Where to Send Your Passport for an Address Change
You do not need to renew your entire passport just to change your address. Instead, send your current passport to the U.S. Department of State Passport Services with a written request for the address change. The passport itself stays valid—only the address record in their system updates.
Mail your passport to the regional passport acceptance facility that serves your state. You can find the correct mailing address by visiting the State Department's passport office locator at travel.state.gov or calling 1-877-487-2778. Processing typically takes four to six weeks by mail, though some passport agencies offer expedited service for an additional fee if you need the change faster.
Do not mail your passport to a local post office or passport acceptance agency—those locations cannot process address changes. You must use the State Department's regional facility directly.
Key Takeaways
- An address change does not require passport renewal; you send your current passport with a written request to the State Department's regional facility.
- Include a signed letter stating your old address, new address, and passport number with your mailed passport.
- Processing takes four to six weeks by standard mail, or you can pay extra for expedited service at some facilities.
- You will receive your passport back in the mail once the address change is complete.
- If your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged, you cannot use this process—you must renew instead.
What Documents to Include in Your Mailing
Gather your current passport, a signed letter, and proof of your new address before you mail anything. The letter should be typed or written clearly in black or blue ink and include your full name, date of birth, passport number, your old address, and your new address. Sign and date the letter yourself—a notary is not required.
For proof of your new address, include one document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government-issued ID with your new address. A driver's license renewal notice or recent mail from a government agency also works.
Place your passport, signed letter, and address proof in an envelope. You do not need to use certified mail, but many people do for peace of mind. Include a return address on the envelope so the State Department can send your passport back to you.
Finding Your Regional Passport Facility
The State Department operates regional passport agencies in major cities across the country. To find the correct mailing address for your region, visit travel.state.gov/passport and use the passport office locator tool. Enter your state or ZIP code, and the tool will show you the facility that handles applications from your area and its mailing address.
If you cannot find your facility online, call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. Staff can tell you the exact address to mail your passport to and answer questions about processing times. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time.
Processing Time and Expedited Service
Standard processing for an address change takes four to six weeks from the day the State Department receives your passport. This timeline assumes your paperwork is complete and correct. If information is missing or unclear, the State Department may contact you, which delays the process further.
Some passport agencies offer expedited service for an additional fee—typically $60 to $80 on top of any other costs. Expedited processing reduces the timeline to two to three weeks. Not all regional facilities offer expedited service for address changes, so call ahead or check the State Department website to confirm whether your facility does.
You cannot rush an address change through a passport acceptance agency or post office. Only the regional State Department facility can process this request, and only by mail or in person at their office.
When You Cannot Use This Process
If your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged, you cannot mail it in for an address change. Instead, you must report it and explore for a replacement passport. A damaged passport might have water damage, torn pages, a faded photo, or a broken binding—anything that affects the passport's usability or security features.
If your passport is lost or stolen, file a report with the State Department before you explore for a replacement. You can report it online at travel.state.gov or by phone at 1-877-487-2778. Once reported, the old passport is no longer valid, and you will receive a new passport number with your replacement.
A replacement passport includes your new address automatically if you provide it on the process form. Processing times for replacements are longer than address changes—typically six to eight weeks by mail, or two to three weeks with expedited service.
What Happens After You Mail Your Passport
The State Department will update your address in their system and mail your passport back to you at the address you provided on the envelope. The passport itself does not change—no new pages are added, and your photo and expiration date remain the same. Only the address record in the State Department's database updates.
You should receive your passport within the timeframe given when you mailed it (four to six weeks standard, or two to three weeks expedited). If more than six weeks pass and you have not received your passport, call 1-877-487-2778 to check the status. Have your passport number and date of birth ready when you call.
Once your passport arrives, check that your name, date of birth, and passport number are correct. The address change itself is not printed in your passport—it exists only in the State Department's records. This means your passport will not show your new address physically, but the government's system will have it on file.
Changing Your Address Without Mailing Your Passport
If you prefer not to mail your passport, you can visit a passport agency in person to request an address change. Some regional passport agencies allow walk-in appointments or same-day service for address changes, though availability varies by location and time of year.
Call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 to find out whether your nearest passport agency accepts in-person address change requests and whether you need an appointment. Bring your passport, a signed letter with your old and new address, and proof of your new address (dated within 60 days). Processing is usually faster in person—sometimes the same day or within a few business days.
In-person service is most practical if you live near a major city with a passport agency. If the nearest agency is far away, mailing your passport is usually more convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to renew my passport to change my address?
No. An address change is separate from renewal. Your passport remains valid for its full term. You only send in your current passport with a written address change request, and the State Department updates their records and returns it to you.
How long does an address change take?
Standard processing takes four to six weeks by mail. Some passport agencies offer expedited service for an additional fee, which reduces the timeline to two to three weeks. Call 1-877-487-2778 to confirm whether your regional facility offers expedited service.
What if I move again before my passport arrives?
Write your new address on the outside of the return envelope before you mail your passport. If you move after mailing but before your passport arrives, contact the State Department when ready at 1-877-487-2778 with your new address so they can update the mailing address on file.
Can I change my address at a post office or passport acceptance agency?
No. Post offices and passport acceptance agencies cannot process address changes. You must mail your passport directly to your regional State Department passport facility or visit a passport agency in person. Use the office locator at travel.state.gov to find the correct mailing address.
What if my new address proof is older than 60 days?
The State Department requires address proof dated within the last 60 days. If your document is older, obtain a newer one—a recent utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement all work. If you cannot get a document within 60 days, call 1-877-487-2778 to ask about alternatives.