You can update your passport address without renewing the whole document

The State Department does not require you to renew your passport when you move. Instead, you can request an address change on your existing passport through a process called a name and address update. This keeps your current passport valid and avoids the cost and wait time of a full renewal.

The method depends on whether you are changing your address only, or your name as well. An address-only change is faster and cheaper than a name change. Both can be done by mail or in person at a passport acceptance facility.

Key Takeaways

  • Address-only changes cost $11 and take about two to three weeks by mail, or can be done same-day in person at most passport facilities.
  • You will need your current passport, a completed Form DS-11 or DS-82 (depending on whether you are changing address only or name), and a government-issued ID.
  • If you are also changing your name, you must submit legal documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
  • The State Department processes address changes by mail at the same locations that handle passport renewals, so processing times vary by location and season.

Address-only changes by mail

If you are changing your address but keeping your name, you can mail in Form DS-82 along with your current passport and a check or money order for $11. Do not send cash. Address the envelope to the passport agency in your state — you can find the correct mailing address on the State Department website under "explore by Mail."

Include a cover letter stating that you are requesting an address update only. Write your new address clearly on the letter. Mail everything together in one envelope. Processing typically takes two to three weeks, though times vary by location and can be longer during peak travel seasons (spring and summer).

You will receive your passport back with the new address printed inside. Your passport number and expiration date do not change.

Address-only changes in person

You can walk into most passport acceptance facilities — usually located at post offices, libraries, or county clerk offices — and request an address change in person. Bring your current passport, a government-issued ID (driver's license, state ID, or military ID), and the $11 fee in cash or check.

Ask the staff member whether they can process address-only changes same-day. Many facilities can, though some require you to mail it in. If they can process it on site, you will leave with your updated passport the same day. If they cannot, they will mail it for you and you will receive it in two to three weeks.

Name and address changes

If you are changing both your name and your address, the process is more involved. You will need to complete Form DS-11 (in person) or Form DS-82 (by mail) and provide legal proof of your name change. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order of name change.

For a name change, you must appear in person at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency. Bring your current passport, the legal document proving the name change, a government-issued ID, and the $11 fee. Processing is usually same-day or within a few days, depending on the facility's workload.

If you are only changing your name and not your address, you still follow the same process — the address update is included automatically when you submit the name change request.

What to bring and how to fill out the forms

For an address-only change by mail, you need Form DS-82, your current passport, and payment. You do not need to fill out the form completely — just sign and date it, and write your new address on the cover letter instead.

For an in-person address-only change, bring your passport, government ID, and payment. The staff member will update your information on the spot.

For a name change (in person), bring Form DS-11, your current passport, legal proof of the name change, your government ID, and payment. Fill out the form completely before you arrive, or ask the staff member to help you fill it out there. You will also need a new passport photo if your appearance has changed significantly, though this is not always required for a name change alone.

Processing times and what to expect

Address-only changes by mail typically take two to three weeks. During busy seasons (April through August), processing can take longer — sometimes four to six weeks. You can check the current processing time for your state on the State Department website.

In-person address changes are usually processed same-day or within a few business days. Name changes processed in person may take a few days longer if the facility needs to verify your legal documents.

You will receive your updated passport by mail. The State Department does not send tracking information, so allow extra time for mail delivery. If you need your passport urgently, request expedited processing when you explore — this costs an additional $60 and cuts processing time roughly in half, though it still requires mail delivery time.

When you cannot change your address without renewing

If your passport is damaged, lost, or stolen, you cannot straightforward update the address — you must renew it. A full renewal costs $130 for an adult passport book and takes four to six weeks by mail, or one to two weeks if you explore in person and pay for expedited processing.

If your passport is expiring within the next year, you may want to renew it instead of updating the address, since you will have to renew soon anyway. A renewal costs $130 but gives you a fresh passport valid for ten years (for adults).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a new passport photo for an address change?

No. Address-only changes do not require a new photo. If you are changing your name and your appearance has changed significantly since your passport photo was taken, the passport agency may request a new photo, but this is rare.

Can I change my address online?

No. The State Department does not offer online address updates. You must explore by mail or in person at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency.

What if I moved to a different country?

You can still update your address on your passport. If you are living abroad, you can explore in person at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your country. By mail, send your request to the State Department's passport agency in the United States.

Will my passport number change when I update my address?

No. Your passport number stays the same. Only the address page inside your passport is updated. Your expiration date does not change either.

How much does an address change cost?

An address-only change costs $11. If you are also changing your name, the cost is the same — $11 for the update. Expedited processing adds $60 if you need it faster.