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Passport renewal in United States

Written from published rules on 27 August 2026. Not monitored for changes since. A starting point, not official advice — confirm anything that matters with U.S. Department of State.

Renewing a U.S. passport generally involves submitting an application by mail for eligible adult citizens, or applying in person at an acceptance facility or passport agency for others. The process requires providing documentation to prove identity and citizenship, along with a recent photograph.

Your timing

It is advisable to renew a passport several months before it expires, especially if international travel is anticipated. Standard processing times can be several weeks, and expedited services are available for an additional fee if a faster turnaround is needed. Wait times for appointments at passport agencies can also be significant.

Start 180 days ahead

This allows ample time for standard processing, which can take several weeks, and accounts for potential mail delivery times or the need to schedule an appointment if not eligible for mail-in renewal. Many countries require a passport to be valid for at least six months beyond the dates of intended travel.

The process

  1. 1Determine eligibility for renewal by mail; generally, adult citizens whose most recent passport was issued within the last 15 years, when they were age 16 or older, and can submit it undamaged, are eligible.
  2. 2Complete and sign Form DS-82, 'Application For A U.S. Passport Renewal'.
  3. 3Obtain a new, recent color passport photo that meets U.S. Department of State requirements (2x2 inches, white background, no glasses, neutral expression).
  4. 4Gather the most recent U.S. passport book and/or card to submit with the application.
  5. 5Include payment for the applicable renewal fee, generally by check or money order.
  6. 6Mail the completed application, supporting documents, photo, and fee to the address specified on Form DS-82 or the official website.
  7. 7For those not eligible for mail-in renewal, schedule an appointment at a passport acceptance facility or a passport agency, and follow their specific instructions which usually involve Form DS-11 and appearing in person.

What to bring

  • Most recent U.S. passport book and/or card
  • Form DS-82 (for mail-in renewal) or DS-11 (for in-person application)
  • New passport photo (2x2 inches, color, meeting specific requirements)
  • Proof of name change (e.g., marriage certificate, court order) if applicable and name differs from previous passport

Who handles it

U.S. Department of State

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew.html

The cost of renewal varies depending on whether a passport book, card, or both are requested, and if expedited service is needed. Current fees are listed on the U.S. Department of State website and are generally paid by check or money order.

What commonly goes wrong

  • Ensure the passport photo meets all requirements, as non-compliant photos are a common reason for application delays.
  • Carefully review Form DS-82 for accuracy and completeness before mailing; unsigned forms or missing information can cause processing delays.
  • If applying by mail, confirm the correct mailing address based on your state of residence and chosen service type (routine or expedited).
  • Applicants with significant travel plans should consider the processing times and apply well in advance, or opt for expedited service if time is short.

Sources

Other documents in United States

Passport renewal in other countries

Often renewed together

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