Although mistakes during passport applications can be corrected, you must be mindful when applying to avoid any inconveniences. Review your application form thoroughly before submitting it to a passport agency, as the information on your passport must be true and correct. Nevertheless, you can update or change your passport information when necessary.
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What if I make a mistake in my passport application? Can I correct a mistake on a passport application?
The passport agency will notify you upon receiving your passport application. It usually takes up to six weeks before your passport application enters their system. Once received, they will email you if there are any errors. Until corrected, your passport application will be put on hold. If you do not receive an email, you may contact 1-877-487-2778 (TDD: 1-888-874-7793) or go to a passport acceptance facility for inquiry.
If you applied in person and made a mistake filling out Form DS-11, Application Form for New U.S. Passport or Form DS-64, Statement Regarding A Lost Or Stolen U.S. Passport Book And/Or Card, you must complete a new form. It is to ensure the clarity and accuracy of your passport application to avoid delay or rejection.
Can I edit my passport?
Yes. If there are minor errors on your passport, file Form DS-5504, Application for a U.S. Passport: Name Change, Data Correction, and Limited Passport Book Replacement, for correction.
However, you must be eligible to use Form DS-5504. You can use it if:
- You changed your name by marriage or court order in less than a year after your most recent U.S. passport book and or card was issued;
- Your U.S. passport book and or card that has an error was issued less than a year ago;
- Your identifying information in your most recent U.S. passport book and or card was printed incorrectly; or
- Your most recent U.S. passport book was limited to two years or less for a reason other than multiple losses or seriously damaged or mutilated passport.
How can I edit my submitted passport application online?
You cannot correct mistakes on your submitted passport application online. The best thing to do is to wait. Once your passport application enters the system of the passport agency, they will verify it and notify you of any errors. Your application will be held in suspension until the error is corrected. In such a case, you do not have to make another appointment with the passport agency.
However, you may change your appointment schedule or location online. If you want to cancel your appointment, forward the appointment confirmation email that you received from the National Passport Information Center to NPIC@state.gov. Put “Cancel My Appointment” in the subject line and do not include any questions, status update requests, or reschedule requests. If you want to change your appointment schedule, contact 1-877-487-2778 (TDD: 1-888-874-7793).
Can I delete the submitted passport application?
No, once a passport application is submitted, it cannot be canceled or deleted. However, if you have not made any payment, your passport application will be automatically deleted after 90 days. You may submit another passport application with your payment.
Can you travel with an error on your passport?
Yes, you can travel with a passport that has a minor error, such as misspelled name, wrong gender, and wrong birth date. If the error is obvious, like a crooked passport photo, you may encounter travel or identification issues.
Follow the data on your passport when filling out forms or buying tickets and bring necessary documents if questions or issues arise. Once you returned from your travel, you need to file for corrections using the following:
- Completed online and printed Form DS-5504
- An original and a photocopy of your current valid passport
- Valid passport photo
- Evidence of the error
- Parent’s signature in Form DS-5504, if under age 16
For routine service, mail your application to:
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90107
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0107
For a $60-expedited service, mail your application to:
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90907
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0907
What happens if your name is misspelled on your passport?
A misspelled name on your passport is considered a data error. You may correct it for free if your passport is still valid. Mail the following:
- Form DS-5504;
- Your current passport;
- Valid passport photo; and
- Evidence of the error.
Other errors that can be corrected for free include:
- Data Error — misspelled name, incorrect sex, and incorrect place or date of birth
- Printing Error — missing data on the biographical page, discoloration, and crooked printing
Can I omit my middle name on my passport?
No, you cannot omit your middle name on your passport unless it is your legal name. The name on your passport should always match your legal name to avoid identification conflicts.
Can I use my old passport after name change?
Yes, as long as your passport is still valid. However, if you had a name change, you must update all your legal documents to avoid conflicts.
To change your name on your passport, below are some considerations and the appropriate documents you need to submit.
If you are requesting the change less than one year after your passport was issued, mail the following via USPS:
- Form DS-5504
- Your most recent U.S. passport
- Your original or certified name change document, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order
- Valid passport photo
Use the mailing address mentioned above.
If you are requesting the name change more than one year after your passport was issued, you need to renew or apply for a new passport.
