Limited Validity Passport Issuance & Replacement

A limited-validity passport is exactly what it sounds like. It is any regular passport that is issued with less than full validity which is 10 years for those age 16 or older and 5 years for minors under 16. The reasons a limited-validity are as follows:

• pending replacement of naturalization certificate
• ongoing gender transition
• name change issues
• emergency travel while abroad

The process to replace a limited-validity passport with a full-validity passport depends where and why it was issued.

Issued Inside the U.S.

Limited due to pending replacement of your naturalization certificate

If the limited-validity passport was issued 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

Note: There are no fees if you paid the fees when you applied for your limited passport (unless you request Expedited Service)

If the limited-validity passport was issued 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

Limited due to ongoing gender transition

If the limited-validity passport was issued 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

Note: There are no fees if you paid the fees when you applied for your limited passport (unless you request Expedited Service)

If the limited-validity passport was issued 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
• All applicable fees

Limited due to name change

If the limited-validity passport was issued 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)

Note: You will not have to submit any fees unless you request Expedited Service.

If the limited-validity passport was issued 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

Issued Outside the U.S.

Limited due to emergency

If the limited-validity passport was issued 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-111 (refer to your letter)
• Your limited passport
• One color passport photo

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).

If the limited-validity passport was issued 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
• All applicable fees

Processing times outside the United States varies. Please visit the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate general through which you will be applying for information about how long it will take to get a full-validity passport.

Routine service in the U.S. takes 4 to 6 weeks. Expedited service at an acceptance facility or by mail takes 2 to 3 weeks. Applications submitted at regional agencies and centers are processed within 8 business days. Applicants who need to replace their limited-validity passport quickly but are unable to visit a regional agency can authorize a third party to submit the application form.

Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers