The official instructions use the reason for limited validity and the issue date. A U.S. embassy or consulate gives instructions when you apply outside the United States.
1. Identify the reason and issue date
Read the passport and the letter provided when it was issued. Limited passports may result from missing consent or citizenship evidence, an urgent replacement abroad, a name-change issue, or another restriction. Keep the letter because it may identify the form and documents required.
2. Choose the official route
- Form DS-5504: the Department of State permits this mail route for specified limited-passport cases, commonly when the passport was issued less than one year ago. A special two-year window applies to a limited passport issued because a replacement naturalization or citizenship certificate was unavailable.
- Form DS-11: apply in person at an acceptance facility or passport agency when the official instructions require a new application.
- Form DS-82: some holders may use adult renewal after the relevant limited-validity replacement window if they meet every renewal requirement.
3. Prepare the matching evidence
Submit the limited passport, one compliant passport photo, and the documents required for the reason it was limited. These may include citizenship evidence, consent documents, or name-change records. DS-11 also requires identification and a photocopy under the current instructions.
4. Verify fees and delivery instructions
The Department of State states that no passport fee is required for qualifying DS-5504 replacements, unless optional expedited service is requested. DS-11 and DS-82 routes generally require the applicable passport fees. Confirm the current form, fee, and destination immediately before filing; do not reuse an address from an old copy.
5. Keep proof and review the new passport
Keep a complete copy and mailing or appointment record. Track the application through the official status system. When the passport arrives, check the biographical data and expiration date promptly.
Outside the United States
Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Domestic mailing and acceptance-facility instructions may not apply abroad.