In our over 20 years helping readers with travel document issues, we get this question all the time:
Should I renew my expired passport or apply for a new one?
The simple answer is renew it if you are eligible.
Once a passport is expired, it has outlived its usefulness. You cannot travel abroad nor apply for a travel visa with an expired passport. This means that if your passport's expiration date has passed and you need to travel internationally, you need to get it replaced immediately.
This leaves travelers with two options: apply for a passport renewal by mail or apply for a new passport. Each has its own procedure, fee, and timing to consider.
The best choice for you depends on 3 factors:
If you can afford to wait, submit your renewal application, existing passport, and supporting documents through the mail. You do not need to visit a passport acceptance facility in person.
High demand and mailing delays are impacting how long it takes to get a passport.
NOTE: Processing times begin when applications are received at a passport agency or center. Requesting 1-2-day mailing service is recommended.
Need to get a passport faster?
You can apply to get your passport renewed by mail at any time as long as your passport meets all of the following criteria:
Yes! Even if your current passport is still valid, there are good reasons to renew early:
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 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.
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.
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.
Whether you get a new passport or renew a passport you already have, processing a passport application takes between 10 to 13 weeks for standard service and 7 to 9 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.
Is there still an official record of my expired passport? Question: Hello--I'm applying for a new passport because my former one expired years ago. I can't find my old passport to use as identification, so ...
How long do I have to renew my passport? Question: I want to confirm what I read. My passport will expire on March 27, 2011. I have no urgent need to renew it at this time. I read that I ...
Can I renew an expired passport by mail? Question: My passport expired on Feb. 7, 2011. Can I renew it by mail and expedite the processing as I am planning to travel out of the country in a month....
Renewal of 18-Year-Old's Passport Question: Married parents and 18-year-old's passports all expired Jan 2010. Do both parents need to accompany the child to the USPS passport office to renew a minor's passport ...
Which form do I use to get another passport? Question: I had a passport but I cannot find it. It got packed away in a move. It is probably almost expired because I think I got it in 2000. Do I apply ...
Renewal of expired official passports Question: My wife and I both had official (red) passports in addition to our blue tourist passports...while stationed overseas as DOD civilians. The ...
Renewal question for passport that expires soon Question: My passport expires at the end of this month - if I don't get it to you in time can it still be "renewed" or do I have to go through a different ...
Submitting an Expired Passport for Renewal Question: Do I have to submit my most recent passport (will expire in 6/2011) when I renew or can I submit a prior passport that expired in 1999? I ...
Read them in order or click the question you most want answered.