Quick answer
Most people need one of two forms: DS-11 to apply in person (first passports, children, lost or stolen passports) or DS-82 to renew by mail. DS-5504 fixes a name change or error on a recently issued passport, DS-64 reports a lost or stolen passport, and DS-3053 gives a parent's consent for a child's passport.
Which form do you need?
| Your situation | Form | How you submit it |
|---|---|---|
| First U.S. passport | DS-11 | In person at an acceptance facility |
| Child under 16 | DS-11 (+ DS-3053 if a parent can't attend) | In person, usually with both parents |
| Renewing, and your last passport meets the renewal rules | DS-82 | By mail, or through us |
| Lost or stolen passport | DS-64 + DS-11 | Report it, then apply in person |
| Damaged passport | DS-11 | In person |
| Name change or error, passport issued less than a year ago | DS-5504 | By mail, or through us |
| Name change, passport older than a year, eligible to renew | DS-82 | By mail, or through us |
DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport
For first passports, children under 16, lost, stolen or damaged passports, and anyone who can't renew by mail.
- Don't sign it in advance. You sign in front of the acceptance agent.
- Bring proof of citizenship and ID, each with a photocopy, plus one photo.
DS-82: Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail (renewal)
For adults whose most recent passport is undamaged, was issued when they were 16 or older, was issued within the last 15 years, and is in their current name or comes with a document showing the change.
- Send your most recent passport, one photo and payment.
- No appointment needed.
DS-5504: name change, data correction and limited-validity replacement
For a passport issued less than one year ago that needs:
- a name change, with the certified marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order;
- a correction of a printing error;
- a full-validity replacement of a limited-validity passport.
There's usually no fee for the passport itself when you use this form within the year.
DS-64: Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport
Reports a lost or stolen passport, which then can't be used again even if you find it. If you're replacing it, you submit DS-64 with a new DS-11 application in person.
DS-3053: Statement of Consent (children under 16)
Used when one parent can't come to the child's in-person application. The absent parent signs it in front of a notary, and the parent who attends brings it with a copy of the absent parent's ID.
Where to get the forms
Every form is free from the State Department: passport forms. You can fill most of them in online and print them. Our Document Checklists page links each one. Be wary of sites that charge for the forms themselves.
Questions
DS-82, as long as it was issued within the last 15 years, when you were 16 or older, and is undamaged. Otherwise, use DS-11 in person.
No. Children under 16 always apply in person with DS-11.
If your passport is less than a year old, DS-5504. If it's older and you're eligible to renew, DS-82 with your name change document. Otherwise, DS-11 in person.
Report it to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, which handles the report and replacement abroad.