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Replace a Limited-Validity Passport
Learn why we issue a limited-validity passport and how to replace it with a full-validity one.
We may issue you a limited validity passport in certain circumstances when an emergency or urgent travel prevents us from issuing a fully valid passport.
Limited validity passports:
- Are issued both domestically and abroad
- Allow you to complete your trip while still adhering to our requirements
- Are only valid for a temporary period
- Expire sooner than a full-validity passport
When issued domestically they look the same as regular passports and include an endorsement explaining the limited validity When issued overseas, they have a distinctive purple cover instead of blue and state “Emergency Passport” on the outside.
For more information, check the letter that came with your limited-validity passport.
Some foreign destinations may not accept your limited-validity passport. Check the entry and exit requirements of your destination before you travel.
Reasons you have a limited passport and how to get a full validity one
You should replace your limited validity passport with a fully valid one when you return from travel or can comply with our full requirements. You must request a fully valid passport in a certain timeframe if you don’t want to pay additional fees.
The steps to get a full-validity passport depend on why you got a limited-validity one for a temporary period.
Apply in person at an acceptance facility or a passport agency. Submit:
- Form DS-11
- Your limited passport
- Valid ID and photocopy of that ID
- 1 passport photo
- Passport fees
Examples include:
- You could only submit a photocopy of notarized consent for your child’s passport instead of the original or certified copy.
- You changed your name but could not provide enough evidence of the change.
If we issued your passport less than 1 year ago, mail these items to the appropriate address on Form DS-5504:
- Form DS-5504
- Your limited passport
- 1 passport photo
- The same supporting documents you used for your limited passport, such as:
- The original notarized content form
- Name change documents
- No fee is required unless you want optional expedited service.
If we issued your passport more than 1 year ago, apply at an acceptance facility or a passport agency. Submit:
- Form DS-11
- Your limited passport
- Valid ID and photocopy of that ID
- 1 passport photo
- The same or new supporting documents you used for your limited passport, such as:
- A notarized consent form
- Name change documents
- Passport fees
If we issued your passport less than a year ago, mail these items to the appropriate address on Form DS-5504:
- Form DS-5504
- Your limited passport
- 1 passport photo
- Evidence of U.S. citizenship
No fee is required unless you want optional expedited service.
If we issued your passport more than 1 year ago, apply at an acceptance facility or a passport agency. Submit:
- Form DS-11
- Your limited passport
- Valid ID and photocopy of that ID
- 1 passport photo
- Evidence of U.S. citizenship
- Passport fees
If we issued your passport less than 2 years ago, mail these items to the appropriate address on Form DS-5504:
- Form DS-5504
- Your limited passport
- 1 passport photo
- Naturalization or citizenship certificate
No fee is required unless you want optional expedited service.
If we issued your passport more than 2 years ago, apply at an acceptance facility or a passport agency. Submit:
- Form DS-11
- Your limited passport
- Valid ID and photocopy of that ID
- 1 passport photo
- Naturalization or citizenship certificate
- Passport fees
An emergency passport is valid for 1 year or less. We give it to U.S. citizens who need to come back to the United States as soon as possible from a foreign destination. They are purple and say “Emergency Passport” on the cover. We issue emergency passports in limited circumstances only. Examples include replacing a lost or stolen passport abroad or life-or-death situations.
If we issued you your passport less than 1 year ago, check the letter we sent you. It will tell you which form to use. Submit Form DS-11 at an acceptance facility and mail Form DS-5504 Include:
- Your limited passport
- 1 passport photo
- No fee is required unless you want optional expedited service
If we issued your passport more than 1 year ago, submit Form DS-11 at an acceptance facility. If you are eligible to renew, submit Form DS-82.
For both cases, include:
- Your limited passport
- 1 passport photo
- Passport fees
If you are outside the United States
Contact your nearest U.S. embassy and consulate for instructions on how to replace your limited validity passport.