How to Renew Your US Passport
Three ways to renew — by mail, online, or in person. Here is how to figure out which applies to you, and exactly what to do.
Step 1 — Check If You Qualify for Mail-In Renewal
You can renew by mail (DS-82) only if ALL of the following are true:
You can renew by mail using Form DS-82. Continue to the mail-in steps below.
You must apply in person using Form DS-11 at a passport acceptance facility. Skip to the in-person section below.
Mail-In Renewal (DS-82) — Step by Step
Download Form DS-82 from travel.state.gov. Complete it in black ink or online and print. Do not sign it yet — sign in front of a notary or at the post office if required. Double-check every field: a mistake can cause your application to be returned.
Gather: completed DS-82 form, your most recent passport (original — not a copy), your new passport photo, and a check or money order for $130 (book) or $30 (card) made payable to 'U.S. Department of State'. If your name changed, include the original certified document.
Do not staple the photo to the form — paperclip it to the designated box. Use a padded envelope or stiff mailer to protect your passport. For expedited service, write 'EXPEDITE' on the outside of the envelope. Include a prepaid Priority Mail Express return envelope if you want fast return shipping.
Check status at travel.state.gov/passportstatus or call 1-877-487-2778. Status typically updates within 2 weeks of receipt. See our passport processing times guide — routine: 6–8 weeks, expedited: 2–3 weeks. Your old passport will be returned with your new one.
Online Renewal — Who Qualifies
The State Department's online renewal system is available if ALL of these apply:
Note
In-Person Application (DS-11) — When Required
Use Form DS-11 and apply in person if any of the following apply to you:
For DS-11 in-person applications, go to a passport acceptance facility — a USPS post office, federal or state court, county clerk's office, or public library that is authorized by the State Department. Bring originals of all documents; photocopies are made on-site. You pay a $35 acceptance facility fee in addition to the $130 passport fee.
Find a passport acceptance facility near you →Complete Document Checklist
| Document | DS-82 (mail) | DS-11 (in-person) |
|---|---|---|
| Completed application form | DS-82 | DS-11 |
| Passport photo (2×2 inch) | 1 photo | 2 photos |
| Current/most recent passport (original) | Required | Required |
| Proof of US citizenship | Not needed (passport serves) | Required (birth cert or naturalization cert) |
| Government-issued photo ID | Not needed | Required (driver's license) |
| Photocopy of ID (front & back) | Not needed | Required |
| Payment | $130 book / $30 card | $130 book + $35 acceptance fee |
| Name change documentation | If applicable | If applicable |
Passport Renewal Fees (2026)
| Passport book (adult, 10-year) | $130.00 |
| Passport card (adult) | $30.00 |
| Book + card together | $160.00 |
| Expedited service fee | +$60.00 |
| Acceptance facility fee (DS-11 in-person only) | +$35.00 |
| Priority Mail Express return shipping | +$19.53 |
| Passport photo (if not using online tool) | $7.44–$16.99 |
Warning
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Passport Renewal FAQ
Can I renew my passport by mail?
Yes — if you meet all five eligibility requirements: (1) your passport was issued when you were 16 or older, (2) it was issued less than 15 years ago, (3) you have your most recent passport available to submit, (4) your name is the same (or you have legal documentation of a name change), and (5) your passport is undamaged. If you fail any of these, you must apply in person using Form DS-11.
How do I renew my passport online?
The US State Department's online renewal pilot is available to eligible adults renewing a 10-year passport (issued at age 16+) that is expired or expiring. Check eligibility and apply at travel.state.gov. You upload a digital passport photo instead of mailing printed photos. Processing time is 6–8 weeks. Not all applicants are eligible — the online system is gradually expanding.
What documents do I need to renew my passport?
For DS-82 mail-in renewal: (1) completed Form DS-82, (2) your most recent passport, (3) one 2×2 inch passport photo taken within 6 months, (4) payment ($130 for book, $30 for card, checks or money orders payable to 'US Department of State'), and (5) name change documentation if applicable (certified marriage certificate or court order). Do not submit copies — send original documents.
How much does it cost to renew a US passport?
Passport book renewal: $130. Passport card renewal: $30. Both together: $160. Add $60 for expedited service (2–3 weeks instead of 6–8). Add $19.53 for 1–2 day Priority Mail Express return shipping. There is no acceptance facility fee for DS-82 renewals — that fee only applies to new applications submitted in person.
What happens to my old passport when I renew?
The State Department cancels your old passport by punching holes through it and returns it to you along with your new passport. The canceled passport still contains your old visas, which may still be valid — customs officers recognize canceled passports containing valid visas, so keep your old passport if it has active foreign visas.
Can I travel while my passport renewal is processing?
No — you submit your current passport with your renewal application, so you will not have a passport to travel with during processing. If you have urgent travel needs, apply for expedited service or book an emergency appointment at a regional passport agency. Some countries accept a receipt from the State Department as temporary travel documentation — contact your destination's embassy to verify.
Where do I mail my passport renewal?
For routine processing, mail Form DS-82 and your documents to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 640155, Irving, TX 75064-0155. For expedited processing, mail to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 640155, Irving, TX 75064-0155 (same address — expedite fee and notation on envelope distinguish it). For overnight delivery services (FedEx, UPS), use the street address: 44132 Mercure Circle, Suite 145, Dulles, VA 20166.
Do I need a new passport photo for renewal?
Yes — every passport renewal requires one new 2×2 inch passport photo taken within the last 6 months. Even if your appearance hasn't changed significantly, a recent photo is required. The photo must meet all current State Department requirements: white background, neutral expression, no glasses, correct head size (1–1⅜ inches from chin to crown).