ID Documents | Passport

Transgender ID Project: Updating Your Passport

Updated February 6, 2025

Please note that this page outlines the steps for updating your passport, but the impacts of the January 20, 2025, “gender ideology” executive order are evolving. Visit our Identity Documents Updates page for the most up to date information.

The process for updating your US passport varies depending on several factors. 

If you already have a valid US passport that was issued more than a year ago, in most cases you can apply by mail with a DS-82 form. 

If you fit the criteria below you can use the DS-82 form: 

• You can submit your most recent US passport book and/or card with your application.  
• You were at least 16 years old when your most recent US passport book and/or card was issued.  
• You were issued your most recent U.S passport book and/or card less than 15 years ago.  
• The US passport book and/or card that you are renewing has not been mutilated, damaged, or reported lost or stolen.  
• Your US passport was not limited to less than the normal ten-year validity period due to passport damage/mutilation, multiple passport thefts/losses, or non-compliance with 22 C.F.R. 51.41. (Refer to the last page of your US passport book for endorsement information.) 
• Your name has not changed since your most recent US passport book and/or card was issued. — OR — Your name has changed by marriage or court order, and you can submit proper certified documentation to reflect your name change (such as a certified copy of a marriage certificate, or court order). Visit travel.state.gov/name change for a complete description of accepted documents. 

If you answered no to any of the questions above, you cannot use the DS-82 form. You may be able to use the DS-11 or DS-5504 depending on the circumstances. Learn more.  

If you fit into any of the criteria below, you must apply in-person with a DS-11 form. 

• You do not have a valid US passport OR 
• Your current US passport was issued before you were 16 years old OR 
• Your current US passport is more than 15 years old 

Skip to the DS-11 section of this page.  

If you are changing your name with the DS-82 form, you will need: 

• A completed DS-82 US Passport Renewal Application for Eligible Individuals form. Download the DS-82 form. 
• Your current, unexpired passport 
• A certified copy of your name change order 
• Recent color photo of yourself. Review the photo requirements. 
• Applicable fee: Personal check or money order made out to the “US Department of State.” You can use the passport fee calculator here to get the most accurate information on how much it will cost. 

Submitting your DS-82 form and documents: 

• The DS-82 and supporting documents can be mailed to the address listed on the form.  
• You must mail your application and accompanying documents through the United States Postal Service—not UPS, FedEx, or other companies. Once your application has been submitted, you can track your application status online. 
• Supporting documents will be mailed back to you after they are processed. 
• Processing usually takes 3-4 months. If you need it sooner, consider using expedited service (additional fee applies). 

If you are changing your name with the DS-11 form, you will need: 

• A completed DS-11 US Passport Application form. Download the DS-11 form. 
• Proof of US citizenship, such as a birth certificate. You will need an original or certified copy and a photocopy. The photocopy will not be returned to you. 
• A valid photo ID and photocopy of the ID, such as a driver’s license or government employee ID. If you have already legally changed your name, your ID should reflect that change. 
• A recent color photograph (no more than 6 months old). Review the photo requirements. 
• Applicable fee: Get the most up-to-date information here.   

Submitting your DS-11 form and documents: 

• The DS-11 and supporting documents must be submitted in person at a local passport center. Find your local center. 

Limited Validity Passports 

You may have received a limited-validity passport if you were transitioning when you applied for your most recent passport.  Limited-validity passports are issued for less than the full validity period. The full validity period is 10 years for adults, and five years for children under age 16. There is no longer a requirement for medical documentation or a physician’s letter as evidence of a gender transition.  

To replace a limited-validity passport with a full-validity passport, submit Form DS-5504. To use this form, you must apply within two years of your previous passport’s issuance date. You do not have to pay fees unless you request expedited service. 

If you were issued your limited-validity passport more than two years ago, apply in person and use Form DS-11. 

You can find more resources on updating your passport from the Advocates for Trans Equality and the State Department. 

Still have questions?

If you run into trouble or have questions, fill out the Transgender ID Project support form or contact GLAD Law Answers.