Why the reason matters
The Department of State may issue a limited passport when a person cannot provide all normally required evidence before urgent travel, receives an emergency passport abroad, or has another restriction. The cover, validity period, and accompanying letter can provide clues. Do not assume that every short-validity passport uses the same replacement form.
What to check
- The issue and expiration dates on the data page.
- Any endorsement or limitation printed in the passport.
- The letter issued with the passport.
- The reason supporting documents were incomplete or the passport was issued urgently.
What to do next
Use the Department of State limited-validity page and the original letter to choose the current route. Depending on the reason and issue date, the correct form may be DS-5504, DS-11, or DS-82. If the letter is missing or the reason is unclear, contact U.S. Passport Services before sending a form or fee. Outside the United States, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Official source
Department of State — Replace a Limited-Validity Passport