A limited validity passport is any passport issued with less than full 10-year validity for those 16 years and older and less than 5-years validity for those under age 16. If you have been issued a limited validity passport, the process for obtaining a new full-validity passport depends on how long ago it was issued and where your passport was issued.

If your passport was issued in the United States and was limited due to a citizenship, identity, name, or gender documentation deficiency, and was issued:

  •  Less than one year  ago, you must apply for a Re-Application.
  • More than one year  ago, you must apply for a New Passport.

You must submit documentary evidence to enable the Passport office to extend the validity of your passport.

If your passport was issued as emergency passport overseas, and was issued:

  • Less than one year  ago, you must apply for a Re-Application.
  • More than one year  ago (but less than 15 years ago), you must apply for a Passport Renewal.