If you, or your child were issued an emergency, limited validity passport because you had urgent travel, you should apply to renew it for a full validity passport as soon as possible.

You should renew the emergency, limited validity passport by mail if it meets the following requirements:

• Was issued less than 12 months ago; and
• Does not have an endorsement on page 11 stating “A full validity passport must be approved by the Department of State”.

If your passport does not meet these requirements, please return to the Passport Services page, and select the appropriate service. Please follow those instructions to renew your passport (even though they may refer to submitting a full validity passport).

Required Documents

• Form DS-5504 available online or as a downloadable PDF (84 Kb / 6 pages)
• Your emergency limited validity passport, or full validity (10 year) passport issued within the last 12 months
• One passport photograph
• Return delivery envelope – pre-paid (up to 500g) self-addressed Royal Mail Special Delivery envelope. Alternative delivery options are available if applying through US Embassy, London. Please see ‘How to Submit My Application’ below.

Photo Requirements

• Color photograph
• Taken in last 6 months
• No eyeglasses (If you must wear eye glasses for medical reasons, you’ll need to submit a signed statement with your application from a medical professional)
• 2 x 2 inches
• For babies and small children, it is advisable to have someone take the photograph (photo booth photos may not be accepted)  Infants’ eyes are not required to be open

Please click here for more information regarding passport photograph requirements.

Fees

How much to pay:
There is no fee required to replace an emergency limited validity passport for a full validity passport if issued within the last 12 months.

Social Security Numbers

If you have been issued a social security number (SSN) you must provide it on the application for a U.S. passport. If the name on their social security record does not match the name on the passport application please make sure that question 9 on the form – ‘List all other names you have used’ is completed.

If you do not have a Social Security Number, you must submit a statement, signed and dated, that includes the phrase, “I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the following is true and correct: I have (or my child [child’s name]) has never been issued a Social Security number by the Social Security Administration.”

If you are in the United Kingdom and require a new or replacement Social Security number card, you should contact the Federal Benefits Unit at the Embassy.