US Passport Renewal 2026
Complete guide to renewing your US passport using Form DS-82. Current fees, processing times, photo requirements, and step-by-step instructions for 2026.
Every renewal requires a new 2×2 passport photo. Get yours done in seconds:
Free preview · US State Dept. compliant
Can you renew by mail (DS-82)?
All 5 conditions must be true to use Form DS-82.
- I was 16 or older when my passport was issued
- My passport was issued less than 15 years ago
- I have my current passport in my possession
- My name is the same (or I have name-change docs)
- My passport is undamaged and not reported lost
✓ All 5 = Use Form DS-82 (mail-in renewal)
✕ Any one missing = Apply in person with DS-11
Source: US State Department · travel.state.gov
US Passport Renewal Fees 2026
Fees are set by the US State Department. Mail-in DS-82 renewals do not have an acceptance fee — unlike new DS-11 applications.
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport Book (adult) | $130 | Most common, required for international travel |
| Passport Card (adult) | $30 | US, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean land/sea only |
| Book + Card together | $160 | Best value if you want both |
| Expedited service | +$60 | Reduces processing to 2–3 weeks |
| 1–2 day return delivery | +$19.53 | Priority Mail Express return shipping |
| Expedited + fast delivery | +$79.53 | Total add-on for fastest mail-in option |
Pay by check or money order only
Passport Renewal Processing Times 2026
Processing time is counted from when the passport agency receives your application, not when you mail it. Always check travel.state.gov for real-time estimates.
Standard processing. Best if you have ample time before your trip.
Recommended if traveling within 5–12 weeks. Add to DS-82 application.
In-person appointment at a regional passport agency. For international travel within 3 business days.
Apply early — processing times change
How to Renew Your US Passport in 2026 — Step by Step
For most adults, mail-in renewal via Form DS-82 is the fastest and easiest option.
- 1
Check eligibility for DS-82 mail-in renewal
You qualify if: (1) you were 16+ when your current passport was issued, (2) it was issued less than 15 years ago, (3) you have it in your possession, and (4) your name is unchanged or you have name-change documents.
- 2
Download and complete Form DS-82
Download Form DS-82 free from travel.state.gov. Complete it digitally or print and fill it by hand. Do not sign it until you are ready to submit — it must be signed in black ink.
- 3
Get a compliant 2×2 passport photo
Take a new photo within the last 6 months against a plain white background. Use our online tool to crop, resize, and format it to exact US passport photo requirements (2×2 inches, 300 DPI, correct head size).
Create your passport photo now - 4
Prepare your payment
Write a check or money order payable to 'U.S. Department of State.' Include $130 for a passport book, $30 for a card, or $160 for both. Add $60 for expedited service. Do not send cash.
- 5
Mail your complete application
Place your signed DS-82, photo, old passport, and payment in an envelope. Use a trackable shipping method such as USPS Priority Mail. Mail to the National Passport Processing Center — address is listed on the DS-82 instructions.
- 6
Track your passport status
After 2 weeks, check your status online at travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/status.html or by calling 1-877-487-2778. Your new passport and old cancelled passport will be mailed back separately.
US Passport Renewal Photo Requirements 2026
Your renewal photo must be a new photo — you cannot reuse your current passport photo, even if it looks the same. The photo must be taken within 6 months of submission.
Photo specifications
| Size | 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) |
| Pixels at 300 DPI | 600×600 pixels |
| Color | Full color (no black & white) |
| Background | Plain white or off-white |
| Head height | 1 to 1⅜ in (25–35 mm) |
| Expression | Neutral, eyes open |
| Glasses | Not allowed (since 2016) |
| Age of photo | Taken within 6 months |
| Quantity | 1 photo per DS-82 application |
Photo requirements checklist
- Taken within the past 6 months
- Plain white or off-white background
- No glasses (required since Jan 2016)
- No hat or head covering (unless religious)
- No uniforms or camouflage
- No headphones or wireless earpieces
- Both eyes open, looking at camera
- Neutral expression (no smiling)
- Printed on photo paper, not regular paper
No glasses since 2016
Get Your Renewal Photo in Seconds
Upload any photo and our AI formats it to exact US State Department requirements — 2×2 inches, white background, correct head size. Accepted or your money back.
Free to try • Pay only for HD download
DS-82 Eligibility — Can You Renew by Mail?
You must meet all five conditions to use DS-82. If you do not qualify, you must apply in person with Form DS-11.
✓ DS-82 eligible (renew by mail)
- 16 or older when current passport was issued
- Current passport issued less than 15 years ago
- Current passport in your possession (not lost/stolen)
- Name is the same, or you have legal name-change documents
- Undamaged passport (no water damage, missing pages, etc.)
