A passport application can use a mailing address different from the applicant’s home when the address is entered accurately under the form instructions. Form DS-11 specifically provides for an “in care of” recipient when the applicant does not live at the mailing address. Mailing location and residential information should not be confused or made inaccurate merely to route the document. [1]
Use the address where delivery is reliable
The DS-11 instructions describe street, apartment, suite, rural-route, post-office-box, and applicable urbanization information. If you do not live at that address, identify the person who receives mail there on the in-care-of line. For a minor, the instructions require the name of the parent or adult registered to receive mail at the address. [1]
Ask the receiving person to watch for the delivery and confirm that the name and unit information match the actual mail arrangement. A friend or relative’s address is useful only if the document can be received securely and transferred to you reliably.
Keep residence questions accurate
If the application separately requests residence information, provide it according to that field’s instructions. The ability to choose a mailing destination is not permission to misstate where you live. Review the entire application, especially when a preparer or family member completed it.
After applying, request the change through State
The Department of State’s passport-contact guidance identifies changing a mailing address as a reason to contact passport services after applying. Use the official channel and have the application information available. Updating an unrelated government account or arranging ordinary postal forwarding should not be assumed to update the passport application. [2]
Timing matters if the passport has already entered printing or mailing. Ask what stage the application has reached and whether the change can still be implemented. Do not submit a second passport application simply to create a new mailing destination without instructions.
Check the exact form and delivery arrangement
Renewal, correction, child, and overseas applications can have different procedures. Follow the form you are actually filing and the agency or consular post handling it. A U.S. mailing-address example does not establish that every international delivery option is available.
- Verify the complete address and recipient name.
- Keep the application identifier and confirmation.
- Monitor status and report a delivery problem promptly.
See children's passports after divorce when the receiving parent is disputed. First-Class envelope standards addresses postal packaging questions separate from the State Department’s passport instructions.
Primary sources
Sources checked: October 31, 2026.