Corrections & Name Changes by Mail — Instructions DS‑5504

How to correct a passport error or update your name within one year of issuance using Form DS‑5504: eligibility, documents, fees (often $0), and mailing addresses.

Last Updated: February 19, 2026

Are you eligible to use Form DS‑5504?

You can use DS‑5504 if any one of the following is true:

•You changed your name (by marriage or court order) less than one year after your most recent passport was issued, and the passport was issued less than one year ago.
•Your identifying information was printed incorrectly in your passport (e.g., name, sex marker, place of birth, missing data, discoloration, or crooked printing).
•Your most recent passport book was limited to two years or less in validity (for a reason other than multiple losses or serious damage/mutilation) and you paid the full passport fees.

If none of the above apply, you cannot use DS‑5504. Use Form DS‑82 or Form DS‑11 depending on your circumstances.

Step 1 — Complete your DS‑5504 form

Our system detects whether you need a correction, name change, or limited replacement and generates the correct DS‑5504 PDF for you — using the wrong form is the #1 reason for rejection in name change cases.

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Step 2 — Download and print your form

After completing the form, we will review your information and generate the official DS‑5504 PDF for you to download.

•Download the completed DS‑5504 PDF that our system generates for you.
•To correctly open and view your form, you will need to use Adobe Acrobat Reader (free download).
•Print pages 1 and 2 on separate, single‑sided sheets of plain white paper.
•Sign and date your DS‑5504 form in black ink before mailing.

You must sign and date your DS‑5504 before mailing. There is no in‑person oath for this form.

Step 3 — Gather your supporting documents

Assemble the following items to include in your mailing envelope alongside your printed DS‑5504.

Your most recent passport

•You must include your most recent U.S. passport book and/or card with the application.
•It will be returned to you, usually in a separate mailing from your new passport.
•If your passport has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you cannot use DS‑5504 — you must apply using Form DS‑11 instead.

Proof of change or error

Reason	What to submit
Name change	A certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change — must include a seal and officiate's/judge's signature.
Data or printing error	Submit the appropriate document showing the correct information (e.g., certified birth certificate or marriage certificate). If the error is an obvious printing defect (missing data, discoloration, crooked text), explain it on the form.
Limited passport replacement	Submit evidence of U.S. citizenship (e.g., birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization) and/or evidence of identity (e.g., driver's license). The Department may request additional evidence.

One recent passport photo

•Even for a correction, you must submit a new color passport photo taken within the last 6 months.
•Photo must be 2″ × 2″, with a white or off‑white background and a neutral expression. Glasses must be removed.
•See our passport photo requirements guide for full specifications.

Fees (often $0)

Situation	Fee	Notes
Data or printing error correction	$0	No fee — including no expedite fee — if the passport is still valid.
Name change (routine)	$0	No government fee for routine processing.
Name change (expedited)	$60	Check or money order to "U.S. Department of State." Write "EXPEDITE" on the outer envelope.
Limited passport replacement (routine)	$0	No government fee for routine processing.
Limited passport replacement (expedited)	$60	Check or money order to "U.S. Department of State." Write "EXPEDITE" on the outer envelope.
1–2 day return delivery (optional)	$22.05	Passport book only, U.S. addresses only.

Correction validity — how long is the new passport good for?

When you report the error	New passport validity
Within one year of issue date	Full validity — 10 years (adult) or 5 years (minor) from the new issue date.
After one year of issue date	Valid only until the expiration date of the original, incorrect passport.

Step 4 — Mail your application

Mail your completed DS‑5504, photo, current passport, supporting documents, and fees (if any) to the appropriate address below.

Service	Mail to
Routine (no fee required)	National Passport Processing Center PO Box 90107 Philadelphia, PA 19190‑0107
Expedited (fee required)	National Passport Processing Center PO Box 90907 Philadelphia, PA 19190‑0907

Applicants outside the U.S. and Canada: you cannot mail to the addresses above. Visit travel.state.gov to find your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Mailing tips

•Use a trackable delivery service (e.g., USPS Priority Mail) when mailing your application.
•Do not fold your form or photo. Use a large envelope to keep documents flat.
•If requesting expedited service, write "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the mailing envelope.

Urgent travel notice

If you are due to travel within 2 weeks, you cannot mail this form. You must make an appointment at a Regional Passport Agency.

To make an appointment, contact the National Passport Information Center at 1‑877‑487‑2778.

•The automated appointment system is available 24/7.
•If you travel urgently, you will likely need to pay the $60 expedite fee, even when using Form DS‑5504.

After you apply

Track your application status online at passportstatus.state.gov. Your new passport and your old passport will typically arrive in separate mailings. All original supporting documents will be returned.

Frequently asked questions

Correct your passport details

Ensure your travel documents match your legal identity perfectly. Our platform detects the right form for your situation and generates it for you.

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Requirements and processes can change. This guide reflects information as of February 19, 2026. Always follow the latest instructions on travel.state.gov and your acceptance facility.

Disclaimer: Passport Rush LLC operates PassportVisaRush.com, a private document preparation service that assists clients with completing and organizing passport and visa application forms before submission to official U.S. Passport Agencies.

We are not a government entity and are not affiliated with any U.S. Department of State office or federal agency. We do not offer legal advice. Individuals requiring legal assistance should consult a licensed attorney.

Our online preparation system and customer support are optional paid services designed to simplify and expedite the document preparation process for U.S. citizens. All required forms are also available for free directly through the official U.S. Department of State website at travel.state.gov, but without the guided preparation, document review, and submission support provided by PassportVisaRush.com.