If your passport has expired, you'll need to replace it before traveling internationally. The big question we get most often is: Should I renew my expired passport or apply for a new one?
If you meet certain criteria, renewing by mail is faster and easier. Otherwise, you'll need to apply in person for a new passport.
What matters most:
- How old you were when it was issued
- How long it's been expired
- How fast you need it
Need it urgently? Apply at a regional agency or with a registered expediters can get it done in as little as a day. If time isn't an issue, mail your renewal with the required documents. No in-person visit required.
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Key Takeaways
- Expired passports can't be used for travel.
- Renew by mail if expired <15 years and issued at age <16.
- Use Form DS-11 for old, damaged, or passports issued to minor.
- Routine processing 4 to 6 weeks; Expedited 2 to 3 weeks; Same-day at agency or by registered expediter.
- Renew 6-12 months before expiration.
- Keep expired passport as proof of citizenship.
When Can an Expired Passport Be Renewed?
You can apply to get your passport renewed by mail at any time as long as your passport meets all of the following criteria:
- The expired passport was issued not more than 15 years ago
- The expired passport was not damaged
- The expired passport is an adult passport that was issued when the holder was 16 years old or older
In other words, passports issued to applicants age 16 or older can be renewed by mail up to 5 years after the expiration date (as long as the passport is not significantly damaged).
Can I Renew My Passport Early?
Yes! Even if your current passport is still valid, there are good reasons to renew early:
- Long passport application processing times may mean significant delays when you need to renew a passport. If you wait until your passport is expired, you will have to wait until you complete the entire renewal process to be able to travel internationally or even apply for a visa again.
- Other countries have different validity rules when it comes to passports. This means you could have a valid passport that still does not allow you to travel abroad to some destinations. For example, some countries require three or six months of passport validity for entry.
How Do I Replace an Expired Passport That Does Not Qualify for Renewal?
If your expired passport does not meet the criteria listed above, you need to follow the steps for applying for a new passport to get it replaced.
Note:You will also have to pay the $35 execution fee-even though you paid it when getting your first passport.
The Expired Passport Renewal Process
The passport renewal process has several steps. These vary depending upon the passport services you need and if you can provide proof of urgent travel plans.
If time is not a factor, you can get a passport with routine service by following out guide to renewing an expired passport by mail. You can also use this method to renew a passport card or a passport book through the State Department's expedited passport renewal process.
If you need to renew an expired passport fast, hire a registered passport courier service to help. This is the best, most reliable way to get a passport quickly without having to go through the hassle, time, and extra expenses that come with visiting a regional passport agency on your own. Not only that, these experts ensure your applications and supporting materials are in order so that you don't experience unnecessary passport processing delays.
Either way, if you have the opportunity to renew your passport instead of applying for a new one, do it. Passport renewals are easier and less complicated than restarting the entire application process from scratch.
Even if you do not have current plans to travel internationally, renew your passport while you are eligible to do so rather than waiting until your next trip abroad (when it might be too late).
NOTE: Don't throw away or destroy that expired passport! it is possible to use an expired passport as proof of citizenship when you apply for a new passport. So, if you don't intend to replace your expired passport now, you may want to hold on to it so that it is available when you are ready to get a new one.
Steps to Renew your Expired Passport
- Complete a passport renewal application "Form DS-82: Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail."
- Print and sign the passport application form. This is different than a the new passport application process which requires you to sign your application and take an oath in front of a U.S. State Department official.
- Have a new passport photo taken. You can get acceptable passport photos taken at some post offices and retail locations. For more information, check out our complete guide to where to get a passport photo taken.
- Calculate and pay the passport renewal fees. Passport renewals cost the same as a new passport, but without the $35 execution fees.
The payment rules are the same, too. You cannot pay online. You cannot use a credit card, debit card, or send cash. Instead, you must send a check or money order payable to the "U.S. Department of State".
Don't forget that if you select other services on your passport application (like expedited processing or faster shipping via the US Postal Service), you need to include any additional cost in your payment.
- Prepare your passport renewal documents for submission. Place your signed, completed application Form DS-82, your most recent passport photo, your undamaged passport, and payment for fees in an envelope.
- Include any additional required documents, if applicable. These include items like legal name change documents, a certificate of birth abroad, a marriage certificate, a naturalization document, etc.
- Mail the envelope to the appropriate address on the application form.
Once you have followed these steps, you must wait for your renewed passport book or passport card to arrive. Your supporting documents (including your expired, most recent passport) will be returned to you, as well. Passport applications, themselves, are not returned.
In some cases, these documents will be returned with your passport. Usually, though, they are mailed separately.
How Long Do I Have to Wait for my Expired Passport to be Renewed?
Whether you get a new passport or renew a passport you already have, processing a passport application takes between 4 to 6 weeks for standard service and 2 to 3 weeks for expedited service. These times are subject to change and can take even longer in times of high demand.
If you have a travel emergency and need to get a passport fast expedite a passport renewal, you can make an appointment at a regional agency.
If you don't have the time, ability, or desire to visit the processing center? Get a third party to go for you. You can authorize a relative, friend, family member, travel agent or an express passport courier to make the trip on your behalf.
✈️ Need Your Passport Fast?
Traveling soon? Get your passport in as little as 24 hours with our trusted expedited service. Or choose Priority Service for delivery in just 7–9 business days — now with 15% off.
Expired Passport FAQs
Below are answers to the expired-passport questions we've received most often-drawn from more than 20 years of reader conversations-and updated with the latest State Department guidance.
Yes. If you can't submit your most-recent passport, you may request a "file search" of the State Department's records. The service costs $150 and takes about six weeks. A passport record is not accepted as citizenship evidence—you'll still need a certified birth certificate or naturalization certificate.
To use Form DS-82 by mail, your most-recent passport must have been issued less than 15 years ago and when you were age 16 or older. After the 15-year mark—or if the book was issued before your 16th birthday—apply in person with DS-11.
Child passports (issued before age 16) can't be renewed. The 18-year-old applicant must appear in person with DS-11, show adult ID, and pay the first-time passport fee; parents are not required to accompany them.
No. Official and diplomatic passports aren't valid for personal trips and can't be renewed by mail. Apply in person for a regular tourist passport with DS-11.
If the passport will be more than 15 years old when processing starts, it no longer qualifies for mail-in renewal. Apply in person with DS-11 before you travel.
Yes. You must submit your most recent passport with your DS-82 application—even if an older one is also expired. The State Department will cancel and return it.
Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers
2. What exactly does a passport expediter do?
3. Are passport expediting services legitimate?
4. How can I identify a reliable passport expeditor?
5. Is expedited passport service worth it?
Get answers to these questions and more in our Ultimate U.S. Traveler's Guide to Passport Expediters.
You can also visit our library of articles about passport expediting.
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