How to Renew a U.S. Passport | Form, Photo, Fees & Processing Times

Applying for a passport renewal is quicker and easier than getting a new passport since the applicant is not required to appear in person as long as the minimum requirements are met. It is still important to follow instructions carefully and pay attention to detail in order to avoid delays in processing.

For standard service, the application to renew can be sent by mail to the address on the form along with the previously-issued-passport, a new photo and payment for fees.

You can get a passport renewal expedited either by mail or at a regional agency. Be sure to check processing times for each method before choosing which one to use.

Applicants who need to get a passport renewed quickly but are unable to visit a regional agency, can authorize a third party such as a registered passport courier to submit the application and pick up the new passport and deliver it.

Rush My Passport has been obtaining expedited passport in 4.5 weeks. Apply online for expedited passport service.

U.S. Passport Renewals by Mail

1. Complete Form DS-82: Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail.
2. Print and sign the passport renewal form.
3. Have a new passport photo taken.
4. Calculate the passport renewal fee.
5. Place signed Form DS-82, most recent passport photo, previously-issued passport, and payment for fees in an envelope.
6. Include legal name change document, if applicable.
7. Mail envelope to the appropriate address on the application form

All these steps are explained in greater detail below. Before you begin the process, make sure you are eligible to apply for a passport renewal by mail. In order to do so, all the following must be true.

 It is not significantly damaged and can be submitted with the application;
 It was issued when you were age 16 or older;
 It was issued within the past 15 years;
 It was issued in your current name or you can legally document your name change;

If you do not meet the criteria, you cannot apply to renew your passport by mail. You need to submit the application for a new U.S. passport (Form DS-11) and supporting documents in person at an application acceptance facility.

Complete Passport Renewal Application Form DS-82

While it is not possible to renew a passport online, you can complete the renewal application form online and print it for mailing or submitting at a processing center.

Application for Passport Renewal Online

Print and Sign Form DS-82

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

If you have connection problems while trying to complete the online form or one of your answers is not accepted, it will be necessary to download the passport application using the link below.

Download, print Form DS-82 and then complete it offline. Use black ink to do this. It is important that you write legibly or it could lead to printing errors in your passport that would require you to apply for corrections.

Download Passport Renewal Form

There are a total of 6 pages. The first 4 pages contain instructions and important information about the renewal process. The 2 pages that are to be filled in have an estimated time of 40 minutes to complete but most applicants finish much faster.

Have a New Passport Photo Taken

The photos submitted with your passport renewal application 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, color with a white background. The photo should not be edited. You can take the photo yourself and print it on high quality photo paper as long as it meets all the requirements. If you don't have experience with taking and printing photos, we recommend you use a professional photo service.

Calculate the Passport Renewal Fee

The current renewal fee is $110 for standard service. There are optional services fees that may add to the total of your payment. Expedited service is $60 and you can request overnight delivery of your new passport for an additional $16.48.

Make checks 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 of the check. Do not send cash.

Place Signed Form DS-82 and Other Required Documents in an Envelope

Use an envelope that does not require you fold the application form and supporting documents. A Tyvek envelope is recommended in order to protect the enclosed items.

Place the completed and signed renewal form, passport photo and payment for fees. You must submit your previously-issued passport. If you no longer have it in your possession or it is significantly damaged, you cannot apply for a renewal by mail. If you have your old passport and submit it, it will be returned to you.

Include Legal Name Change Document, if Applicable

If you are applying to get a new passport 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 with the application form.

Acceptable documents to prove a legal name change include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption certificate or court order. The document you submit must be an original or a certified copy. It will be returned to you.

Mail Envelope to the Correct Address on the Application Form

The address you send the package to will depend on how quickly you want the passport renewed. Routine processing of applications is currently taking approximately 6 to 8 weeks.

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


A request for fast passport renewal by mail takes 2 to 3 weeks to process. When requesting this service, you need to pay the additional fee of $60 and write "Expedite" on the front of the envelope. Note, errors on the form or the submission of unacceptable documents can lead to delays in the process.

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


U.S. Passport Renewals in Person

It is not necessary to apply in person for a passport renewal unless you need to submit your application form at a regional processing center for expedited service.

If routine processing or expedited service by mail is not fast enough for you, schedule an appointment online to submit the application form and supporting documents at the nearest agency.

Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers

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