The process for updating your U.S. passport varies depending on several factors. 

If you already have a valid U.S. passport that was issued more than a year ago, in most cases you can apply by mail with a DS-82 form. 

If you fit the criteria below you can use the DS-82 form: 

  • You can submit your most recent U.S. passport book and/or card with your application.  
  • You were at least 16 years old when your most recent U.S. passport book and/or card was issued.  
  • You were issued your most recent U.S passport book and/or card less than 15 years ago.  
  •  The U.S. passport book and/or card that you are renewing has not been mutilated, damaged, or reported lost or stolen.  
  •  Your U.S. passport was not limited to less than the normal ten-year validity period due to passport damage/mutilation, multiple passport thefts/losses, or non-compliance with 22 C.F.R. 51.41. (Refer to the last page of your U.S. passport book for endorsement information.) 
  •  Your name has not changed since your most recent U.S. passport book and/or card was issued. — OR — Your name has changed by marriage or court order, and you can submit proper certified documentation to reflect your name change (such as a certified copy of a marriage certificate, or court order). Visit travel.state.gov/name change for a complete description of accepted documents. 

If you answered no to any of the questions above, you cannot use the DS-82 form. You may be able to use the DS-11 or DS-5504 depending on the circumstances. Learn more.  

If you fit into any of the criteria below, you must apply in-person with a DS-11 form. 

  • You do not have a valid U.S. passport OR 
  • Your current U.S. passport was issued before you were 16 years old OR 
  • Your current U.S. passport is more than 15 years old 

Skip to the DS-11 section of this page.  

If you are changing your gender marker or name with the DS-82 form, you will need: 

  • Your current, unexpired passport 
  • A certified copy of your name change order 
  • Applicable fee: Personal check or money order made out to the “U.S. Department of State.” You can use the passport fee calculator here to get the most accurate information on how much it will cost. 

Submitting your DS-82 form and documents: 

  • The DS-82 and supporting documents can be mailed to the address listed on the form.  
  • You must mail your application and accompanying documents through the United States Postal Service—not UPS, FedEx, or other companies. Once your application has been submitted, you can track your application status online. 
  • Supporting documents will be mailed back to you after they are processed. 
  • Processing usually takes 3–4 months. If you need it sooner, consider using expedited service (additional fee applies). 

If you are changing your gender marker or name with the DS-11 form, you will need: 

  • Proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate. You will need an original or certified copy and a photocopy. The photocopy will not be returned to you. 
  • A valid photo ID and photocopy of the ID, such as a driver’s license or government employee ID. If you have already legally changed your name, your ID should reflect that change. 

Submitting your DS-11 form and documents: 

  • The DS-11 and supporting documents must be submitted in person at a local passport center. Find your local center. 

Limited Validity Passports 

You may have received a limited-validity passport if you were transitioning when you applied for your most recent passport.  Limited-validity passports are issued for less than the full validity period. The full validity period is 10 years for adults, and five years for children under age 16. There is no longer a requirement for medical documentation or a physician’s letter as evidence of a gender transition.  

To replace a limited-validity passport with a full-validity passport, submit Form DS-5504. To use this form, you must apply within two years of your previous passport’s issuance date. You do not have to pay fees unless you request expedited service. 

If you were issued your limited-validity passport more than two years ago, apply in person and use Form DS-11. 

The State Department updated its policies for gender markers in April 2022. 

You can select a non-binary “X” gender marker if you are applying for a U.S. passport book and selecting routine service. The gender you select does not need to match the gender marker on your other ID documents, like your birth certificate, previous passport, or state ID. 

Since late 2023, you are able to select “X” gender marker if you are getting a passport card or using expedited service.The State Department updated their online form tools to incorporate the “X” gender marker.  

For more information, visit the State Department’s gender marker webpage. 

If you have an X gender marker, you may not be able to travel to some other countries. Go to the LGBTQI+ Travelers’ Page to learn about the safety, security, and entry requirements of the country you plan to visit. 

You can find more resources on updating your passport from the National Center for Transgender Equality and the State Department. 

Updated December 2024