You cannot fly internationally with an expired passport. If you have a trip on the calendar, you need to determine if you can renew by mail or if you need to start from scratch.
Your renewal method comes down to three things: the date of issue, the condition of the book, and your age. You will either renew by mail (Form DS-82) or apply in person (Form DS-11).
Traveling in less than 2 weeks? Mail-in and online processing times are estimates. For faster delivery and more peace of mind, check registered passport courier availability for expediting in 1 week or less.
Renewal Eligibility Requirements
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 less than 15 years ago.
- The expired passport is undamaged (normal wear and tear is okay).
- The expired passport is an adult passport (issued when you were 16 or older).
The "15-Year Rule" Explained
Passports are valid for 10 years. The State Department gives you a 5-year grace period after expiration to renew by mail.
Example: If your passport was issued on March 1, 2011, it is eligible for renewal by mail until March 1, 2026. If you apply on or after March 2, 2026, the passport is more than 15 years old, and you must apply for a New Passport in person.
Benefits of Renewing Early
Even if your current passport is still valid, we often recommend renewing early:
- Avoid Processing Gaps: Processing times are unpredictable. Waiting until the expiration date risks getting stuck in a backlog right before a trip.
- The "6-Month Validity" Rule: Many countries (like Thailand, Vietnam, and Brazil) require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry. If you have 4 months left, you can't fly.
Replacing Passports Ineligible for Renewal
If your passport was issued more than 15 years ago, or was damaged, you cannot use Form DS-82. You must follow the steps for applying for a New Passport (Form DS-11) and appear in person.
Note: You will have to pay the $35 execution fee again-even though you paid it when getting your first passport.
The Expired Passport Renewal Process
The renewal process varies depending on your urgency.
Standard Timeline (Routine): If you aren't traveling soon, follow our guide to renewing by mail. This is the cheapest option.
Urgent Timeline (Expedited): If you need to renew fast, you have two options:
- Make an appointment at a Regional Passport Agency (hard to get, requires travel).
- Recommended: Hire a registered passport courier service. This is the most reliable way to secure a renewal in as little as 1 week without visiting an agency.
Couriers catch the small mistakes (a bad photo, an incorrect check amount, an application error) that often cause the State Department to trigger processing delays.
Steps to Renew your Expired Passport
- Complete Form DS-82: This is the official "Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail."
- Print and Sign: Unlike the new passport application, you do NOT need to sign this in front of an agent. You sign it yourself in black ink.
- Get a New Photo: You cannot reuse the photo from your old passport. Check our guide on acceptable passport photos.
- Calculate Fees: Include a check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of State." Do not send cash or credit card info.
- Mail It: Use a trackable delivery method (like USPS Priority Mail) to send your application, your old passport, your photo, and your check to the address listed on Form DS-82.
Current Renewal Processing Times
Routine Service: 4 to 6 weeks
Expedited Service: 2 to 3 weeks
These times are estimates. If you have a travel emergency, click here to expedite your renewal through a private courier.
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Traveling soon? Our trusted expedited service offers same day passport expediting at 15% off or choose Priority Service, their most popular option, for delivery in just 7–9 business days .
Expired Passport FAQs
Below are answers to the expired-passport questions we've received most often-drawn from over 20 years of reader conversations.
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. A passport record is not accepted as citizenship evidence-you'll still need a certified birth 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.
Yes, as long as it meets three rules: issued within the last 15 years, issued when you were 16 or older, and is undamaged.
Child passports (issued before age 16) cannot be renewed. The applicant must appear in person with Form DS-11, show adult ID, and pay the first-time passport fee.
Yes. You must submit your most recent passport with your application. The State Department will cancel it and return it to you (usually in a separate mailing).
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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