U.S. Passport Renewal: Are You Eligible, and What Do You Send?
Short answer: You can renew a U.S. passport by mail on Form DS-82 if your most recent passport is undamaged, was issued when you were 16 or older, was issued within the last 15 years, and is in your current name (or you have the legal name-change document). Mail the old book, one 2x2 photo, the form and a check. Routine renewal takes about 6–8 weeks; expedited runs about 2–3 weeks.
Updated August 2026. Government processing times and fees per the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov).
Most adults renewing a passport can do it by mail on Form DS-82 — no appointment, no acceptance agent. The catch is that the eligibility rules are strict, and applicants who use the renewal form when they shouldn't get their packet returned weeks later. Here's how to tell which route is yours.
Key facts
| Form | DS-82 (by mail) |
|---|---|
| Expedited | 2–3 weeks |
| Routine | 6–8 weeks |
| Our fee | From $97 |
Can you renew by mail? All five must be true
If any one of those is false, you apply in person on Form DS-11 instead, and you'll need original citizenship evidence and a valid photo ID. That's not a problem — it's just a different checklist, and we prepare either one.
- You can submit your most recent passport with the application.
- It is undamaged, other than normal wear.
- It was issued when you were 16 or older.
- It was issued within the last 15 years.
- It was issued in your current name — or you can document your name change with a certified marriage certificate or court order.
What goes in the envelope
- Completed and signed Form DS-82
- Your most recent passport book (and card, if you're replacing it)
- One new 2x2 color photo taken within the last 6 months, plain white background
- A certified name-change document, if your name changed
- A check or money order for the government fee, payable to 'U.S. Department of State' with your full name and date of birth in the memo
How long renewal takes
Processing time is counted from when the agency receives your application, not from the day you mail it. Add shipping in both directions, and consider paying for 1–2 day return delivery if your travel date is close.
| Service level | Government processing | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Routine | 6–8 weeks | Travel more than 3 months away |
| Expedited (mail) | 2–3 weeks | Travel 4–10 weeks away |
| Urgent travel appointment | As little as 1–3 days | Documented travel within 14 days |
| Life-or-death emergency | Same day where granted | Immediate family emergency abroad |
Renewing an expired passport
An expired passport can still be renewed by mail as long as it was issued within the last 15 years, was issued when you were 16 or older, and you can send it in. There's no penalty for letting it expire. If it's older than 15 years, you'll apply in person on Form DS-11 with original citizenship evidence.
Should you add a passport card?
The passport card is a wallet-sized credential valid for land and sea entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. It is not valid for international air travel. It's inexpensive to add while you're already applying, and it doubles as a federally accepted photo ID at home.
Frequently asked questions
Can I renew my passport online?
The Department of State has piloted online renewal for a limited group of applicants. For most people, renewal is still a mailed DS-82 application. ExpediteGov prepares that packet for you and tells you exactly where to send it.
My passport expired 12 years ago. Can I still renew?
Yes, as long as it was issued within the last 15 years, was issued when you were 16 or older, and you can submit it. Past 15 years, you apply in person on Form DS-11.
Do I have to send my old passport?
Yes. Renewal by mail requires submitting your most recent passport. It is returned to you, usually in a separate mailing from your new one.
How long does passport renewal take right now?
Routine processing is roughly 6–8 weeks and expedited is roughly 2–3 weeks at the agency, plus mailing time each way.