Where to send your passport for an address change
You do not need to renew your entire passport to change your address. The U.S. State Department will update your address on file without issuing a new passport book, as long as your passport is still valid and your name has not changed.
Send your current passport to the address listed on the State Department website for your region. If you live in the continental United States, that is typically the Charleston Passport Agency in South Carolina. If you live in Alaska, Hawaii, or a U.S. territory, the mailing address differs. Check travel.state.gov/passport to confirm the correct address for your location before you mail anything.
You can also update your address in person at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency if you prefer not to mail your passport. Passport agencies are located in major cities; passport acceptance facilities are usually in post offices, libraries, and county clerk offices. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment.
Key Takeaways
- An address change alone does not require you to renew your passport — the State Department updates your file without issuing a new book.
- Mail your passport to the regional processing center listed on travel.state.gov/passport, or visit a passport agency or acceptance facility in person.
- Include a completed Form DS-11 (if explore in person) or a signed letter stating your old and new address (if mailing).
- Processing time is typically four to six weeks by mail; in-person updates at an agency may be faster.
- Your passport remains valid during the address update — you can travel while your change is being processed.
What documents to include with your mailed passport
If you are mailing your passport, include a signed letter on plain paper stating your old address, new address, and the reason for the change. Sign and date the letter. Do not use a form — a straightforward letter is sufficient and faster to process.
Include a copy of a document that shows your new address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last year works. The document must show your name and the new address clearly.
Do not send cash. If there is a fee (which varies depending on your passport type and whether you are mailing or visiting in person), you can pay by check or money order made out to the U.S. Department of State. Many passport agencies and acceptance facilities also accept credit cards and debit cards in person.
If you are updating your address in person
Visit a passport acceptance facility or passport agency with your current passport and a document showing your new address. Bring a photo ID as well. You do not need to fill out a form for an address-only change at most facilities — tell the staff member you are updating your address, and they will process it.
Some passport agencies offer same-day or next-day service for in-person address updates, though this varies by location. Call the agency or facility ahead of time to ask about wait times and whether you need an appointment. Many agencies now require appointments, which you can book on travel.state.gov/passport.
If you visit a passport acceptance facility (such as a post office or library), staff there can confirm your new address and forward your passport to the processing center. This takes the same amount of time as mailing it yourself, but you avoid the risk of your passport being lost in the mail.
How long the address change takes
Processing time depends on how you submit your request. If you mail your passport, expect four to six weeks for the address change to be processed and your passport to be returned. During this time, your passport remains valid and you can travel with it — the address on file will be updated even if the printed address in your book has not changed.
If you update your address in person at a passport agency, the process is usually faster. Some agencies can update your address the same day or within a few days. Passport acceptance facilities typically take the same four to six weeks as the mail route, since they forward your passport to a processing center.
Check the State Department website for current processing times in your region, as these change seasonally. During summer months and around holidays, processing can take longer.
What happens if your name also changed
If you changed your name and your address at the same time, you cannot use the address-change-only process. You will need to renew your passport instead, which requires a new passport book and a new photo. This is a separate, longer process.
Gather your current passport, a completed Form DS-11 (if renewing in person) or Form DS-82 (if renewing by mail), a new passport photo, and a document proving your legal name change — usually a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The State Department website has detailed instructions for name-change renewals.
Tracking your passport while it is being processed
The State Department does not offer real-time tracking for mailed passports. Once you mail your passport, you will not receive updates until it is returned to you. Keep a record of when you mailed it and what you sent, in case you need to follow up.
If your passport does not return within the stated processing time, contact the passport agency that serves your region. Have your passport number and the date you mailed it ready. The State Department can tell you whether your passport was received and what stage it is in.
If you need your passport urgently while it is being processed, you can request expedited service, though this costs extra and requires you to explore in person at a passport agency rather than by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel while my address change is being processed?
Yes. Your passport remains valid during the address update. The printed address inside your book does not need to match the address on file with the State Department for travel purposes. You can use your passport for flights and border crossings while your change is being processed.
Do I need to update my address if I am renewing my passport anyway?
No. When you renew your passport, you can provide your current address on the renewal form, and it will be recorded automatically. You do not need to do a separate address-change request if a renewal is already in progress.
What if I moved and do not have a document showing my new address?
A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement is standard, but if you do not have one, a bank or credit card statement, insurance policy, or government-issued ID with your new address will work. The document must be dated within the last year and show your name and address clearly.
Can I update my passport address online?
No. The State Department does not offer online address updates. You must mail your passport or visit a passport agency or acceptance facility in person. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized changes to passport records.
What if I lost my passport after mailing it for an address change?
Contact the passport agency that serves your region right away. Provide your passport number and the date you mailed it. The State Department can check whether it was received and help you file a report if it was lost in transit. You may need to explore for a replacement passport.