Important: This guide is exclusively for Routine Processing (Online or Mail-in), which currently takes 4 to 6 weeks (not including shipping). If you are traveling sooner, you must use a different method.

Select Your Travel Timeline

Traveling in 9+ Weeks?

You are in the right place. Use the Online or Mail-in guides below.

Traveling in 3-8 Weeks?

Do not use routine service. Switch to the Expedited Renewal Guide.

Traveling in Less Than 3 Weeks?

Urgent government appointments are scarce and require travel. If you need a passport in less than 14 days and can't get to an agency, a private courier is your fastest solution.

Start Urgent Application

Before you begin, use this table to decide which method is right for you.
Note: Online renewal is strictly for routine service.

Your Situation Renewal Online Renewal by Mail
Eligibility Age   25 years or older   16 years or older  
Passport Date   Issued 9-15 years ago   Issued within last 15 years  
Name Change?   No (Must match exactly)   Yes (With legal doc)  
Travel Plans   No travel for 6+ weeks   No specific restriction  
Residency   U.S. States/Territories only   Worldwide (with exceptions)  
Passport Condition   Undamaged & in possession   Undamaged & submitted  
Photo   Digital Upload (JPEG)   Physical Photo (Stapled)  
Payment   Credit/Debit Card   Check/Money Order  
Processing   Routine Service Only   Routine or Expedited  

Our Verdict: Which should you choose?

Choose Online Renewal if: You are tech-savvy, have a perfect digital photo ready, and are 100% sure you are not traveling for at least 8 weeks. It saves you a trip to the post office.

Choose Mail-In (DS-82) if: You need your passport fast (Expedited), you have tricky documents (like a name change), or you want the peace of mind of a proven process. Mail-in remains the most reliable method for travelers on a deadline.

If you're eligible, renewing your U.S. passport online is a simple, straightforward process. You can handle everything from the comfort of your home. This method is designed for routine processing, with current times taking approximately 4 to 6 weeks (not including shipping times).

To renew online, you must meet all of the following criteria:

Age: You are at least 25 years old.

Passport Date: Your passport was issued between 9 and 15 years ago.

No Changes: You are NOT changing your name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth.

Travel: You are not traveling internationally for at least 6 weeks.

Residency: You live in a U.S. state or territory.

Possession: You have your passport in your possession and it is undamaged.

Head over to the official U.S. passport renewal website and register at Login.gov.

Once logged in, click "Renew Your Passport." You have 30 days to complete the application once started.

You do not need to mail a physical photo. You will upload a digital one. It must be in color, taken within the last 6 months, and against a plain white background. No selfies!

Critical Warning from Our Team: The State Department's automated photo tool is extremely strict.

We strongly recommend having someone else take your photo against a white wall with even lighting (no shadows on your face). If the tool rejects your photo multiple times, you may be forced to switch to the Mail-In method.

You will sign the form electronically and pay the $130 renewal fee using a credit or debit card via Pay.gov.

Once submitted, your old passport is instantly invalidated for travel. Opt-in for email updates to track your new passport's status.

If you do not qualify for online renewal-or if you need Expedited Service-you must renew by mail. This is the traditional method using Form DS-82.

Follow the steps below to apply for a passport renewal by mail:

Complete Form DS-82: Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail.

Print and sign the form.

Have a new passport photo taken.

Calculate payment amount.

Place signed Form DS-82, most recent passport photo, previously-issued passport, and fees payment in an envelope.

Include a legal name change document, if applicable.

Mail the envelope to the appropriate address on the application form.

All of these steps are explained in greater detail below.

1

The first step to renew a passport by mail is to complete the appropriate application form.

You can fill out the form online and print it, or print a blank PDF and fill it out by hand.

Application for Passport Renewal Online (Form Filler Tool)

2

After completing the United States passport renewal application, print the completed form on white paper. Only print on one side. Make sure that the quality is good and it is not difficult to read. Then, sign the form with your legal signature.

Download Passport Renewal Form (PDF)

Below is our video tutorial that walks you through how to complete form DS-82 step by step.

If you choose to print the form then fill it out, be sure to use black ink. Write legibly to avoid delays.

3

The photo submitted must be no more than 6 months old. Unacceptable passport photos are one of the leading causes of delays.

Make sure your passport photo is 2 inches by 2 inches and in color with a white background. Do not use the same photo from your old passport.

You should affix the photo to the application as per the instructions on the form. Staple it to the form using four vertical staples, one in each corner.

4

The cost to renew a passport includes mandatory fees plus any options fees if you choose extra services:

The current renewal fee for a passport book is $130 for routine service.

The renewal fee for a passport card with routine processing costs only $30.

Optional fees:

Expedited processing is $60. This expedites the processing time to 2 to 3 weeks.

You can request 24-48 hour delivery of your new passport via USPS Priority Mail Express for an additional fee of $21.36 .

Write a check or money order payable to "U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE." The full name and date of birth of the applicant must be typed or printed on the front. Do not send cash or pay by credit card for mail-in renewals.

5

Use an envelope large enough that you don't have to fold the application and supporting documents. A Tyvek envelope is recommended to protect the enclosed items.

Place the completed and signed DS-82 form, passport photo, required documents, your most recent passport, and your check or money order into the envelope.

You must submit your most recent passport book and/or passport card. It will be canceled and returned to you, usually in a separate mailing.

6

If you are applying in a different name than the one that is in your previously-issued passport, you are required to submit proof of a legal name change (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order). It must be an original or certified copy.

7

The address depends on where you live and whether you are paying for expedited service.

