Passport Form Eligibility Checker: Do You Need DS-11 or DS-82?

One of the fastest ways to delay a U.S. passport application is choosing the wrong form. Many applicants assume that renewing a passport is simple, only to find their application returned weeks later because they used DS-82 when DS-11 was required, or vice versa.

This passport form eligibility checker walks you through a simple, step-by-step decision process to determine exactly which form you should use. No guessing, no assumptions, and no unnecessary delays.

The guidance below follows official rules set by the U.S. Department of State and applies to both routine and expedited passport applications.

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

How to Use This Passport Form Checker

Read each question carefully and answer YES or NO based on your situation.
As soon as you reach a “You must use DS-11” result, stop—DS-82 no longer applies.

Accuracy matters more than speed.

Step 1: Is This Your First U.S. Passport?

Question:
Is this your first time applying for a U.S. passport?

• YES → You must use Form DS-11
• NO → Go to Step 2

First-time applicants are always required to apply in person using DS-11.

Step 2: Was Your Most Recent Passport Issued When You Were 16 or Older?

Question:
Was your most recent passport issued when you were age 16 or older?

• NO → You must use Form DS-11
• YES → Go to Step 3

Passports issued before age 16 cannot be renewed by mail, even if they are recent.

Step 3: Was Your Passport Issued Within the Last 15 Years?

Question:
Was your most recent passport issued less than 15 years ago?

• NO → You must use Form DS-11
• YES → Go to Step 4

If the issue date exceeds 15 years, the passport is no longer eligible for mail renewal.

Step 4: Is Your Passport Lost, Stolen, or Damaged?

Question:
Is your passport lost, stolen, water-damaged, torn, or otherwise significantly damaged?

• YES → You must use Form DS-11
• NO → Go to Step 5

Any damage or loss requires identity re-verification in person.

Step 5: Is Your Passport in Your Current Legal Name?

Question:
Is your passport already in your current legal name, or can you provide official documentation for a name change?

• NO → You must use Form DS-11
• YES → Go to Step 6

Acceptable documentation includes marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or court orders.

Step 6: Can You Submit Your Previous Passport With the Application?

Question:
Can you physically submit your most recent passport with your application?

• NO → You must use Form DS-11
• YES → You qualify for Form DS-82

If you answered YES to all applicable steps, you are eligible to renew by mail using DS-82.

Final Results Summary

You Should Use Form DS-82 If:

• You are renewing an adult passport
• Your passport was issued at age 16 or older
• It was issued within the last 15 years
• It is undamaged
• It is in your current legal name (or documented)
• You can submit the passport with your application

You Must Use Form DS-11 If:

• You are a first-time applicant
• You are applying for a child under 16
• Your passport was lost, stolen, or damaged
• Your passport was issued before age 16
• Your passport was issued more than 15 years ago
• You cannot meet all DS-82 requirements

When in doubt, DS-11 is always the safer choice.

Why This Checker Matters for Expedited Passports

Choosing the wrong form is one of the top reasons expedited passport applications fail. Expedited processing does not override eligibility rules, and incorrect forms are returned without processing.

If you are applying under time pressure, using the correct form is just as important as paying the expedited fee.

For urgent timelines, read:

• How to Get an Expedited U.S. Passport Faster

Common Form Selection Mistakes to Avoid

Many applicants incorrectly assume:

• “Expired passport = DS-82”
• “I renewed before, so DS-82 is fine again”
• “Expedited service will fix mistakes”

None of these assumptions are safe. The eligibility rules are strict and procedural.

Final Advice

If there is one rule to remember:

DS-82 is allowed only when you meet every requirement. If even one condition fails, DS-11 is required.

Using the correct passport form from the start saves weeks of delay, prevents missed trips, and avoids unnecessary stress—especially when time matters.