Learn About Passport Renewal Information and Requirements

Understanding U.S. Passport Renewal Basics

A U.S. passport is a travel document issued by the State Department that allows American citizens to travel internationally and proves citizenship abroad. Passports expire after a set period, and when they do, they must be renewed before you can use them for travel. Understanding passport renewal is important because traveling with an expired passport is not permitted, and the renewal process has specific steps and timelines you should know about.

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Adult passports (for people 16 and older) are valid for 10 years, while passports for children under 16 are valid for 5 years. After expiration, you cannot use your passport for any international travel, including trips by air, sea, or land to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean. Even if your passport has only a few months left before expiration, some countries will not let you enter if your passport will expire within six months of your planned arrival date.

The renewal process differs depending on your situation. Some people can renew by mail, while others must renew in person at a passport acceptance facility or agency. The State Department processes thousands of passport renewals each month, and understanding which renewal method applies to you can save time and prevent delays. In 2023, the State Department reported processing over 18 million passport applications and renewals combined.

Passport renewal is different from applying for a new passport. Renewal means extending an existing passport's validity period, while applying for a new passport happens when you receive your first passport or when your old passport is lost, stolen, or significantly damaged. Most people renewing a passport will use a simpler, faster process than first-time applicants.

Practical Takeaway: Check your passport's expiration date at least 9 to 12 months before your planned international travel. This buffer gives you time to complete renewal without rushing, especially during peak travel seasons when processing times are longer.

Renewal Methods: By Mail or In Person

The State Department offers two main renewal methods for eligible passports: renewal by mail and in-person renewal. Choosing the right method depends on your passport's condition, how recently it was issued, and your personal circumstances. Understanding these options helps you plan your renewal timeline accurately.

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Renewal by mail is the most common method for people with passports that meet certain conditions. To renew by mail, your current passport must be undamaged, issued when you were at least 16 years old, issued within the last 15 years, and still in your possession. You'll need to complete Form DS-11 or Form DS-82 (depending on your situation), gather required documents, and mail everything to a processing facility. The State Department maintains processing facilities in multiple locations across the country.

In-person renewal is required in several situations. If your passport was lost or stolen, you must renew in person. If your passport was damaged (torn pages, water damage, faded printing), in-person renewal is necessary. If your passport was issued when you were under 16 years old, you must renew in person. Additionally, if you want to change your name, add pages, or correct information on your passport, in-person renewal is required. People who have never had a passport and are applying for the first time must also come in person.

In-person renewal takes place at passport acceptance facilities, which include post offices, libraries, courthouses, and dedicated passport agencies. The State Department operates passport acceptance facilities in nearly every county across the United States. These facilities are staffed to verify your documents, check your identity, and process your application on the spot. Some passport agencies in major cities also handle routine passport services during extended hours.

Processing times vary based on demand and the method you choose. Mail-in renewal typically takes 6 to 8 weeks under normal circumstances, though this can extend to 10 to 12 weeks during peak travel seasons (typically January through August). In-person renewal at a local acceptance facility still involves mailing your documents to a processing center, but you avoid the first mailing step, potentially saving 1 to 2 weeks. The State Department also offers expedited processing for an additional fee, which reduces processing time to 2 to 3 weeks.

Practical Takeaway: Start by checking whether your passport meets mail renewal conditions. If it does, mailing is usually faster than traveling to an in-person facility. If your passport requires in-person renewal, contact your local acceptance facility ahead of time to understand their hours and any walk-in policies, as some facilities require appointments.

Required Documents and Information for Renewal

Gathering the correct documents before starting your passport renewal prevents delays and rejection of your application. The documents needed depend on whether you're renewing by mail or in person, but most renewals require similar core items. The State Department publishes a detailed checklist on its website to help you prepare.

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For mail-in renewal, you'll need your current passport, a completed application form (DS-82 for most renewals), one new passport photo, and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Your passport photo must meet specific requirements: it must be 2x2 inches in size, taken within the last six months, show your full face in color, and have a plain white or off-white background. The photo cannot include glasses, hats, or head coverings (except for religious purposes), and your face must take up 50 to 69 percent of the photo area.

For in-person renewal, you'll need your current passport, a completed application form (DS-11), one new passport photo meeting the same requirements listed above, proof of citizenship (your passport serves this purpose for renewals), proof of identity (such as a driver's license or state ID), and payment for the renewal fee. You must bring original documents; photocopies are not accepted. If you're renewing at an acceptance facility rather than a passport agency, you won't pay the fee there—you'll include it with your mailed application after the facility sends your documents to the processing center.

Additional documents may be required if your situation is different from a standard renewal. If you're changing your name, you'll need a legal document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. If you want to add pages to your passport for visa space, the current passport must be submitted. If your passport information needs corrections, you must bring documentation supporting the correction, such as a birth certificate or naturalization papers.

Current renewal fees are $130 for an adult passport book (for people 16 and older) by mail, $165 if renewing in person, and $110 for a passport card only. Expedited processing costs an additional $60. Execution fees and other charges may apply in specific situations. You can pay by check, money order, or credit card, depending on your renewal method. The State Department website lists current fees, which can change, so verify the exact cost before sending your application.

Practical Takeaway: Use the official State Department passport checklist specific to your renewal type before gathering documents. Common rejection reasons include incorrect photo specifications and missing forms. Having everything organized in one place before mailing or going to your appointment reduces the chance of delays.

Application Forms and Step-by-Step Renewal Process

Completing the correct application form is a critical step in passport renewal. The form you use depends on whether you're renewing by mail or in person and whether you're replacing a lost or damaged passport. Using the wrong form can delay your renewal or result in rejection, so understanding which form to complete is important.

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For most straightforward renewals by mail, you'll use Form DS-82 (Application for a U.S. Passport). This form is specifically for people whose passports are not lost or damaged and who are not changing any personal information. The form has sections where you provide your name, date of birth, passport number, and other identifying information. You sign the form in black ink (not blue) and include it with your payment, photo, and current passport when you mail everything to the processing facility. You can download the form from the State Department website, or some renewal services and acceptance facilities provide printed copies.

For in-person renewal, you'll complete Form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport). This form is longer and requires information about your citizenship, identity, and any changes to your personal information. Unlike DS-82, you do not sign DS-11 before submitting it—you sign it at the acceptance facility in front of a staff member. Signing in front of an official is a security requirement for in-person applications. The form includes sections for emergency contact information and questions about your citizenship status.