Quick summary
#Check the form instructions for category-specific requirements, as described in the Form DS-260 guide.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS Name Change: If your name has changed less than one year after your U.S. passport book and/or card was issued and your U.S. passport book and/or card was issued less than one year ago, you may use this form.
Include it with your application package and follow official instructions for submission.
Names, dates of birth, and passport details on other forms Program checklist requirements Supporting documents and translations
Overview (What is Form DS-5504?)
#Overall, the DS-5504 is a vital tool for ensuring that a U.S. passport accurately reflects the holder's current name and personal details, thereby facilitating smooth international travel and identification. For related guidance, see the U.S. Passport Renewal Application page. For related guidance, see the Application for U.S. Passport page.
First page of DS-5504 form
Source: DS-5504 PDF
Context and workflow
#Processing times for the DS-5504 can vary depending on the case type and current workload. For the most accurate estimate, consult the official Department of State processing time tool.
Why this matters
- Inconsistencies often trigger returns or follow-up requests because they create uncertainty in the case record.
- This form helps confirm that the application matches the program’s requirements and checklist.
Where it fits in the workflow
- Initiating the process to update or correct passport information.
- Receipt Notice (a related form) for confirmation of submission.
- Passport production and delivery by mail.
Who uses it
The DS-5504 form is for applicants who are U.S. passport holders eligible to re-apply for a U.S. passport book and/or card at no cost, unless expedited service is requested. You may use this form if you have changed your name by marriage or court order less than one year after your most recent U.S. passport was issued, or if your identifying information was printed incorrectly. Additionally, if your most recent U.S. passport book was obtained at the full passport fee and limited to two years or less for reasons other than multiple losses or serious damage, you are eligible to use this form. Ensure you submit your most recently issued U.S. passport book and/or card with any data or printing errors, along with a recent color photograph, 2 x 2 inches in size.
When it is used
- SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS Name Change: If your name has changed less than one year after your U.S. passport book and/or card was issued and your U.S. passport book and/or card was issued less than one year ago, you may use this form.
Failure prevention (What causes Form DS-5504 rejections?)
#Technical rejections
- Submitting the form without the necessary supporting documents.
- Failure to provide the current passport for processing.
- Ensure form edition is current
Substantive weaknesses
- To avoid incomplete or inconsistent information across form: Use exact passport and document details; review all answers before submission.
- To avoid missing documentation of emergency: Provide medical records, death certificate, or other proof of exigent circumstances.
- To avoid no proof of travel within 14 days: Bring itinerary or tickets showing travel within 14 days for expedited consideration.
- To avoid not scheduling passport agency appointment: Schedule an appointment at a passport agency for same-day or urgent service.
What you need (What do you need for Form DS-5504?)
#- The current edition of DS-5504
- Valid government-issued identification
- Supporting documentation for your case
- Filing fee or fee waiver documentation
- Proof of name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order
- DS-5504 is an official Department of State form titled "Application for a U.S. Passport (Name Change, Data Correction, Limited Passport)".
- The DS-5504 form is used by U.S. passport holders who are eligible to re-apply for a U.S. passport book and/or card at no cost unless expedited service is requested for a name change or limited passport replacement.
- You are eligible to use the DS-5504 form if you changed your name by marriage or court order less than one year after your most recent U.S. passport book and/or card was issued.
- You are eligible to use the DS-5504 form if your most recent U.S. passport book was obtained at the full passport fee and limited to two years or less for a reason other than multiple losses or serious damage/mutilation of previous passports.
- To use the DS-5504 form, you need to submit your most recently issued U.S. passport book and/or card with the data error or printing error.
- Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence.
- False statements made knowingly and willfully in passport applications are punishable by fine and/or imprisonment under U.S. law.
Checklist (What is the Form DS-5504 checklist?)
#- Access the latest DS-5504 form and accompanying instructions directly from the official Department of State website.
- Review the official DS-5504 instructions before filing
- Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
- Complete all required sections of DS-5504
- Sign, date, and submit DS-5504 with all required supporting evidence
Sources for this section
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeYou are eligible to use the DS-5504 form if your most recent U.S. passport book was obtained at the full passport fee and limited to two years or less for a reason other than multiple losses or serious damage/mutilation of previous passports. | See official schedule |
Can the Form DS-5504 fee be waived?
Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.
What happens if I submit the wrong fee?
Department of State will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.
Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility. For related guidance, see Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen.
Department of State fee schedule
Fees change; always verify on Department of State.
Processing times
#- processing times for expedited service.
- Processing times differ significantly by eligibility category. Initial applications, renewals, and replacements each go through different adjudication queues, and some categories consistently take longer than others.
- Renewal filings are often processed differently than initial applications. If you are renewing, file well before your current authorization expires — some categories allow you to continue working while the renewal is pending if filed on time.
- The service center assigned to your case affects how long it takes. Department of State distributes filings across multiple centers, and each has different workloads. You cannot choose which center processes your case.
