What do I do to replace my temporary passport with a permanent passport?

by Courteney
(New York, New York, USA)

Question: My passport was stolen while I resided in the UK and the US Embassy issued me a "temporary passport". This temporary passport needs to be replaced with a permanent passport. What am I required to do in order to obtain my permanent passport?

Answer: The process for replacing a limited-validity passport (aka temporary passport) depends on how long it has been since the document was issued.

IF you received the limited passport book less than one year ago, then you need to submit DS-5504, Application for a U.S. Passport: Name Change, Data Correction, and Limited Passport Book Replacement.

Along with form DS-5504, you need to submit your passport, one passport photo and any documents listed as necessary in the temporary passport. Send the application and documentation to the address on the form.

There is no fee for this service unless you want to expedite the process.

IF you received the limited passport book more than one year ago, then you need to complete Form DS-82, Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail.

Together with this form, submit your passport, one passport photo, proof of name change if you changed your name since the temporary passport was issued and any documents listed in the temporary passport as necessary.

The fee to renew a passport is presently $110 for adults. An additional $60 fee needs to be paid if you want the application expedited.

Either way, you should place the contents in a secure package such as a Tyvek envelope and send it by a traceable delivery method.