Free · About 60 seconds · No account

Do I need a new DS-160?

Found a mistake, or did something change after you completed your DS-160? Answer a few questions to see what applies to you, and the official guidance behind it.

Based on U.S. State Department and embassy guidance

Question 1 of 6
What has changed since you completed your DS-160?

Pick everything that applies.

What official guidance says

The common questions, answered

Can I edit a DS-160 after submitting it?

No. A submitted DS-160 can't be changed. To correct it you complete a new one, and the official site can copy your answers from the old application.

I found a mistake after booking my interview. What now?

Complete a new DS-160 with the correction, then put its confirmation number in your appointment account at least 3 business days before the interview. You can change it once without cancelling the appointment.

Does the DS-160 number have to match my appointment?

Yes, at every U.S. embassy and consulate. If you complete a new DS-160, put its number in your appointment account at least 3 business days before the interview. You can change it once without cancelling the appointment.

Does a DS-160 expire?

A submitted DS-160 doesn't expire. It can be used months later, as long as everything on it is still true.

I got a new passport. What now?

Bring the new passport to your interview. The passport number in your appointment account can be changed once after you pay the visa fee.

I'm interviewing somewhere else. Do I need a new DS-160?

Not necessarily. The embassy or consulate can find your DS-160 by its barcode, though a DS-160 made for another location can take longer to process.

My visa was refused because my DS-160 had errors. Do I start a new one?

No. When a visa is refused because the DS-160 had errors or was incomplete, the embassy or consulate reopens your application, and you correct the same DS-160 with your application ID.

How do I know if my DS-160 was submitted?

On the official site, choose "Retrieve an application" and enter your application ID. A submitted application lets you print its confirmation page; a draft opens for editing. A draft is kept for 30 days.

This checker gives general guidance from official U.S. government sources. It is not legal advice and can't decide your case: the embassy or consulate does.

If you need a new DS-160, file it free

DS160.io guides you through every question, checks your answers and files the form for you. Filing is free.

  • The whole form in 10 languages
  • Saved as you go, with no session to time out
  • Built-in checks for missing and invalid answers
  • We enter every page on the official U.S. government website for you
Start my DS-160 free →