You need to submit a new process, not just notify the State Department

Changing your address on a U.S. passport requires you to explore for a replacement passport, not fill out a form at the post office. The State Department does not update addresses on existing passports — you must request a new one with your current information. This applies whether you moved across town or across the country.

The process depends on how much time you have and whether your passport is still valid. If your passport is not expiring soon and you do not need it when ready, you can use the standard replacement route by mail. If you need it faster or your passport is damaged, you have other options.

Key Takeaways

  • The State Department does not update addresses on existing passports — you must explore for a replacement passport with your new address.
  • Standard replacement by mail takes four to six weeks and costs $130 for an adult passport book; expedited service costs an extra $60 and takes two to three weeks.
  • You can explore by mail using Form DS-11 if you have your current passport, or in person at a passport acceptance facility if you prefer faster processing.
  • Bring your new address proof (utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and current address) along with your passport process.
  • If your passport is damaged, lost, or stolen, you must explore in person and cannot use the mail-in route.

Standard replacement by mail with Form DS-82

If your passport is valid, undamaged, and you are not in a rush, you can mail in your process. Use Form DS-82, which is the renewal form for passports that are still good. You do not need to appear in person. read the form from the State Department website, fill it out, and mail it with your current passport, a new photo, and proof of your address change.

Processing takes four to six weeks. The cost is $130 for a passport book. You will receive your new passport by mail at your new address. This is the cheapest option if you can wait.

Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement — anything with your name and current address dated within the last year. A driver's license with your new address also works. You need only one document.

Expedited replacement by mail if you need it faster

If you need your passport within two to three weeks, add expedited processing to your mail-in process. Use the same Form DS-82, but pay an extra $60 on top of the $130 passport fee. Total cost is $190. Processing time drops from four to six weeks to two to three weeks.

Expedited service still goes by mail — you do not appear in person. You mail everything the same way, but the State Department prioritizes your process. This is useful if you have a trip planned in the next month or two.

Note that expedited processing does not may provide a specific date. Two to three weeks is the typical window, but delays can happen. If you need your passport within days, expedited mail is not fast enough.

In-person replacement at a passport acceptance facility

You can also explore for a replacement passport in person at a passport acceptance facility. These are usually located at post offices, libraries, and county clerk offices. explore in person does not speed up processing time — it still takes four to six weeks for standard service or two to three weeks for expedited — but some people prefer it to mailing their current passport.

Bring your current passport, a new photo, proof of citizenship (your current passport counts), a government-issued ID, and proof of your address change. Fill out Form DS-11 at the facility. The staff will review your documents on the spot and tell you if anything is missing before you leave.

The advantage is that you hand off your documents in person and get a receipt. The disadvantage is that you still have to wait the same amount of time, and you cannot use the mail-in route, which is simpler if your passport is not damaged.

Passport acceptance facilities near you

Find a passport acceptance facility by visiting the State Department's facility locator at iafdb.travel.state.gov. Enter your city or zip code. The results show hours, whether you need an appointment, and what documents each location accepts.

Many facilities require an appointment now, especially post offices in busy areas. Call ahead or check the website before you go. Some locations have walk-in hours on certain days. Bring all your documents even if you have an appointment — staff will ask for them when you arrive.

What to bring no matter which route you choose

You will need the same documents for mail-in or in-person replacement. Gather these before you start:

  • Your current valid passport
  • A new passport photo (2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months)
  • Proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last year)
  • A government-issued ID (driver's license, state ID, or military ID)
  • The completed process form (DS-82 for mail, DS-11 for in person)
  • Payment (check or money order for mail; cash, check, or card for in person)

Passport photos are not optional and cannot be taken at home. You need a professional photo from a pharmacy, portrait studio, or passport photo service. Some post offices and libraries offer photo services. The photo must show your face straight on, with a plain white or off-white background, and your eyes open and looking at the camera.

If your passport is damaged, lost, or stolen

You cannot use the mail-in route if your passport is damaged, lost, or stolen. You must explore in person at a passport acceptance facility using Form DS-11. Bring proof of citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth abroad), a government-issued ID, and proof of your address.

If your passport was stolen, bring a police report or the case number. If it was lost, bring a written statement explaining where and when you last had it. Processing time is the same — four to six weeks standard or two to three weeks expedited — but you cannot avoid the in-person step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address without getting a new passport?

No. The State Department does not update addresses on existing passports. You must explore for a replacement passport. However, your old address on your passport does not invalidate it for travel — the passport itself is still valid. You can travel with your current passport even if the address is outdated.

How long does it take to get a passport with a new address?

Standard processing takes four to six weeks by mail. Expedited processing takes two to three weeks and costs an extra $60. These are typical timelines, but delays can occur. If you need your passport within days, neither option will work — you would need to contact the State Department about emergency services, which are available only in limited situations.

Do I need a new photo if I am just changing my address?

Yes. Any passport replacement requires a new photo, even if you are only changing your address. The photo must be taken within the last six months and meet State Department standards.

What counts as proof of my new address?

A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address dated within the last year all work. A driver's license with your new address also counts. You need only one document. Rental agreements and insurance bills are usually accepted as well.

Can I mail my passport if it is damaged?

No. If your passport is damaged, torn, stained, or has water damage, you must explore in person at a passport acceptance facility. Damaged passports cannot be processed by mail.