Obtain and complete Form DS-5504. The form is on the U.S. Department of State's website, which is linked in the Resources section. You may complete the form electronically and then print it or print the form and complete it by hand. Print only one-sided pages, and fill in its spaces using printed letters and black ink. Complete the form in its entirety. Sign and date the completed form in black ink, too.
Collect supporting documents needed for the correction. To correct printing errors, submit an original or certified copy of a legal document such as a birth certificate, marriage license or other government-issued document that supports the change.
Obtain a new passport photograph if your original passport was issued more than 90 days ago. Complete photo requirements are outlined on the U.S. Department of State's article Passport Photo Requirements, which is linked in the Resources section. The photo must be printed in color on quality photo paper, trimmed to 2 by 2 inches with your head size from 1 inch to 1 3/8 inches from chin to forehead. The photo must be taken face forward with you displaying a neutral expression and both eyes open. Wear normal, non-uniform clothing for the photo unless you wear religious dress on a regular basis. Don't wear headphones or wireless devices for the picture. Wear normally worn prescription glasses, but tilt them downward to avoid glare or have the photo taken without flash. The photo's background must be white or off-white.
Mail the completed Form DS-5504 along with supporting documents and photo, if applicable, to the National Passport Processing Agency at the address listed on Form DS-5504. Use a traceable delivery method, such as the U.S. Postal Service's Priority Mail with delivery confirmation or its Priority Mail with signature confirmation; each method allows you to confirm delivery of your application and documents. Use secure packaging to protect your documents during the mailing process.
