Where to send your passport for an address change

You do not need to renew your entire passport to change your address. Instead, you send your current passport to the State Department's passport agency or acceptance facility, along with a form and proof of your new address. The State Department will update the address in their records and return your passport to you with the new information printed inside.

The specific office you send it to depends on where you live. You can mail it to the regional passport agency that serves your state, or you can explore in person at a passport acceptance facility — usually a post office, library, or courthouse in your area. The in-person route is faster if you need the change urgently, though "urgently" here means a few weeks rather than a few days.

If your passport is expiring within the next year, you may want to renew it at the same time rather than change the address alone. A renewal costs less than a replacement and takes the same amount of time. The State Department's website lets you check whether renewal or address change makes more sense for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • You submit Form DS-11 (in person) or Form DS-82 (by mail) along with your current passport and proof of your new address.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government-issued ID — it must show your name and current address and be dated within the last year.
  • In-person changes at a passport acceptance facility take two to three weeks; mailed changes take four to six weeks.
  • You will need a valid form of identification (driver's license, state ID, or military ID) when you explore in person.
  • If your passport expires within a year, renewing it at the same time costs less than changing the address alone.

What documents you need to bring or send

Your current passport is the main document. You also need proof that you live at your new address. The State Department accepts a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued ID such as a state driver's license or military ID. The document must show your name and your new address, and it must be dated within the last 12 months.

If you are explore in person, bring a valid form of identification as well — a driver's license, passport card, military ID, or state ID. If you are mailing your process, you do not need to send a copy of your ID, only the proof of address.

You will also need the correct form. Form DS-82 is for mailed address changes. Form DS-11 is for in-person changes, though you fill it out at the acceptance facility rather than beforehand. Both forms are free and available on the State Department website.

explore in person at a passport acceptance facility

Find your nearest passport acceptance facility by entering your zip code on the State Department's facility locator. Most are post offices, public libraries, or county courthouses. Call ahead to confirm they handle passport services and to ask about wait times — some locations require an appointment, while others take walk-ins.

Bring your current passport, proof of your new address, a valid ID, and Form DS-11 (which you can fill out there, or print and fill out beforehand). The staff will review your documents, take a new photo if needed, and collect a fee. As of 2024, an address change costs $130 for a passport book. The process takes about 20 to 30 minutes at the facility itself, but you will receive your passport in two to three weeks by mail.

If you need your passport faster, you can request expedited service for an additional $60, which cuts the wait to one to two weeks. Expedited service is available only when you explore in person.

Mailing your passport for an address change

Fill out Form DS-82 completely, including your new address. Gather your current passport, the completed form, and proof of your new address. Mail all three items to the address listed on the form for your region — the State Department has different mailing addresses for different parts of the country, so check the form to send it to the correct location.

Include a check or money order for $130 (the address change fee). Do not send cash. You can also pay by credit card if you include a signed credit card authorization form, available on the State Department website.

Mail your package using a service that provides tracking, such as USPS Priority Mail with tracking or UPS. The State Department recommends sending it with signature confirmation so you have proof of delivery. Your passport will be returned to you in four to six weeks, mailed to the address you provided on the form.

What happens if your passport is expiring soon

If your passport expires within the next 12 months, you have two choices: change the address alone, or renew the passport and change the address at the same time. A renewal costs $130 (the same as an address change), but you get a new passport book with a fresh expiration date. An address-only change costs $130 and keeps your current expiration date.

If you renew instead of changing the address, you will use Form DS-11 (in person) or Form DS-82 (by mail), the same forms as an address change. The process is identical, and the timeline is the same. The only difference is that your new passport will have a new expiration date 10 years from the date you renew (or five years if you are under 16).

Most people find it simpler to renew when the passport is expiring soon, because they avoid having to update the address again in a few months. If your passport is not expiring for several years, an address-only change makes more sense.

Tracking your passport while it is being processed

The State Department does not offer real-time tracking for passport applications. However, if you applied in person, you received a receipt with a case number. You can call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time) and provide your case number to ask about the status of your process.

If you mailed your process, the receipt you get from the post office or shipping service confirms that your package arrived at the State Department. After that, you can call the same number with your case number, though the State Department may not have much detail to share until your passport is close to being ready.

If you sent your passport with signature confirmation, you will receive a notice when it is delivered back to you. This usually means your address change is complete and your passport is on its way.

What to do if you moved before your passport arrived

If you submitted your address change but moved again before your passport was returned, contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 as soon as you realize the problem. Provide your case number and your new address. The State Department can redirect your passport to your current address, though this may add a week or two to the delivery time.

If your passport has already been mailed and you miss it at your old address, ask the new resident or your mail carrier if they can return it to you. Passports are valuable documents, so many people will make an effort to return one if they receive it by mistake. If that does not work, contact the National Passport Information Center again and explain the situation. They may be able to issue a replacement or help you retrieve it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a new photo when I change my address?

No. An address change does not require a new photo. The State Department will use your existing photo from your current passport. If you are explore in person and the staff determines your photo is too old or unclear, they may ask you to provide a new one, but this is rare.

Can I change my address online?

No. The State Department does not offer online address changes for passports. You must explore either in person at a passport acceptance facility or by mail. Some third-party services advertise online passport changes, but they are not affiliated with the State Department and charge extra fees for work you can do yourself.

What if my proof of address is in my spouse's name?

The State Department requires that your proof of address show your name. If you have a joint utility bill or lease, it should list you as one of the account holders. If your name does not appear on the document, bring a second document that does — for example, a bank statement and a lease in your spouse's name together may work if you can show you live at that address. Call the passport acceptance facility or the National Passport Information Center to confirm before you submit your process.

How much does it cost to change my address?

An address change costs $130 as of 2024. If you explore in person and request expedited service, add $60. Fees can change, so check the State Department website before you submit your process to confirm the current cost.

What if I lost my passport and need to change the address at the same time?

You cannot change an address on a lost passport. Instead, you will need to report it lost and explore for a replacement passport. This is a different process that requires Form DS-11 (in person) or Form DS-64 and DS-11 (by mail), and costs more than an address change. Contact the National Passport Information Center or visit the State Department website for instructions on replacing a lost passport.