you must apply in person using DS-11.
If your passport was issued at any time and you cannot legally document your name change, you must apply in person using DS-11. This option is especially helpful if you are currently using your updated name, and it is printed on other IDs you possess.

How to Update Your Passport If You Change Your Sex

If you need to update a passport because you change your sex, you must use Form DS-11. You also need to provide:

A photo ID that reflects your current appearance.
Proper medical certification that shows the transition was made.
A passport photo that matches how you currently look.
Proof that you legally changed your name, if you did so.

Where to Update Your Passport

You cannot update a passport online. Instead, you must use the method associated with the form you need to fill out. This means you will either need to request your passport renewal update by mail or in person at a post office or other acceptance agency.

How long does it take to update a passport?

When you update a US passport, it will usually take between a month and six weeks for your application to be processed. However, you can pay a $60 expedited passport fee if you need your documents to be processed more quickly.

How to Update an Expired Passport

You can update an expired passport if you meet specific requirements. To renew a passport card or book and update it with your new information using DS-82, you must provide legal proof of the change. However, keep in mind that you must meet the other passport renewal requirements to update your expired document. This means that you must: