You can update your address through the mail or in person, depending on your passport type and how much information is changing

A passport address change does not require a new passport book or card. The U.S. State Department lets you update your mailing address on file without replacing the document itself. If you are changing only your address—not your name, appearance, or passport number—you can submit Form DS-11 or DS-82 by mail, which costs nothing and takes four to six weeks. If you need the change faster or are also changing your name or other details, you will need to explore in person at a passport acceptance facility.

The key difference is whether your passport is still valid and whether you are changing only the address. A valid passport with only an address change can be updated by mail. An expired passport, a passport with damage, or a passport where you are also changing your name requires an in-person appointment and a new passport book or card.

Key Takeaways

  • Address-only changes on a valid passport can be done by mail using Form DS-82 and cost nothing, taking four to six weeks.
  • If your passport is expired, damaged, or you are changing your name along with your address, you must explore in person and pay the standard passport fee.
  • Mail your completed form, current passport, and a new photo (if required) to the address listed on the State Department website for your region.
  • Check your passport's expiration date and condition before deciding whether to use the mail route or schedule an in-person appointment.

Changing your address by mail for a valid passport

If your passport is valid and you are only updating your mailing address, use Form DS-82. read it from the State Department website (travel.state.gov), print it, and fill it out by hand in black or blue ink. You will need to sign and date the form yourself—do not have anyone else sign it.

Gather your current passport book or card, the completed Form DS-82, and a new passport photo if you are also renewing your passport at the same time (this is optional for address-only changes). Mail everything to the regional passport acceptance facility that serves your state. The State Department website lists the mailing address for each region. Include a check or money order if you are paying a fee, though address-only changes have no fee. Do not send cash.

Processing takes four to six weeks by standard mail. If you need the change sooner, you can request expedited service for an additional fee, which reduces the time to two to three weeks. Include a letter explaining why you need expedited service and pay the expedite fee along with your process.

Changing your address in person at a passport acceptance facility

If your passport is expired, damaged, or you are changing your name at the same time as your address, you must explore in person. Schedule an appointment at a passport acceptance facility in your area through the State Department's appointment system on travel.state.gov. Bring your expired or current passport, a completed Form DS-11 (for a new passport) or Form DS-82 (if renewing), a new passport photo, proof of citizenship, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of your new address.

Proof of your new address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last few months and showing your name and current address. The document must be an original or certified copy—photocopies are not accepted. Bring the original documents; do not send copies by mail.

In-person appointments at most facilities take 20 to 30 minutes. You will pay the standard passport fee at the time of your appointment. A new passport book costs $130 for adults (or $100 if you are under 16), and a passport card costs $35. Processing after your appointment takes one to two weeks for routine service or one week for expedited service (at an additional cost).

What counts as proof of your new address

The State Department accepts a narrow list of documents as proof of address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone) in your name dated within the last two to three months works. So does a lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank or credit card statement, or government-issued document like a driver's license or state ID showing your new address.

The document must show your full name and current address. If you recently moved and have not yet received a bill or statement at your new address, ask your utility company or bank for a letter on company letterhead confirming your address change, dated and signed. Some facilities accept this in place of a bill. Call ahead to confirm what your local facility will accept if you are unsure.

Submitting your process by mail: step by step

Start by downloading Form DS-82 from travel.state.gov and printing it. Fill out all required fields in black or blue ink. Sign and date the form yourself in the signature box—your signature must match the one in your passport.

Gather your current passport, the completed form, and a new passport photo if you are renewing at the same time. Place everything in a large envelope and address it to the regional passport facility for your state (the address is on the State Department website). Include a check or money order for any fees if you are requesting expedited service. Write your name and passport number on the back of the check.

Mail the envelope using a service that provides tracking, such as USPS Priority Mail with tracking or UPS. Keep your receipt and tracking number. The State Department recommends not using certified mail, as it can delay processing. Once your process arrives, you will receive a postcard confirming receipt. Your updated passport will be mailed to your new address once processing is complete.

Common mistakes that delay address changes

The most common error is signing the form in the wrong place or using a pen other than black or blue ink. The State Department will reject the process and send it back, adding weeks to your timeline. Read the form carefully and sign only where it says "Signature of Applicant."

Another frequent mistake is sending a photocopy of your proof of address instead of the original document. The State Department will not accept copies. If you are mailing your process, send the original document and request it back in your cover letter; the facility will return it with your updated passport.

Do not mail cash. Use a check or money order only. Do not use certified mail for USPS submissions, as it can cause delays. Finally, do not assume your address has been updated just because you moved. The State Department updates only the address you provide on your process—they do not automatically pull your new address from your driver's license or other records.

How long the process takes and what to expect

By mail with standard processing, an address-only change takes four to six weeks from the day the State Department receives your process. Expedited mail service takes two to three weeks and costs an additional fee. In-person appointments at a passport facility result in one to two weeks of processing time for routine service, or one week for expedited service.

You will receive a postcard when your process arrives at the facility. Your updated passport will be mailed to the address you provided on your process. If you are moving again soon, consider updating your address on the process to your new address rather than your current one, so the passport arrives where you will be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a new passport photo to change my address?

No. A new photo is required only if you are renewing your passport at the same time. For an address-only change by mail, you do not need a new photo. If you are explore in person for any reason, you will need a new photo regardless of whether you are changing your address.

Can I change my address online?

No. The State Department does not offer online address changes for passports. You must submit Form DS-82 by mail or explore in person at a passport acceptance facility. Some third-party websites claim to offer online passport services, but they cannot change your address directly—they can only help you fill out the form.

What if I moved to a different country?

If you are now living abroad, you can update your address by mail using Form DS-82, or you can visit a U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are living. Embassies and consulates can process address changes in person. Check the State Department website for the embassy or consulate nearest you.

Will my passport number change if I update my address?

No. Your passport number stays the same when you change your address. Only the mailing address on file is updated. Your passport book or card itself does not change unless you are also renewing the passport.

What if my passport is damaged or falling apart?

A damaged passport cannot be updated by mail. You must explore in person at a passport acceptance facility and request a replacement passport. Bring your damaged passport, a new photo, and proof of citizenship. You will pay the standard passport fee and receive a new passport book or card with a new number.