Complete Guide to US Passport Forms

Use DS-11 if you are applying for your first U.S. passport, if your previous passport was issued when you were under age 16, if your previous passport was lost, stolen, or damaged, or if it was issued more than 15 years ago.

Where to Submit: Must be submitted in person at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency.

Processing Time: 6-8 weeks routine, 2-3 weeks expedited

Renew your passport by mail if your previous passport is undamaged and in your possession, was issued when you were age 16 or older, was issued within the last 15 years, and is in your current name (or you can document your name change).

Where to Submit: Mail directly to the State Department - no appointment needed

Processing Time: 6-8 weeks routine, 2-3 weeks expedited

Use DS-5504 to change your name, correct a printing error, or replace a limited passport book within one year of issuance at no charge. This form is free to submit if your passport was issued within the past year.

Where to Submit: Mail to the State Department with required documentation

Fee: No fee if passport issued within 1 year

Children under age 16 use Form DS-11 with special requirements. Both parents or guardians must appear with the child (or submit Form DS-3053 if one parent cannot attend). Parental consent is mandatory.

Where to Submit: In person at passport acceptance facility with both parents

Validity: 5 years for children under 16

This notarized form is required when applying for a child's passport if one parent or guardian cannot appear in person. The absent parent must have their signature notarized on this document.

Requirements: Must be notarized, include photocopy of absent parent's ID

Validity: Valid for 3 months from notarization date

Use this form when applying for a minor's passport and one parent or guardian cannot provide consent due to special circumstances (sole custody, sole surviving parent, etc.). Legal documentation must accompany this form.

Requirements: Court orders, death certificates, or other legal proof required

Submit with: Form DS-11 and supporting documentation

Report your passport as lost or stolen using Form DS-64. This immediately invalidates the passport to prevent misuse. You must submit DS-64 before applying for a replacement passport with Form DS-11.

Submit: Online or by mail immediately upon discovery

Then Apply: Use Form DS-11 for replacement in person

Use DS-86 to submit additional documents after your passport application has been submitted. This is commonly used to provide supplemental evidence of citizenship, identity, or name change.

Use When: State Department requests additional documentation

Include: Your file number and requested documents

Request copies of your passport records, including previous passport information. Useful for genealogy research, legal documentation, or recovering information about old passports.

Processing Time: 6-8 weeks for routine requests

Fee: Applies per record requested