Correcting errors on your U.S. passport requires following specific procedures depending on the type of mistake and when it was discovered. The U.S. Department of State and affiliated agencies provide clear guidelines for addressing printing errors, spelling mistakes, or incorrect personal information, often at no cost if reported within one year of issuance. Most corrections involve submitting Form DS-5504 with supporting documents, though the exact process varies based on whether the error is minor (e.g., a typo) or requires legal verification (e.g., a name change). For urgent corrections, expedited services or in-person appointments may be necessary.

Key takeaways from the available sources:

• No-cost corrections are available for printing or spelling errors reported within one year of passport issuance, using Form DS-5504 ^[2][7][8].
• Name changes require legal documentation (e.g., marriage certificate, court order) and may involve Form DS-11 or DS-82 depending on how long ago the passport was issued ^[2][8].
• Expedited processing is available for urgent travel needs, though standard corrections typically take 4–6 weeks unless expedited ^[5][10].
• In-person corrections may be required for certain errors, particularly if you’re outside the U.S. (e.g., at a U.S. Embassy) ^[3][7].

How to Correct Errors on Your Passport

Correcting Printing or Spelling Errors

If your passport contains a printing error (e.g., misspelled name, incorrect date of birth) or a typo introduced by the issuing agency, you can request a correction at no cost, provided you act within one year of the passport’s issuance date. The corrected passport will be valid for the full 10-year term (or 5 years for minors) if processed within this window. After one year, corrections are still possible but may require paying renewal fees, and the new passport will retain the original expiration date.

To initiate the correction:

• Complete Form DS-5504 (Application for a U.S. Passport: Name Change, Data Correction, and Limited Passport Replacement). This form is available online and must be filled out electronically or legibly by hand ^[8].
• Include a color passport photo meeting the standard requirements (2x2 inches, white background, no glasses/headwear unless for religious reasons) ^[2][5].
• Provide evidence of the error, such as a birth certificate, driver’s license, or other government-issued ID that displays the correct information ^[7].
• Mail the package to the address listed on Form DS-5504. Processing times are 4–6 weeks for routine service, though expedited options (for an additional fee) can reduce this to 2–3 weeks ^[5][10].

If the error is your fault (e.g., you provided incorrect information on the application), you may still use Form DS-5504, but the State Department reserves the right to charge a fee if the mistake is deemed significant ^[8]. For errors discovered after traveling, the process remains the same, but you cannot use the passport until corrections are made ^[5].

Legal Name Changes and Major Corrections

For name changes due to marriage, divorce, or court order, the correction process differs based on how long you’ve held your current passport. If the name change occurred within one year of passport issuance, you can use Form DS-5504 without paying a fee, provided you submit a certified copy of the legal name change document (e.g., marriage certificate, court decree) ^[2][8]. If more than one year has passed, you must:

• Use Form DS-82 (if eligible for renewal by mail) and pay the $130 renewal fee ^[2].
• Use Form DS-11 (if not eligible for DS-82, e.g., for first-time applicants or those with damaged passports) and pay the $165 application fee ^[9].

• Your previous passport was issued when you were 16 or older ^[2].
• It was issued within the last 15 years ^[8].
• It is undamaged and in your possession ^[9].

For errors requiring in-person correction (e.g., if you’re abroad or need urgent processing), you must schedule an appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The process typically involves:

• Bringing your current passport, Form DS-5504, and supporting documents (e.g., proof of name change) ^[3].
• Paying any applicable fees (though corrections for printing errors remain free if reported within one year) ^[7].
• Allowing 2–3 weeks for processing, though emergency appointments may expedite this timeline ^[10].

Common pitfalls to avoid:

• Using white-out or corrections on forms: The State Department instructs applicants to start over with a new form if errors are made during completion ^[6].
• Submitting unclear or non-certified documents: Only original or certified copies of birth certificates, marriage licenses, or court orders are accepted ^[5].
• Waiting until the last minute: Processing delays can occur, so submit corrections at least 3 months before planned travel ^[5].