You can update your address through the State Department without renewing your passport

The State Department allows you to change the address on file for your passport without getting a new passport book. You do this by filing Form DS-11 (process for a U.S. Passport) or Form DS-82 (U.S. Passport Renewal process) depending on your situation, but you only pay the execution fee—not the full passport fee—if you are only changing your address.

The fastest way is to go in person to a passport acceptance facility or passport agency with your current passport, a completed form, and proof of your new address. By mail is slower but works if you cannot travel to an office. Either way, the State Department updates the address in their system and mails you a new passport book with the corrected address printed inside.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your address without renewing your passport by submitting Form DS-11 in person or Form DS-82 by mail, paying only the execution fee instead of the full passport fee.
  • In-person appointments at a passport agency or acceptance facility take about one to two weeks; by mail takes four to six weeks.
  • You will need your current passport, the completed form, and a document showing your new address such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
  • If your passport is expired or will expire within six months, you may need to renew it instead of just changing the address.

Changing your address in person at a passport office

Going in person is the fastest option. Find your nearest passport acceptance facility or passport agency on the State Department website by entering your zip code. Passport agencies are federal offices in major cities; acceptance facilities are usually in post offices, libraries, or county courthouses and handle routine applications.

You will need to schedule an appointment ahead of time—walk-ins are not accepted at most locations. Bring your current passport, a completed Form DS-11, proof of citizenship (your passport counts), a government-issued photo ID, and a document showing your new address. Acceptable address documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government letter with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last year.

Pay the execution fee, which is $35 for a passport book as of 2024 (fees vary and may change). You will receive your new passport book with the updated address in one to two weeks. Some passport agencies offer expedited service for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Changing your address by mail

If you cannot go in person, you can mail Form DS-82 along with your current passport and proof of your new address. This route takes longer—typically four to six weeks—because the State Department processes mail applications in the order they arrive.

Fill out Form DS-82 completely, sign and date it, and include a photocopy of the photo page of your passport. Attach your proof of address document (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or similar). Mail everything to the address listed on the form for your region. Include a check or money order for the execution fee ($35 as of 2024). Do not send cash.

The State Department will mail your new passport book back to you. If you need your passport sooner, you can call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 to ask about expedited processing, though expedited service is not always available for address-only changes.

When you need to renew instead of just changing your address

If your passport is expired or will expire within six months, you cannot straightforward change the address. You must renew your passport instead, which costs more and takes longer. A renewal includes a new passport book with your updated address printed inside.

If your passport was issued when you were under 16, or if it is a limited passport, you also must renew rather than just change the address. Check your passport book to see what type you have. If you are unsure whether you can do an address change or must renew, call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.

What documents count as proof of your new address

The State Department accepts several types of documents to prove your address. The document must show your full name and your new address, and it must be dated within the last year. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. Lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, and bank or credit card statements all work. Government letters—such as a tax return, voter registration card, or letter from a government agency—are also acceptable.

Documents that do not work include driver's licenses (those are photo ID, not address proof), credit card offers, or documents with only a partial name. If you recently moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, ask your utility company or bank for a letter confirming your address change, or use a lease signed by both you and your landlord.

Tracking your passport after you submit it

If you submitted your process in person, you can check the status on the State Department website using your passport number and date of birth. The website updates every 24 hours. If you mailed your process, status updates are less frequent, but you can still check the same way.

Do not call the National Passport Information Center to ask about status unless your passport is overdue. The center can tell you whether expedited processing is available for your process and can answer questions about what to do if your passport does not arrive on time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address on my passport?

No, you do not have to. Your passport is still valid even if the address inside is outdated. However, if you are traveling internationally and the address on your passport does not match your travel documents or boarding pass, you may face delays at the airport. Updating it prevents confusion.

Can I change my address online?

No, the State Department does not offer online address changes. You must go in person to a passport office or acceptance facility, or mail your process. Phone and email requests are not accepted.

What if I moved to a different country?

If you are now living abroad, you can explore for an address change at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your country. Contact the embassy or consulate directly to schedule an appointment and ask what documents they need. Processing times vary by location.

How much does it cost to change my address?

You pay only the execution fee, which is $35 for a passport book as of 2024. You do not pay the full passport renewal fee. If you are mailing your process, add the cost of postage and a check or money order.

Can I change my address if my passport is damaged?

If your passport is torn, stained, or otherwise damaged, you must renew it instead of just changing the address. A damaged passport is not considered valid for travel. Submit Form DS-11 in person and pay the full renewal fee.