Renewing your passport is important to do ahead of the expiration date printed inside to avoid issues traveling internationally. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know to renew your passport smoothly.
Overview of the Passport Renewal Process
A passport renewal updates your existing passport when it is undamaged and you can submit the expired one. Reasons you may need to renew include:
- The expiration date is approaching or has passed
- There are no valid blank visa pages remaining
- Your legal name has changed
- The passport contains inaccurate information
Replacing an undamaged passport through renewal is often faster and cheaper than applying for a new one. The key steps includes:
- Determining your eligibility to renew your passport
- Gathering required documents like citizenship proof and ID
- Filling out the passport renewal application form (DS-82 form) accurately
- Preparing an acceptable passport photo
- Submitting your renewal application, documents, photo and payment
- Receiving your renewed passport in the mail
The standard processing time is between 6-8 weeks, so be sure to renew early if you have an upcoming trip planned!
Determine If You Are Eligible to Renew Your Passport
To be eligible for passport renewal you must meet requirements related to:
Prior PassportValidity
- Your most recent passport needs to have been issued less than 15 years ago
- It must be submitted with your renewal application
- It also cannot be damaged, except for normal wear and tear
Citizenship Status
You must be able to submit one of the following proving your U.S. citizenship:
- Previous undamaged U.S. passport
- Certified birth certificate copy
Name Change Documentation
- Legal documents are required if your name has changed
- Examples include original certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order
Check your prior passport eligibility for renewal to ensure you meet the requirements before applying.
Child Passport Renewal
- Children under 16 years must renew in person with both parents
- Children over 16 can renew by themselves following the standard renewal process
- Use the DS-11 child application form if a first time applicant
Taking a few minutes to check can avoid delays from submitting a renewal when a new passport application is required!
Gather Supporting Documents for Your Passport Renewal
You will need to include certain documents when submitting your passport renewal application either in person or via mail. Photocopies are also required as backup.
Renewal Application Form
The DS-82 application is specifically for passport renewals Print out two copies – submit one and keep one for your records.
Citizenship Documentation
This proves your U.S. citizenship per above eligibility section requirements:
- Previous U.S. passport which must include the passport book and/or card
- Naturalization certificate
- Birth certificate
Submit a certified original or photocopy of one of the above.
Primary Identification Proof
This verifies your identity. A photocopy of one must be included:
- Valid driver’s license
- Current military ID card
- Current state-issued ID card
Passport Photo
You’ll need one color passport photo taken recently following strict sizing requirements. Many pharmacies and shipping stores offer passport photo services meeting specifications.
Payment
Passport renewal fees must be paid for processing and printing costs. Options include:
- Check or money order made out to “U.S. Department of State”
- Credit card (if applying in person; extra fee applies)
- Debit card with a Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or Amex logo (if applying in person; extra fee applies)
- Cash (only if applying in person)
Passport renewal fees for eligible adults using the DS-82 form are as follows:
| Fee Type | Standard | Expedited |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $130 | $60 |
| Expedite Fee (optional) | n/a | $60 |
| Total | 130 | $190 |
Additional fees apply for optional 1-2 day expedited processing, overnight delivery return shipping or filing at a passport agency. Submit exact payment amount or risk processing delays.
Complete Your Passport Renewal Application
Filling out your DS-82 renewal application accurately ensures your updated passport is processed promptly. Follow tips below:
- Use black ink and print legibly
- List your most recent passport number, issue date and birth info
- Enter basic biographical data like name, sex, birth details etc
- Indicate if your name, gender, or other identifying info has changed
- Certify application statement of identifying information truthfulness
- Sign by hand with your normal signature (no digital signatures)
- Double check for mistakes that could delay processing
Pay close attention to every section and refer any questions to the National Passport Information Center helpdesk to avoid costly delays.
Securing Compliant Passport Photos
Passport photo requirements can trip up applicants and stall renewals if not done right. Be sure your 2×2 inch photo meets specifications:
- Printed on photo-quality paper at high resolution
- Full frontal shot of face; no glasses, hats, costumes
- Even lighting and focus; no shadows, red eye or blur
- Neutral non-distracting background color
- Normal expression (no grinning, frowning or raised eyebrows)
- Taken within the past six months to reflect current appearance
Refer the State Department photo composition examples and tips when taking your renewal passport photo. Getting this key document right avoids headaches!
Where To Submit Your Passport Renewal Application
You can submit your complete DS-82 renewal application including supporting documents either in person or via courier mail. See instructions below:
In Person Renewal Submission
You can submit your passport application materials at an authorized passport acceptance facility. These are often clerks of court offices, post offices, libraries or other designated public buildings. Passport agencies also accept in-person renewal submissions.
