Where to Send Your Passport for an Address Change

You do not need to renew your entire passport to change your address. Instead, you send your passport to the State Department's passport acceptance facility or regional agency office, along with a form and proof of your new address. The State Department will update the address in their records and return your passport with the new information printed inside.

If you have a U.S. passport book or card, the process is the same regardless of which one you hold. You cannot change your address online or by phone — it must be done by mail or in person at a passport acceptance location.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail your passport with Form DS-11 (if renewing) or Form DS-82 (if only changing address) to the address listed on the State Department website for your region.
  • Include one new photo (2x2 inches) if you are renewing at the same time, or no photo if you are only updating your address.
  • Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last year.
  • Processing takes 6 to 8 weeks by mail, or 2 to 3 weeks if you pay for expedited service.
  • You can also change your address in person at a passport acceptance facility or regional agency office without mailing anything.

What Forms and Documents You Need

The form you use depends on whether you are renewing your passport at the same time. If you are only changing your address and your passport is not expiring soon, use Form DS-82 (U.S. Passport Renewal process for may be able to access Individuals). If your passport is expiring within the next year or you want to renew it anyway, use Form DS-11 (process for a U.S. Passport), which requires you to appear in person.

For either form, you will need to provide proof of your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, government-issued ID with your new address, or a letter from your employer or school on official letterhead. The document must show your name and new address and be dated within the last year.

You will also need your current passport, a completed form (signed and dated), and a check or money order for the processing fee. As of 2024, a passport address change costs $130 for a book or $100 for a card if you are not renewing. Expedited processing adds $60.

Mailing Your Passport for an Address Change

Print and complete the appropriate form from the State Department website (state.gov/passport). Sign and date it. Gather your passport, proof of address, the processing fee, and any other required documents. Place everything in an envelope and mail it to the address listed on the form instructions for your state or region.

Do not use certified mail or signature confirmation — the State Department recommends regular mail. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. Processing by mail takes 6 to 8 weeks under normal circumstances. If you need your passport sooner, you can pay an additional $60 for expedited service, which takes 2 to 3 weeks.

You will receive your passport back in the mail with your new address printed inside. Check it carefully when it arrives to make sure the address is correct before you travel.

Changing Your Address in Person

If you prefer not to mail your passport, you can visit a passport acceptance facility or a State Department regional agency office in person. Bring your passport, the completed form, proof of your new address, and payment. You do not need an appointment at most acceptance facilities, though some locations recommend calling ahead.

Processing times are faster in person. Regional agency offices can often process address changes the same day or within a few business days. Passport acceptance facilities (usually located at post offices, libraries, or courthouses) typically take 2 to 3 weeks. Ask the staff member which option is available at your location.

Processing Times and What to Expect

Standard processing by mail takes 6 to 8 weeks from the date the State Department receives your process. Expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs an additional $60. These times are estimates and can vary depending on how busy the passport agency is and whether your process is complete.

The State Department will not contact you unless there is a problem with your process. If documents are missing or incomplete, processing will be delayed. Once your passport is ready, it will be mailed to the address you provided on your form. If you do not receive it within the expected timeframe, you can check the status on the State Department website using your passport number and date of birth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common reason applications are delayed is an unsigned or undated form. Make sure you sign and date the form yourself — the State Department will not accept a form signed by someone else on your behalf. Also double-check that your proof of address document is dated within the last year and shows both your name and your new address clearly.

Do not send your passport by certified mail or require a signature. The State Department processes mail in batches, and signature confirmation can slow things down. Use regular mail instead. If you are mailing your passport, make a photocopy of the first page before you send it, in case anything is lost in transit.

If you are renewing your passport at the same time as changing your address, make sure you use the correct form (DS-11, which requires in-person appearance) rather than DS-82. Using the wrong form will delay your process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address without renewing my passport?

Yes. If your passport is not expiring soon, you can change only the address by mailing Form DS-82 with proof of your new address. You do not need a new photo or to renew the entire passport. The fee is $130 for a book or $100 for a card.

What if I moved but my passport is expiring soon anyway?

You can renew your passport and change your address at the same time. Use Form DS-11 and appear in person at a passport acceptance facility or regional agency office. This costs $130 for a book or $100 for a card, plus $35 for the execution fee if it is your first time renewing in person at that location.

How long does it take to change my address if I go in person?

Regional agency offices can often process address changes the same day or within a few business days. Passport acceptance facilities (at post offices or libraries) typically take 2 to 3 weeks. Call ahead to ask which option is available near you.

Do I need a new photo to change my address?

No, not unless you are renewing your passport at the same time. If you are only changing your address, you do not need a new photo. Include a photo only if you are using Form DS-11 to renew.

What counts as proof of my new address?

A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, government-issued ID, or employer letter all work. The document must show your name and new address and be dated within the last year. A utility bill or lease is usually the easiest option.