US Passport Renewal Process: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide

Most eligible U.S. citizens can renew their passport online or by mail without visiting a government office. The US passport renewal process is managed by the U.S. Department of State, and your eligibility determines which method you can use. Here is what you need to know before you start:

• Who can renew: Adults 16 or older whose current passport was issued within the last 15 years, is undamaged, and has never been reported lost or stolen
• Online renewal: Available to adults 25 or older with a 10-year passport expiring within one year or expired less than five years ago, currently located in a U.S. state or territory
• Mail renewal: Available using Form DS-82 for most adults who meet the standard eligibility criteria above
• In-person renewal: Required if your passport was lost, stolen, damaged, issued before age 16, or issued more than 15 years ago
• Urgent travel: If you depart internationally within three weeks, skip mail renewal entirely and contact a regional passport agency such as the Washington Passport Agency or another US Passport Agency location
• Official channels only: The State Department's online portal is the only authorized place to renew online. Third-party websites are not legitimate and put your personal data at risk.

How to renew your US passport online

Online renewal is the fastest routine option for eligible applicants, and no mailing of your current passport is required.

Eligibility for online renewal

You qualify to renew online if all of the following apply:

• You are 25 or older
• Your passport was issued for 10 years and is expiring within one year or expired less than five years ago
• You are not changing your name or sex marker
• You are located in a U.S. state or territory when you apply
• Your passport is undamaged and has not been reported lost or stolen
• You are not traveling for at least six weeks from your application date (online renewals cannot be expedited)

If you are currently abroad, online renewal is not available regardless of your passport status.

Steps to renew online

1. Gather your documents. Have your current passport, a digital passport photo, your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card ready.
2. Create an account. Go to the State Department's official online renewal portal and set up your account.
3. Complete the application. Fill in all required personal details. Do not use a third-party service or let someone else submit the form on your behalf.
4. Upload your photo. Submit a compliant digital passport photo. Requirements are covered in the photo section below.
5. Pay the fee. A passport book costs $130, a passport card costs $30, and both together cost $160. Optional 1-to-3-day delivery adds $23.36.
6. Submit and keep your old passport. After submission, the State Department cancels your current passport. Do not mail it in. Keep it as proof of citizenship.

Pro Tip: Do not close your browser mid-application. Sessions can expire, and you will have to start over from the beginning.

How to renew your US passport by mail

Mail renewal is the standard route for most adults who do not qualify for online renewal or prefer a paper process.

Eligibility for mail renewal

You can renew by mail if your passport:

• Was issued when you were 16 or older
• Was issued within the last 15 years
• Was valid for 10 years
• Has never been reported lost or stolen
• Is undamaged

Steps to renew by mail

1. Complete Form DS-82. Use the State Department's Form Filler tool on a computer to reduce errors. Print on single-sided paper only. Sign and date the form before mailing.
2. Include your most recent passport. You must submit your current passport book or card with the application. It will be returned to you separately after processing.
3. Attach a passport photo. One compliant photo is required. See the photo specifications section below.
4. Add name change documents if applicable. If your name differs from what appears on your current passport, include a certified legal document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
5. Pay by check or money order. Make it payable to the U.S. Department of State. Write the applicant's full name and date of birth on the front. Do not send cash.
6. Add $60 for expedited service if you want 2–3 week processing instead of the standard 4–6 weeks. Write "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the envelope.
7. Mail to the correct address.

Pro Tip: Send your application via USPS with tracking. Keep the tracking number until your new passport arrives.

What to expect after you apply

Processing time is only part of the total wait. Routine processing takes 4–6 weeks; expedited service takes 2–3 weeks. Mailing time may add up to two weeks each way, depending on delivery speed, so factor that into your travel planning.