✕ Must apply in person (DS-11)
- Passport issued when you were under 16
- Passport issued 15+ years ago
- Passport is lost, stolen, or damaged
- Name changed without legal documentation
- First-time US passport applicant
- Child under 16 (both parents must be present)
Not sure which form to use?
DS-82 Application Checklist
Everything you need to include in your DS-82 mail-in renewal envelope.
Required documents
- Completed and signed Form DS-82
- Your most recent US passport (original)
- One new 2×2 passport photo (not stapled — paperclip or photo tape)
- Payment: check or money order for the exact fee
- Name change document (if applicable — original or certified copy)
Recommended extras
- Photocopy of DS-82 for your records
- Photocopy of your current passport data page
- Tracking number from your shipping carrier
- USPS Priority Mail or FedEx (trackable)
- 1–2 day return delivery upgrade ($19.53) if traveling soon
Routine vs. Expedited Renewal: Which Should You Choose?
| Factor | Routine | Expedited |
|---|---|---|
| Processing time | 6–8 weeks | 2–3 weeks |
| Extra fee | $0 | +$60 |
| Total book cost | $130 | $190 |
| Recommended if traveling | 3+ months away | 5–12 weeks away |
| Return delivery option | Standard mail | Priority Express (+$19.53) |
| Best for | No urgent trip planned | Trip confirmed within 3 months |
US Passport Renewal 2026 — FAQs
How do I renew my US passport in 2026?
If you qualify for mail-in renewal, complete Form DS-82, attach a new 2×2 passport photo, your current passport, and a check or money order for $130 (book) or $30 (card). Mail everything to the National Passport Processing Center. Eligible applicants must be 16+ when the passport was issued, it must be less than 15 years old, and your name and appearance must be the same.
How much does US passport renewal cost in 2026?
Passport book renewal: $130. Passport card renewal: $30. Both together: $160. Add $60 for expedited processing (2–3 weeks) and $19.53 for 1–2 day return delivery. There is no acceptance fee for DS-82 mail-in renewals (unlike new applications).
How long does US passport renewal take in 2026?
Routine processing takes 6–8 weeks. Expedited (add $60) takes 2–3 weeks. For urgent travel within 3 business days, book an in-person appointment at a regional passport agency. Processing times can vary — check travel.state.gov for current estimates.
What photo do I need for US passport renewal in 2026?
You need one 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) color photo taken within the last 6 months. The background must be plain white or off-white. Your head must measure 1 to 1 3/8 inches from chin to top. Eyes must be open, looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression. No glasses, uniforms, or head coverings (unless worn daily for religious reasons).
Can I renew my US passport online in 2026?
The State Department's online passport renewal system has been in pilot and is expanding in 2026. Eligible adults can apply at mypassport.state.gov. If online renewal is not yet available to you, use the DS-82 mail-in process. Check travel.state.gov for the latest availability updates.
What is Form DS-82?
Form DS-82 is the US Passport Renewal Application for Eligible Individuals. It is used when renewing by mail. You must be 16 or older when your current passport was issued, your passport must be less than 15 years old, you must have it in your possession, and your name and appearance must be essentially unchanged. Download it free at travel.state.gov.
Can I renew a passport that has been expired for more than 5 years?
Yes, you can still use DS-82 to renew a passport expired up to 15 years ago, as long as you were 16 or older when it was issued and all other DS-82 conditions are met. If your passport expired more than 15 years ago, you must apply as a new applicant using Form DS-11.
Do I need to submit my old passport with the renewal?
Yes. When renewing by mail (DS-82), you must submit your most recent passport along with your application. The State Department will cancel it and return it to you with your new passport.
What if my name has changed since my last passport?
If your legal name changed due to marriage or court order, include the DS-82 form, new photo, your current passport, and a certified copy of your name change document (marriage certificate or court order). The document must be an original or certified copy — not a photocopy.
Can a child renew a US passport by mail?
No. Minors under 16 cannot renew by mail and must apply in person using Form DS-11 at an authorized acceptance facility. Both parents (or legal guardians) must be present, or a DS-3053 Statement of Consent form from the absent parent is required.
Updated May 2026 · Fees and processing times are sourced from the US State Department (travel.state.gov). Always verify current fees at travel.state.gov before applying.
Related Guides & Tools
2×2 Passport Photo Maker
Create a compliant US passport renewal photo
Print Your Passport Photo
Print a 4×6 sheet at Walgreens, CVS, or Walmart
US Passport Photo Requirements
Full official photo specs for US passports
US Visa Photo Guide
Photo requirements for US visa applications
Form I-130 Photo
USCIS 2×2 photo for immigration petitions
All Country Requirements
Browse photo specs for 145+ countries