Standard Service (If you live in CA, FL, IL, MN, NY, or TX):
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 640155
Irving, TX 75064-0155

Standard Service (If you live in any other state or Canada):
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90155
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155

Address for Expedited Service (All States):
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90955
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955

If choosing expedited service, write "Expedite" on the outside of the mailing envelope.

To renew by mail, your most recent passport must meet all of the following requirements:

Issued within the past 15 years: If it's older, you must apply for a new passport.

Undamaged: Significant damage (water damage, torn pages) requires a new application in person.

Submitted with application: You must have the physical passport to mail in.

Issued at age 16 or older: Child passports valid for 5 years cannot be renewed.

Current Name: Or you can provide legal name change documentation.

If you do not meet these criteria, you cannot apply by mail. You need to submit Form DS-11 in person.

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Have questions about renewing a U.S. passport? We've collected the questions we hear most often—drawn from two decades of conversations with readers of the U.S. Passport Service Guide.

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Am I eligible to renew my passport?

You may use Form DS-82 if your most-recent U.S. passport was issued less than 15 years ago, was issued when you were age 16 or older, is undamaged, and is submitted with your application. If any of those conditions are missing, apply in person with DS-11.

Can I renew a passport online?

Yes-eligible adults can now renew online through the State Department's MyTravelGov portal. This is for routine service only. You must be in the U.S., have a passport issued 9-15 years ago, and not be changing your name.

Can I renew my passport from outside the United States?

Yes. U.S. embassies and consulates accept DS-82 renewals by mail or drop-box if you meet the standard rules. Otherwise apply in person with DS-11.

Can you renew an expired passport?

Yes—provided the expired book still meets every DS-82 rule above. If it was issued more than 15 years ago or before your 16th birthday, start over with DS-11.

Can I renew my passport if it's damaged?

No. A damaged passport (e.g. water damage, torn pages, holes, or unofficial markings) is considered damaged and ineligible for renewal. You must apply in person with DS-11.

How do you renew a passport for a minor?

Children under 16 cannot renew by mail. They must appear in person with both parents and apply with DS-11. The new passport is valid for five years.

See Child Passport Information - How to Get a Passport for a Minor Age 15 or Younger for more information.

When should I renew my passport?

Renew about nine months before expiration. That avoids the six-month-validity rule many countries enforce and cushions against processing slow-downs. If your book still meets DS-82 rules, you can renew anytime.

Can I renew my passport if I owe child support?

If you owe $2,500 or more in past-due child support, the State Department will deny your passport until your state child-support agency clears you.

Can I renew my passport if my name has changed?

Yes. Mail your DS-82, most-recent passport, and an original or certified name-change document (marriage certificate, court order, etc.).

Can I renew my passport if I don't know my Social Security number?

If you were ever issued an SSN you must provide it. If you have never been issued one, write 000-00-0000 on DS-82 and attach a signed statement to that effect.

How long do I have to renew my passport?

You can renew by mail for up to 15 years after the issue date (that is, up to 5 years after it expires), provided the passport meets all other DS-82 requirements.

Do I need my birth certificate to renew a passport?

No—your qualifying adult passport is all the citizenship evidence you need for DS-82. Include a birth certificate only if you no longer meet renewal requirements or you're also changing your name.

Can I request the 52-page large passport book when I renew?

Absolutely—check the "Large Book (Non-Standard)" box on DS-82. There is no extra fee.

Can I pay the DS-82 fee with a credit card?

No. Mail-in renewals accept only personal or certified checks and money orders payable to "U.S. Department of State." Online renewals, however, do accept credit/debit cards.

Do I staple or glue the photo to DS-82?

Staple only—four vertical staples, one in each corner inside the guide marks. Do not use glue or tape. (Note: For online renewals, you upload a digital photo instead).

Do I need to update my passport if my address changes?

Passports don't list your address, so there's nothing to update. If your mailing address changes while an application is in progress, call the National Passport Information Center (1-877-487-2778).

Can I renew an expired passport by mail?

Yes, provided the book meets every DS-82 rule: issued within the last 15 years, issued at age 16 +, undamaged, and submitted with your application.

How do I expedite my mail-in renewal?

Mark the outer envelope "EXPEDITE," add $60 to your payment, and send via USPS Priority Mail Express. Processing goal: 2 to 3 weeks plus mailing. If you need it even faster, consider a registered passport-expediting service.

See Expedite Passport Renewal - Forms, Fees & Processing Times for more information.

Can the State Department overnight my new passport to me?

Yes—add the $21.36 "1-2-Day Delivery" option on DS-82 and include the additional fee in your check or money order.

How can I track the status of my renewal?

It depends on how you applied:

See Tracking Your Passport Status Updates: A Step-By-Step Guide for details.

Should I choose routine or expedited renewal service?

Routine service is currently estimating 4 to 6 weeks door-to-door, while expedited (add $60) aims for 2 to 3 weeks. Mailing time can add several days each way. If you have travel within two months—or need a foreign visa sooner—pay for expedited or use a registered expediter.

When will I get my supporting documents back?

Your supporting documents are returned separately from the new passport—usually within 1-2 weeks via USPS First-Class Mail. If it's been longer, call the National Passport Information Center (1-877-487-2778).

What should I do when I get my renewed passport?

First, verify the data. If correct, sign the book, fill in the emergency-contact page in pencil, make copies of the ID page, and store the passport in a safe place.

If there are any errors, apply for passport corrections ASAP.

Set a calendar reminder nine months before it expires so you renew on time.

Will I get my old passport back, and what should I do with it?

Yes—the State Department cancels and mails it back (often in a separate envelope). Keep it as a record; if it contains an unexpired visa, travel with both passports. Every new passport comes with a new number.

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Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers

1. How can you get a passport when you're in a hurry?
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