Here is what happens after your application is submitted:

• Status updates: The State Department emails updates to the address on your application. It can take up to two weeks from the day you mail your form before your status shows "In Process."
• New passport delivery: Passport books arrive via a trackable delivery service. Passport cards arrive by First Class Mail.
• Old passport return: Your most recent passport is returned separately and may arrive up to four weeks after your new passport. This is normal.
• Supporting documents: Birth certificates, naturalization certificates, and similar documents also return by First Class Mail and may take up to four weeks after your new passport.
• If documents are delayed: Call 877-487-2778 if you have waited more than four weeks for your supporting documents. For reimbursement of a lost document, contact the State Department within 90 days of the date your passport was mailed.
• If more information is requested: Respond within 90 days of the date on the letter or email. Missing that window can require you to reapply and pay all fees again.

For a detailed breakdown of application status updates, Passportcenter covers what each status message means and what to do next.

Urgent passport renewal: official government agencies

If you are traveling internationally within three weeks, do not mail your application. You must schedule an appointment at a regional passport agency instead.

Who qualifies for an urgent appointment

• You have documented international travel within 14 calendar days of your appointment date
• You hold a valid or recently expired passport (or meet in-person first-time requirements)
• You can provide proof of travel, such as a flight itinerary or hotel booking

Key agencies and how to reach them

Call the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778 to schedule an urgent appointment. Appointments are limited, so call as early as possible once your travel is confirmed.

Fees for urgent service: Expedited processing adds $60 to your standard application fee. Optional 1-to-3-day delivery after issuance adds $23.36.

Special cases: lost, stolen, and limited-validity passports

Lost or stolen passports cannot be renewed by mail or online. You must apply in person using Form DS-11 at a US Passport Acceptance facility. Report the loss or theft first using Form DS-64 before submitting a new application. If your passport expires while you are abroad, you cannot use it to return to the United States. Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for an emergency limited-validity passport.

Limited-validity passports (issued for less than the standard 10 years) have specific renewal rules. To renew one by mail, you must have a previous passport that was valid for 10 years, and you must meet all standard mail renewal requirements. If you are also changing your name, include certified legal name change documents with your application.

For questions about what a passport restriction or notation means for your travel rights, Passportcenter's guide on passport warrant implications explains your options clearly.

Passport photo requirements for renewal

Your photo is one of the most common reasons applications get rejected. Get it right the first time.

Required specifications:

• Size: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
• Color photo, taken within the last six months
• White or off-white plain background
• Full face, front-facing, with both eyes open
• Neutral expression or natural smile
• No glasses (as of 2016, glasses are not permitted)
• Head must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from chin to top of head within the frame

For online renewals: You submit a digital photo file. The State Department's portal checks it automatically, but you can also use the photo size guide on Passportcenter to confirm compliance before uploading.

For mail renewals: Print one photo and attach it to your Form DS-82. Do not staple it. Write your name and date of birth lightly on the back.

Pro Tip: Avoid taking your photo at home with a cluttered background or uneven lighting. Many pharmacies and shipping stores offer compliant passport photos for a small fee, and they know the specs.

Common mistakes that delay or reject your renewal

Most renewal delays are avoidable. These are the errors that cause the most problems:

• Sending a double-sided Form DS-82. The State Department does not accept double-sided forms. Print single-sided only.
• Mailing to the wrong address. Routine and expedited applications go to different P.O. boxes. Double-check your address before sealing the envelope.
• Forgetting to sign and date the form. An unsigned application will be returned, adding weeks to your timeline.
• Using a non-compliant photo. Glasses, shadows, or an incorrect size will trigger rejection.
• Sending cash for payment. Only checks or money orders are accepted for mail renewals.
• Not writing "EXPEDITE" on the envelope. If you paid for expedited service but forgot to mark the envelope, your application may be processed at the routine rate.
• Using a third-party renewal website. These sites are not authorized by the State Department and may steal your personal information or charge fees for services they cannot legally provide.
• Applying by mail when travel is within three weeks. Mail processing cannot accommodate last-minute travel. Book a passport agency appointment instead.

Key Takeaways

The US passport renewal process requires choosing the right method based on your eligibility, timeline, and travel date before you submit anything.

Need help figuring out which renewal path fits your situation? Passportcenter offers free, plain-language guides covering every step of the passport process, from eligibility checks to expedited courier options for travelers who cannot wait.

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