If you have a valid U.S. passport, you may be eligible to use Form DS-82, U.S. Passport Renewal Application for Eligible Individuals. Submit it with the following documents:
- Your most recent U.S. passport
- Name change documents
- Passport photo
- $110-application fee for passport book and $30-application fee for passport card
You may mail your application to:
For the routine service:
National Passport Processing Center
PO Box 90155
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155
For a $60-expedited service:
National Passport Processing Center
PO Box 90955
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955
If you do not have a valid passport, you may submit the following documents in person:
- Form DS-11, Application Form for New U.S. Passport
- Citizenship Evidence, such as your birth certificate or baptismal
- Valid passport Photo
- Name change documents
- Government-issued identification
- $35-execution fee plus the $110-application fee for a passport book and $30 for a passport card
If you are already using a different name but cannot document the change with a court order, divorce decree, or marriage certificate, go to a passport acceptance facility and submit the following:
- Form DS-11
- Form DS-60, Affidavit Regarding a Change of Name
- Citizenship evidence
- Valid ID issued in the name you are currently using and photocopy of that ID
- Valid passport photo
- $35-execution fee plus the $110-application fee for a passport book and $30 for a passport card
How long does it take to correct a name on a passport?
Name change usually takes up to 18 weeks if you availed the routine service. If you paid for the expedited service, your passport application be processed within 12 weeks.
However, if it is a minor error, you will receive your new and corrected passport in four to six weeks. If you are in a hurry, you need to pay $60 for the expedited service.
Can I change the date of birth on my passport?
Yes, you can change the date of birth on your passport by submitting the required documents to a passport agency.
Can you travel with wrong birthday on passport?
Yes, you can still travel even if the birthdate on your passport is incorrect. Bring your birth certificate and other supplementary documents for evidence.
How can I correct the date of birth on my passport?
An incorrect date of birth in your passport is considered a data error. To correct it, mail the following:
- Form DS-5504;
- Your current passport;
- Valid passport photo; and
- Evidence of the error.
Is a DOB certificate mandatory for a passport?
Yes, a Date of Birth certificate is mandatory to apply for a passport. It can be used as citizenship evidence or proof of your birthdate.
Do I need a new passport if I get married?
Yes, you need to update all your legal documents if you changed your name or got married. Submit all the requirements mentioned above to update the name on your passport.
Is it mandatory to change marital status in a passport?
Yes. If you file for a name change on your passport, you need to change your marital status.
Do I have to change my passport to my married name?
Yes, you need to update your name on your passport and other legal documents after marriage.
Can husband and wife have a different address in a passport?
Yes, it is not mandatory to have the same address. However, if you changed your residential address, you need to update the address on your passport.
Can I use a passport with my maiden name?
While you may still use your valid passport under your maiden name, travel or identification issues may arise. It is best to file for a name change immediately.
Do you have to pay to change your name on your passport?
Yes, there are applicable fees for changing your name on your passport. On the other hand, all data or printing errors can be corrected for free if your passport is still valid.
Does place of birth matter on passport?
Yes, the place of birth on your passport determines your citizenship. If it appears incorrect, you may have to file Form DS-5504 to correct it.
Which address is printed on a passport — present or permanent?
The address that will be printed on your passport is your current or present address.
How much does it cost to change or correct my passport details?
Correcting any printing or data errors are free of charge.
Fees may vary depending on the type of your application. Here is the list of all expenses to change your name or other information on your passport:
- $35-execution fee for new passport application or replacement
- $110-application fee for a passport book
- $30-application fee for a passport card
- additional $60 if you want the expedited service
What documents are required for passport correction?
Here are the documents required to correct any data or printing errors on your passport.
- Form DS-5504;
- Your current passport;
- Valid passport photo; and
- Evidence of the error.
I moved to a new address. Do I have to get a new passport? Or is there a way to just update my address?
If your residential address changed, you need to update the address on your passport by getting a new one. You may do it by mail using Form DS-82.
How long does it take to get a passport correction?
If you submitted your passport application online or by mail, it may take longer since it takes up to six weeks before it enters the passport agency system. It is the only time to correct or inform the passport agency about the error.
If you filed Form DS-5504, you will get your new and corrected passport in six weeks. The Department of State offers an expedited service for $60 for a three-week processing time.