- To check your estimated timeline: visit the official Department of State processing times tool, select your form and eligibility category, and note that the tool shows the filing date of cases currently being worked on — not a countdown from when you filed.
- While pending: track your case status online with your receipt number, respond promptly to any requests for additional evidence, and update your address through your Department of State account if you move.
Where to file
#Online filing is available for some categories — verify on the official form page. Otherwise, file by mail to the address in the instructions.
File online
Check the official DS-5504 page to see if online filing is available for your category.
Submit application
Paper filing addresses vary by eligibility category and state of residence. Check the official instructions for the correct filing address.
Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official Department of State website before submitting. For related guidance, see Statement of Consent for Issuing a.
Form sections (What sections does Form DS-5504 have?)
#Child's Information
Birth details.
- Full name at birth
- Date and place of birth
- Hospital or birth facility
- Attending physician if any
Parent Citizenship
US citizen parent(s) details.
- Proof of US citizenship
- Evidence of physical presence in the US
- Marriage certificate if applicable
Strategy tips
#Mistake severity
#| Mistake type | Severity | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Incomplete or inconsistent information across form | Rejection | Use exact passport and document details; review all answers before submission. |
| Missing documentation of emergency | RFE | Provide medical records, death certificate, or other proof of exigent circumstances. |
| No proof of travel within 14 days | Delay | Bring itinerary or tickets showing travel within 14 days for expedited consideration. |
| Not scheduling passport agency appointment | Delay | Schedule an appointment at a passport agency for same-day or urgent service. |
Examples (What are examples for Form DS-5504?)
#- Strong application: An applicant submits the form with a certified marriage certificate and their current passport, resulting in a timely update of their passport.
- Common weakness: An applicant forgets to include their current passport with the form, causing a delay as the form is returned for completion.
- A person whose document was lost or damaged files DS-5504 for a replacement
- A citizen whose passport is expiring submits DS-5504 to renew or replace it
Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form DS-5504?)
#- Some applicants assume that any passport issued within the last year is eligible for correction with DS-5504, but it may need to specifically be for name changes, data corrections, or limited passport replacements.
- Filing DS-5504 extends your authorized stay — A replacement document reflects your existing authorized period. It does not extend your stay or change your status.
- You can renew by mail regardless of how old your previous document is — Eligibility for renewal depends on specific criteria including when the document was issued and whether it is damaged or lost.
- Paying the DS-5504 filing fee does not guarantee acceptance — the fee is generally non-refundable even when the form is rejected for technical errors.
- A fee waiver for DS-5504 is not automatic — only specific qualifying categories are eligible, and a waiver request can be denied while the underlying form is still expected to be filed.
- DS-5504 cannot always be filed in any way — the correct filing method depends on the applicant's category, and using the wrong channel can result in rejection.
Edge cases and variations
#- If you are asked to submit or update DS-5504, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.
Scenarios
#A US citizen parent reports the birth of a child abroad using DS-5504 at the US embassy. The child receives a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA).
CRBA issued. The parent can then apply for the child's first US passport.
File the Report of Birth Abroad as soon as possible after the child's birth. It serves as the US citizenship certificate.
A parent cannot prove they met the US physical presence requirement (5 years, 2 after age 14) at the time of the child's birth.
CRBA denied. The child may not derive US citizenship; alternative immigration pathways may be needed.
Gather evidence of your US physical presence (school records, tax returns, employment records) before the appointment.
Parents report the birth 18 years after the child was born. The embassy requests additional documentation to establish the birth date.
Processing delayed. Late filings are accepted but require more extensive documentation.
File as soon as practicable. Delays can complicate obtaining foreign birth certificates and other evidence.
Key differentiators
#- Unlike Form DS-11: Application for U.S. Passport: Alternative option: DS-11 required if passport was issued more than 1 year ago or is damaged
- Unlike Form DS-82: U.S. Passport Renewal Application: Alternative option: DS-82 for standard renewal; DS-5504 for name change or correction within 1 year
- Unlike Form DS-64: Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen U.S. Passport: If passport with old name was lost, DS-64 and DS-11 required instead
What happens after you submit
#- Submit the DS-5504 form with the required documentation.
- Receive a Receipt Notice (a related form) confirming the submission.
- The Department of State reviews the application and supporting documents.
- If approved, the updated passport is produced.
- The updated passport is delivered by mail to the applicant.
Verification
#This guide is based on official Department of State instructions for the DS-5504 and is updated with any changes in form editions or filing rules. Always confirm current requirements through the official Department of State website.
Resources
#Free United States planning tools
#Itemize the government fees that go alongside Form DS-5504.
United States eligibility checker
See which United States visas your profile fits before you finalize Form DS-5504.
United States processing times
Get the typical wait time for the visa associated with Form DS-5504.
United States interview practice
Practice United States interview questions if your filing route includes one.