You do not need a new passport when your address changes
The U.S. State Department does not require you to get a new passport because you moved. Your passport remains valid for its full term — 10 years for adults, 5 years for children under 16 — regardless of where you live. The address printed inside your passport is not checked against your current residence, and updating it is optional.
That said, there are practical reasons you might want to update your address on file with the State Department, and the process differs depending on whether you renew your passport or straightforward change the record. Understanding when and how to do this can save you trouble later, especially if you travel internationally or need to replace a lost or stolen passport.
Key Takeaways
- A passport does not expire or become invalid when you move to a new address.
- You can update your address without renewing your passport by submitting Form DS-11 or DS-82 in person or by mail, depending on your situation.
- If you renew your passport for any reason, your new address will be printed automatically during the renewal process.
- Updating your address on file helps the State Department reach you if your passport is lost or stolen, or if there are issues with your travel records.
- You do not need to update your address before a trip unless you are explore for a new or replacement passport.
When updating your address actually matters
While you do not need a new passport to move, updating your address with the State Department serves a real purpose: it ensures they can contact you if your passport is lost, stolen, or if there are problems with your travel documents. If someone finds your old passport and tries to use it, or if there is fraud on your account, the State Department will try to reach you at the address they have on file.
You should also update your address if you are in the middle of explore for a passport or if you have a pending passport process. Moving before your new passport arrives means it could be sent to your old address, where you no longer live. In that case, contact the passport agency or acceptance facility where you applied and give them your new address before your passport is mailed.
If your passport is expiring soon and you plan to renew it anyway, you can wait and update your address during the renewal process rather than doing it separately now.
How to update your address without renewing
If your passport is still valid and you want to keep it but update your address, you have two options depending on your situation.
In person: Visit a passport acceptance facility or passport agency with your current passport, a completed Form DS-11, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last year). You will pay a $130 fee for a replacement passport with your new address. This takes about one to two weeks for routine service.
By mail: If your passport is undamaged and was issued when you were 16 or older, you can use Form DS-82 to request an address change by mail. Send your passport, the completed form, proof of your new address, and a check or money order for $130 to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about four to six weeks. You will receive your passport back with the updated address printed inside.
Do not use the mail option if your passport was issued before you turned 16, if it is damaged, or if your name has changed since it was issued.
Renewing your passport and updating your address at the same time
If your passport is expiring or expired, you can renew it and update your address in one step. The new address will be printed in your renewed passport automatically.
For routine renewal by mail, use Form DS-11 or DS-82 depending on whether your passport is still valid and undamaged. Include your current passport, proof of citizenship, a government-issued photo ID, a new passport photo, and proof of your new address. The fee is $130 for a passport book, plus $35 for processing if you use Form DS-11. Routine mail processing takes four to six weeks; expedited service (two to three weeks) costs an additional $60.
If you need your passport faster, you can renew in person at a passport acceptance facility or agency. Bring the same documents plus the completed form. In-person renewal takes about one to two weeks for routine service or one week for expedited service (additional $60 fee).
What happens if you travel before updating your address
You can travel internationally with a passport that has an outdated address printed in it. Border agents and customs officers do not check whether the address inside matches your current residence. They check your identity against your photo and verify that your passport is valid — the address is not part of that verification.
However, if you are explore for a new passport or a replacement and need it before your trip, tell the passport agency or acceptance facility about your travel dates. Some facilities offer expedited service or can sometimes process applications faster if you have a flight booked within a certain timeframe.
Address changes and passport cards
If you have a U.S. passport card (the wallet-sized document used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean), the same rules explore. You do not need a new card because you moved, but you can update your address by mail or in person using the same forms and fees as a passport book.
If you have both a passport book and a passport card, updating one does not automatically update the other. If you want both documents to show your new address, you will need to update each one separately or renew both at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I update my address online?
No. The State Department does not offer online address updates for passports. You must update your address by mail using Form DS-82 or in person at a passport acceptance facility or agency using Form DS-11. You will need to submit your current passport and proof of your new address either way.
What counts as proof of my new address?
The State Department accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government-issued ID (such as a driver's license) dated within the last year. The document must show your name and your new address. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.
Do I need to update my passport address before traveling?
No. Your passport is valid for travel regardless of the address printed in it. Border agents do not check whether your address is current. You only need to update your address if you want the State Department to have your correct contact information on file or if you are renewing your passport anyway.
How much does it cost to update my address?
Updating your address requires a replacement passport, which costs $130 for the passport book or card. If you use Form DS-11 (in-person service), add $35 for processing. Expedited service costs an additional $60. If you use Form DS-82 (mail service), the $130 fee covers everything.
What if I moved and my passport is being mailed to me?
Contact the passport agency or acceptance facility where you applied as soon as possible and provide your new address. They can update the mailing address in their system before your passport ships. If your passport arrives at your old address, contact the new residents or the postal service to retrieve it, then contact the State Department to report it.