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Replace a limited validity passport

A limited-validity passport is a passport that is issued for less than the full validity period (10 years for adult passports 16 and older and 5 years for minor passports for applicants 15 and under). The process to apply for a full-validity passport depends on the reason the limited-validity passport was issued.

If your passport was issued while you were in the U.S., then you may be able to replace your passport using the DS-5504 application form. If your passport was issued more than two years ago, you will likely need to follow the DS-11 application form process.

Why is your passport limited? When was it issued? How you replace it
Pending replacement of your naturalization certificate Less than two years ago
Submit the following by mail (if in the United States) or in person at an embassy/consulate (if overseas):
  • Form DS-5504
  • Your limited passport
  • One color passport photo
  • Your naturalization certificate

Please Note: You will not have to pay any fees if you paid the fees when you applied for your limited passport (unless you request Expedited Service).
More than two years ago Submit the following in person at an acceptance facility or a passport agency:

  • Form DS-11
  • Your limited passport
  • Valid ID and photocopy of that ID
  • One color passport photo
  • Your naturalization certificate
  • All applicable fees
Ongoing gender transition Less than two years ago
Submit the following by mail:
  • Form DS-5504
  • Your limited passport
  • One color passport photo
  • Physician letter stating your have undergone appropriate clinical treatment. (See Gender Designation Change for more details)

Please Note: You will not have to pay any fees if you paid the fees when you applied for your limited passport (unless you request Expedited Service).
More than two years ago
Submit the following in person at an acceptance facility or a passport agency:
  • Form DS-11
  • Your limited passport
  • Valid ID and photocopy of that ID
  • One color passport photo
  • Physician letter stating your have undergone appropriate clinical treatment. (See Gender Designation Change for more details)
  • All applicable fees
Name change Less than one year ago
Submit the following by mail:
  • Form DS-5504
  • Your limited passport
  • One color passport photo
  • Your original or certified name change document (no photocopies or notarized copies)
More than one year ago
Submit the following in person at an acceptance facility or a passport agency:
  • Form DS-11 (or DS-82 by mail, if eligible)
  • Your limited passport
  • Valid ID and photocopy of that ID
  • One color passport photo
  • Your original or certified name change document (no photocopies or notarized copies)
  • All applicable fees

If your passport was issued while you were abroad, you may be eligible for the process using DS-5504 application form. If your passport was issued more than one year ago but less than 15 years ago, you will likely need to follow the DS-11 application form process.

Why is your passport limited? When was it issued? How you replace it
Your limited passport was issued outside the United States in an emergency. Less than one year ago Submit the following by mail (if in the United States) or in person at an embassy/consulate (if abroad):

  • Form DS-5504 or Form DS-11 (refer to your letter)
  • Your limited passport
  • One color passport photo

Please Note: You will not have to pay any fees if you paid the fees when you applied for your limited passport (unless you request Expedited Service).
More than one year ago but less than 15 years ago Submit the following in person at an acceptance facilty or passport agency (if in the United States) or in person at an embassy/consulate (if abroad):

  • Form DS-11 (or DS-82 by mail, if eligible)
  • Your limited passport
  • One color passport photo
  • All applicable fees

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