How to Renew Your U.S. Passport
Mail-in renewal using Form DS-82. Check your eligibility, gather documents, and submit your application by mail in about 20 minutes.
Do You Qualify for Mail-In Renewal?
You can renew your passport by mail using Form DS-82 if ALL of the following are true. If any condition is not met, you must apply in person using Form DS-11.
Not Eligible for Mail Renewal?
If your passport is damaged, was issued when you were under 16, is more than 15 years old, or you cannot submit it with your application, you must apply in person. See our first-time application guide for instructions.
Required Documents
Mail-in renewal requires fewer documents than a first-time application. You only need:
Your Most Recent Passport
Submit your most recent U.S. passport book or card with your application. It will be returned to you (invalidated) after processing.
One Passport Photo
A new 2x2 inch photo taken within the last 6 months. Must meet all current requirements (white background, no glasses, neutral expression).
Name Change?
If your name has changed since your last passport was issued, include legal documentation (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree). If your passport is less than 1 year old, use Form DS-5504 instead and pay no fee.
Step-by-Step Renewal Process
Complete Form DS-82
Use the State Department's online Form Filler at travel.state.gov. Fill in your information, then print the completed form. Alternatively, print a blank PDF and complete it by hand in black ink. Sign and date the form after printing.
Attach Your Photo
Staple one passport photo to the designated area on Form DS-82. Use four vertical staples in the corners — do not tape or glue the photo.
Prepare Payment
Calculate your total fee and prepare a check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of State."
- Large Passport Book: $130
- Passport Card: $65
- Large Book + Card: $195
- Expedited Service: Add $60
- 1-2 Day Delivery: Add $22.05
Mail Your Application
Place your completed DS-82, most recent passport, photo, name change documents (if applicable), and payment in a large envelope. Do not fold the form. Use a trackable mailing method — USPS Priority Mail, UPS, or FedEx. For expedited service, write "EXPEDITE" clearly on the outside of the envelope.
Track and Wait
Check your application status online at travel.state.gov starting 7-10 business days after mailing. You will need your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Passport Renewal Fees
| Product | Fee | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Large Passport Book | $130 | 10 years (adults) |
| Passport Card | $65 | 10 years (adults) |
| Large Book + Card | $195 | 10 years (adults) |
| Expedited Service | $60 | 4-8 week processing |
| 1-2 Day Delivery | $22.05 | Return shipping only |
Payment must be by check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of State." Credit cards and cash are not accepted for mail-in renewals. Fees are non-refundable.
Processing Times
Your old passport will be returned to you separately, usually a few weeks after your new passport arrives. It will be invalidated (corner clipped) but keep it for proof of citizenship and any valid visas it contains.
Renewing With a Name Change
If your name has changed since your last passport was issued, the process depends on how long ago your passport was issued:
Use Form DS-5504
No fee required. Submit Form DS-5504 by mail with your current passport, one new photo, and your legal name change documentation.
- Marriage certificate
- Court order
- Divorce decree
Use Form DS-82
Standard renewal fees apply. Submit Form DS-82 by mail with your current passport, one new photo, name change documentation, and payment.
- Same documents as above
- Pay standard renewal fees
- 4-8 week routine processing
Common Renewal Mistakes
Using the wrong form
If you do not meet all 5 eligibility criteria, you must use DS-11 in person, not DS-82 by mail.
Forgetting to include the old passport
You must submit your most recent passport with your renewal. Without it, your application will be delayed.
Incorrect payment
Double-check the current fee schedule. Underpaying will delay your application.
Old passport photo
Photos must be taken within the last 6 months. Using an older photo is a common reason for rejection.
Not writing 'EXPEDITE' on the envelope
If you paid for expedited service, write 'EXPEDITE' clearly on the outside of the mailing envelope.
Need Your Renewal Faster?
If you need your renewed passport in under 2 weeks, a registered courier can hand-deliver your DS-82 to a Regional Agency for processing in as little as 24 hours.
Learn About Expedited Renewal