DS-11 vs DS-82: Which U.S. Passport Form Should You Use?

Choosing the wrong U.S. passport form is one of the most common—and most expensive—mistakes applicants make. Every year, thousands of passport applications are delayed or returned simply because the wrong form was used.

The U.S. passport system is not flexible when it comes to forms. Whether you apply in person or by mail, whether your passport is expired, damaged, or lost, and even how old you were when your last passport was issued all determine which form you must use.

This guide explains the difference between Form DS-11 and Form DS-82, who qualifies for each, and how to avoid delays—especially if you are applying with expedited or urgent service. The information here follows official guidance from the U.S. Department of State.

Why the Correct Passport Form Matters

Passport processing does not begin until your application is accepted as valid. If the wrong form is submitted, your application is usually mailed back to you with instructions to start over.

This has serious consequences:

• Your place in the processing queue is lost
• Any expedited timeline effectively resets
• Travel plans may be missed
• Additional mailing time is added

When deadlines are tight, using the correct form is just as important as paying for expedited service.

What Is Form DS-11?

Form DS-11 is the application used when a passport must be processed in person. It is the most commonly required form for first-time and special-case applicants.

You must use Form DS-11 if any of the following apply:

• You are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time
• You are applying for a child under age 16
• Your previous passport was lost, stolen, or damaged
• Your previous passport was issued more than 15 years ago
• Your previous passport was issued when you were under age 16
• Your name has changed and you cannot document it properly
• You do not meet all DS-82 renewal requirements

In-Person Requirement (Critical Detail)

Form DS-11 must be signed in front of an acceptance agent. Signing it early invalidates the application and causes delays.

Acceptance facilities include:

• Post offices
• County clerk offices
• Libraries
• Passport agencies (for urgent travel)

An execution fee is charged because an agent must verify your identity and documents.

What Is Form DS-82?

Form DS-82 is used for passport renewal by mail. It is available only to applicants who meet very specific eligibility criteria.

You may use Form DS-82 only if all of the following are true:

• Your most recent passport was issued when you were 16 or older
• It was issued within the last 15 years
• The passport is undamaged
• It is in your current legal name, or you can document the name change
• You can submit your previous passport with the application

If even one of these conditions is not met, you must use Form DS-11 instead.

Why DS-82 Is Often Misused

Many applicants assume that “expired passport = renewal,” which is not always correct. Age at issuance and issue date matter more than expiration alone.

Key Differences Between DS-11 and DS-82

Understanding the structural differences helps avoid mistakes.

• DS-11
  • Requires in-person application
  • Identity is verified by an acceptance agent
  • Used for first-time, child, lost, stolen, damaged, or ineligible renewals
• DS-82
  • Submitted by mail
  • No execution fee
  • Used only for eligible adult renewals

Because DS-82 bypasses in-person verification, eligibility rules are strict.

Why Using the Wrong Form Causes Delays

Submitting DS-82 when DS-11 is required—or vice versa—almost always results in your application being returned without processing.

This means:

• Processing time does not begin
• Expedited service becomes ineffective
• You must resubmit with the correct form
• Total turnaround time increases significantly

This mistake is especially costly for travelers who:

• Have upcoming international travel
• Are applying with expedited service
• Need urgent or emergency passports

In many real-world cases, travelers who chose the wrong form missed flights even after paying expedited fees.

Special Situations That Confuse Applicants

Certain situations commonly cause uncertainty:

Expired Passports
An expired passport can still be renewed using DS-82 if it meets all eligibility rules. Expiration alone does not force DS-11.

Name Changes
If your name changed and you have legal proof (marriage certificate, court order), you may still qualify for DS-82. Without documentation, DS-11 is required.

Damaged Passports
Any significant damage—water damage, torn pages, detached covers—requires DS-11, even if the passport is recent.

Children Turning 16
A passport issued before age 16 cannot be renewed by mail, even if it is recent.

How Form Choice Affects Expedited and Urgent Passports

Choosing the correct form is even more important when time is limited.

• Expedited service does not override form requirements
• Urgent passport agencies still reject incorrect forms
• Third-party expediters cannot fix wrong-form submissions

This is why form verification is one of the first steps recommended in our main guide on expedited U.S. passports.

How to Avoid Passport Form Errors

The safest approach is to verify before submitting.

You should:

• Review DS-82 eligibility carefully
• Confirm issue date and age at issuance
• Check passport condition honestly
• Consult an acceptance facility if unsure

When deadlines are tight, verification is always better than guessing. One wrong assumption can add weeks to your timeline.

Final Thoughts

The difference between DS-11 and DS-82 may seem minor, but it has major consequences. The U.S. passport system is strict, procedural, and unforgiving of form errors.

If there is one rule to remember, it is this:

If you do not meet every DS-82 requirement exactly, you must use DS-11.

Choosing the correct form from the start saves time, money, and stress—especially when travel plans are on the line.