- Call ahead to verify location accepts passport applications and renewal drop off appointments if required
- Check what type of payment is accepted before visiting (i.e. money order only vs credit card)
- You will pay a $35 acceptance fee per application on top of the passport fees
- Ensure you get back the official signed submittal receipt before leaving
Mail Renewal Submission
To submit your passport renewal application via courier:
- Print out completed DS-82 form and sign by hand
- Attach new passport photo and all required supporting documents
- Include proper passport renewal payment amount
- Send by traceable overnight mail to passport renewal address for your state
- Keep photocopies and mailing receipt as tracking records
Be sure to follow all photo, document, payment and mailing instructions precisely to avoid delays processing renewal applications submitted by mail.
Track The Status of Your Passport Renewal
Wondering what is happening with your submitted passport renewal application? You can conveniently check current status online using these methods:
Check Application Status Updates
The State Department passport status check website shows where your renewal stands:
- Online case status system – https://passportstatus.state.gov
- Updated at each major processing step
- Receive email/text status change alerts (free signup)
- Provides date of shipment once mailed back to you
Check Expected Processing Times
Current routine and expedited passport processing times gives date ranges to expect passport renewal completion.
It provides separate tracks for:
- Routine in-person/mail renewals = 8 weeks
- Expedited in-person/mail renewals = 5-7 weeks
- 1-2 day expedited in-person renewals at agencies = 1-2 days
Check regularly as passport operations can get backlogged during peak summer travel season.
Expedite Your Passport Renewal (Optional)
Are you planning international travel soon but your passport won’t renew in time? Expedited passport processing speeds things up for additional fees.
Expedited Renewal Options:
There are presently two fixed-fee expedited tracks to get your passport faster:
- 5-7 Day Expedited Renewal
- $60 expedite fee per application
- Mail or in-person renewal, no appointment
- 5-7 day guaranteed processing
- 1-2 Day Expedited In-Person Renewal
- $60 expedite fee per application
- Only at a passport agency by appointment
- 1-2 day guaranteed processing
- Proof of imminent travel required
You must pay all applicable passport and expedite fees upfront for faster renewal. Appointments book up so expedite early.
Receive Your Renewed Passport
Once passport renewal processing successfully completes, your new passport will be promptly shipped. Here is what to expect:
- Standard shipping = routine first class mail with no tracking
- Faster courier delivery options available for added fees
- Check all details immediately upon receipt for errors
- Notify the National Passport Center if information is incorrect
- You can also report errors later any time before expiration
Upon receiving your updated passport with new 10 year validity, destroy any previously issued passports by cutting corners and safeguard your latest one.
Notify the post office and State Department immediately if your renewed passport does not arrive within 30 days of status showing issued. Fraud prevention measures can track lost or stolen passport books.
You’ve now successfully renewed your passport!
Key Things To Know About Passport Renewal
Here are some other useful bits of information for reference on passport renewals:
Lost or Damaged Passports
- You must apply in-person if your undamaged existing passport cannot be submitted
- Requires form DS-11 instead with additional proof of past passport issuance
- Refer to damaged/lost passport replacement process
Renewing Third Gender Passports
- The X gender passport designation simplifies some renewal requirements
- However you cannot renew by mail even with previous X passport
- Must provide new medical certification to verify gender
Check out the State Department FAQ page for more on passport laws, policies and operations.
Frequently Asked Questions on Passport Renewal
Here are answers to some other commonly asked questions on getting your expiring or expired passport renewed:
Can I renew my passport early?
Yes, you can renew up to a year before expiration. However doing earlier than 9 months out forfeits the leftover validity time.
How do I renew a child’s passport?
Use the DS-11 child application form instead of DS-82 for kids under 16. Also both parents or guardians must apply in person to renew children’s passports.
Can someone else submit my renewal?
Third parties can submit routine renewals on your behalf with a signed DS-82, supporting documents and fees. Expedited applications require applying in person.
How much does it cost to renew a 10 year passport?
Fees for eligible adults using the simplified DS-82 renewal form are $130, or $190 if opting for expedited 5-7 day processing. Check all current prices on the fees page.
Can I get my renewed passport shipped overnight?
Yes, courier return delivery upgrades like FedEx overnight are available for additional fees paid per address shipped to.
Do I have to renew my passport to travel?
It depends. Some countries require 6+ months validity past travel dates. Check your destination country entry requirements beforehand to determine if you need to renew an expiring passport or not.
Still have questions? The National Passport Information Center experts are available 7 days a week to help advise on any passport renewal topic – call 1-877-487-2778.
We hope this guide covered everything required to easily renew your expiring passport. Happy and safe travels!
