Choose the Right U.S. Passport Service

Apply for a New Adult Passport

Apply in person using Form DS-11 if any of these statements apply:

• You have never had a U.S. passport.
• Your previous passport was issued before you turned 16.
• Your previous passport was issued more than 15 years ago.
• Your valid passport was lost, stolen, or badly damaged.
• You cannot submit the passport you want to replace.

Follow the Form DS-11 application instructions, then find a passport acceptance facility near you. Check the facility's appointment policy before going.

Renew an Adult Passport

Renew using Form DS-82 when all of these statements are true:

• You can submit your most recent passport.
• The passport has never been reported lost or stolen.
• It was issued within the last 15 years.
• It was issued when you were age 16 or older and was valid for 10 years.
• It is undamaged except for normal wear.
• It shows your current name, or you can provide an original or certified legal name-change document.

Use the passport renewal guide and the complete Form DS-82 instructions.

Eligible adults can renew online for routine service. Expedited renewals must be submitted by mail. Review the online passport renewal requirements before starting.

Apply for a Child Under 16

A child under 16 must apply in person using Form DS-11. Both parents or guardians must appear with the child or provide the additional documents required when one or both cannot attend.

A child's passport cannot be renewed. Submit a new application each time.

Follow the complete child passport instructions.

Apply at Age 16 or 17

Applicants age 16 or 17 apply in person using Form DS-11 for their first adult passport. They must show that at least one parent or legal guardian knows about the application.

Passports issued at age 16 or older are valid for 10 years.

See the passport requirements for applicants age 16 or 17.

Replace a Lost or Stolen Passport

Report a valid lost or stolen passport immediately. The report cancels the passport, and the document cannot be used if it is found later.

To replace it, apply in person using Form DS-11. Use the lost or stolen passport instructions before applying.

Replace a Damaged Passport

A badly damaged passport cannot be renewed with Form DS-82. Damage includes water damage, significant tears, missing pages, a detached cover, holes, or unofficial markings.

Apply in person using Form DS-11, submit the damaged passport, and include a signed statement explaining what happened.

Review the damaged passport replacement requirements.

Change a Name or Correct Passport Data

The correct form depends on why the passport needs to be changed and when it was issued.

• Form DS-5504: Use it for a documented legal name change within one year of passport issuance or to correct a State Department printing or data error.
• Form DS-82: Use it for a later documented name change when you meet the renewal requirements.
• Form DS-11: Use it when you do not qualify for DS-5504 or DS-82.

Start with the passport name-change and correction guide.

Apply for a Passport Card

A passport card is valid for domestic identification and designated land and sea travel involving Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and some Caribbean destinations. It cannot be used for international air travel.

See the passport card guide. An eligible adult who already has a passport book can apply by mail for a first card. Follow the instructions for adding a passport card when you already have a passport book.