What are the expediting charges for passport name corrections

by Andree
(Whitter Calif)

Question: Passport book first name was printed incorrectly. Submitting form DS-5504 for correction. Amendment was also incorrect. Will I also receive correction for amendment (same error) because there are no charges for the above changes. Would there also be no expediting charges for a 2 week or less return of passport?

Anwer: Your confusion is understandable. In June 2005, the State Department making amendments in passports. That is, they no longer change data in a passport and return that same passport. Due to added security features such as a RFID chip, it is not possible to change the printed information since it would not match the information on the chip. A new passport must be issued with the new information in it.

While the State Department no longer amends passports, they do process corrections. However, many people including travel agents and professional travel document expediters continue to refer to name changes and printing error corrections as amendments.

Besides the completed form DS-5504, you also need to submit two passport photos (if passport was issued more than 90 days ago) and evidence to support the name correction such as a certified birth certificate or certified marriage license. I also encourage you to include a brief letter explaining the request.

There is no fee for this service UNLESS you request expedited service. The fee for expedited service is $60.

Note, expedited service by mail takes 2-3 weeks to process. If you need your passport faster, you have to visit the nearest regional passport agency or submit through a professional expediter.

Los Angeles Passport Agency

Expedite Passport Correction