U.S. Passport Renewal Checklist
Most adult U.S. passports can be renewed by mail using Form DS-82 — no in-person appearance required if you meet the eligibility criteria. If you don't qualify for DS-82, you'll need to apply in person with DS-11.
Quick answer
To renew by mail you generally need Form DS-82 (signed by you), your most recent passport, a new compliant passport photo, the renewal fee (~$130), and a name-change document if your name has changed. Confirm DS-82 eligibility on travel.state.gov before mailing.
Documents you may need
- Form DS-82 — download from travel.state.gov; sign it yourself (unlike DS-11, no witness required)
- Your most recent U.S. passport — it will be returned to you after processing, cancelled
- One compliant passport photo — 2×2 inch, white background, taken within the last 6 months
- Renewal fee (currently ~$130) — check or money order made to 'U.S. Department of State'
- Name-change document if your name has changed — certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order
Common mistakes
- Using DS-82 when you're not eligible — you must have been issued the passport at age 16+, it must be less than 15 years old, it must not be damaged, and your name must match (or you have name-change docs). If you don't qualify, use DS-11 and apply in person.
- Not enclosing your current passport — it must be included in the mailing
- Mailing the renewal too close to your travel date — routine processing takes 6–8 weeks, expedited 2–3 weeks
- Using a photo that doesn't meet State Dept specs
- Making the check out incorrectly — it must be to 'U.S. Department of State'
Official sources
- Renew by mail (State Dept)
- Current fees (State Dept)
- Photo requirements (State Dept)
- Current processing times (State Dept)
Last reviewed: June 2026
Frequently asked questions
- Am I eligible to renew by mail with DS-82?
- You can generally use DS-82 if your most recent passport was issued when you were 16 or older, was issued within the last 15 years, was issued in your current name (or you have a legal name-change document), and is not damaged. Check travel.state.gov for current eligibility rules.
- Do I send my old passport when renewing?
- Yes — include your most recent passport with your DS-82 mailing. It will be cancelled and returned to you along with your new passport.
- How long does U.S. passport renewal take?
- Routine processing currently takes around 6–8 weeks. Expedited service (additional fee) takes around 2–3 weeks. Check current wait times on travel.state.gov before applying.
- Can I renew online?
- The State Dept has been piloting an online renewal system. Check travel.state.gov to see if online renewal is currently available to you.
- What if I need my passport urgently?
- Pay the expedite fee and request expedited processing. If travel is within 14 days, you may be able to make an urgent appointment at a regional passport agency.
This is a simplified guide. Passport requirements can change without notice. Always confirm the final documents, fees, photos, and application method on the official passport authority website before applying.