When I became a U.S. citizen in 2017, getting my first American passport felt like the final step in a very long immigration journey.
Now that passport renewal is getting closer, I wanted to understand the process before I actually need it—especially since renewing a passport is not always the same as applying for your first one.
The good news is that many adults can now renew a U.S. passport completely online. However, depending on when your passport was issued, its condition, your travel plans, and whether your name has changed, you may need to renew by mail or apply in person instead.
Here is how to determine which option applies to you.
When Should You Renew Your Passport?
You do not have to wait until your passport expires.
In fact, renewing early is usually the safer choice. Many countries require your passport to remain valid for at least six months beyond your planned travel dates. Airlines may also deny boarding if your passport does not meet your destination’s entry requirements.
Before booking an international trip, check both:
- Your passport’s expiration date
- The passport-validity requirements of your destination
I would personally start checking the renewal process about a year before expiration rather than waiting until a trip is already planned.
Option 1: Renew Your Passport Online
Online renewal is now available for eligible adults who need routine service.
According to the U.S. Department of State, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- You are at least 25 years old.
- Your previous passport was valid for 10 years.
- It will expire within one year or expired less than five years ago.
- You are not changing your name, date of birth, place of birth, or sex.
- You have the passport in your possession.
- It is not damaged or mutilated.
- It has not been reported lost or stolen.
- You are currently located in a U.S. state or territory.
- You are not traveling internationally for at least six weeks.
Online applications cannot currently be expedited. If your trip is less than six weeks away, use another renewal method.
What You Need for Online Renewal
Prepare:
- Your most recent passport
- A digital passport photo
- Your Social Security number
- An emergency contact
- A credit or debit card
- A U.S. mailing address
The current fees are:
- Passport book: $130
- Passport card: $30
- Passport book and card: $160
- Optional 1–3 day return delivery: $23.36
Apply only through the 👉official online passport renewal website. The State Department warns that private companies claiming to process online renewals may charge unnecessary fees or put your personal information at risk.
What Happens to Your Current Passport?
You do not mail your old passport when renewing online.
However, the government will electronically cancel it after you submit the renewal. Do not attempt to travel with it once it has been invalidated.
Option 2: Renew Your Passport by Mail
If you cannot renew online, you may still qualify to renew by mail using Form DS-82.
You can generally use this method if:
- You can submit your most recent passport.
- It has never been reported lost or stolen.
- It was issued within the last 15 years.
- It was issued when you were 16 or older.
- It was valid for 10 years.
- It is not damaged beyond normal wear and tear.
- It was issued in your current name, or you can provide legal proof of your name change.
You can use the State Department’s 👉Form Filler to complete Form DS-82 and then print it.
Print the application:
- On standard 8.5-by-11-inch paper
- Single-sided
- In portrait orientation
Sign and date the printed form before mailing it.
What to Include in a Mail Renewal
Your envelope should contain:
- Completed and signed Form DS-82
- Your most recent U.S. passport
- One passport photo
- A personal check or money order for the fee
- A certified name-change document, if applicable
Make the check or money order payable to:
U.S. Department of State
Write the applicant’s full name and date of birth on the front of the check or money order.
Do not send cash.
Where Do You Mail the Application?
The mailing address depends on where you live and whether you are requesting routine or expedited service.
For a routine application from New Jersey or most other states, the current address is:
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90155
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155
For expedited renewal by mail:
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90955
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955
Write EXPEDITE clearly on the outside of the envelope.
Because addresses can change, confirm the correct address on the official 👉passport renewal by mail page before sending your documents.
A passport renewal using DS-82 is mailed directly to the processing center. A USPS employee does not review the application, and you should not be charged the $35 acceptance-facility fee.
Will You Get Your Old Passport Back?
Yes, the State Department generally returns your old passport after processing a mail renewal.
Your new passport and old passport may arrive in separate envelopes. Supporting documents can arrive up to four weeks after the new passport.
Your new passport will also have a different passport number.
When Must You Apply in Person?
You generally need to submit Form DS-11 in person if:
- Your most recent passport was issued more than 15 years ago.
- It was issued before you turned 16.
- It was lost or stolen.
- It is significantly damaged.
- You cannot submit your most recent passport.
- You do not have acceptable documentation for a name change.
- You do not otherwise qualify for online or mail renewal.
In these situations, the process is similar to applying for a first adult passport. You will usually need an appointment at a passport acceptance facility, such as a participating post office, library, or government office.
What If You Changed Your Name?
If you are renewing by mail and your current legal name is different from the name on your passport, include a certified copy of the legal document showing the change, such as:
- A marriage certificate
- A divorce decree
- A court-ordered name-change document
If both your passport and legal name change occurred less than one year ago, you may qualify to use Form DS-5504 without paying the standard application fee.
Name-change rules depend on timing, so check the State Department’s 👉passport name-change instructions before applying.
How Long Does Passport Renewal Take?
As of July 2026, the State Department lists these processing times:
- Routine service: 4–6 weeks
- Expedited service: 2–3 weeks
- Urgent travel: Appointment required for international travel within 14 calendar days
These estimates do not include mailing time. It may take up to two weeks for an application to arrive at the processing center and up to another two weeks for the completed passport to reach you.
Expedited service costs an additional $60. Optional 1–3 day delivery of the completed passport book costs $23.36.
Current estimates are available on the official processing-times page.
Can a Child’s Passport Be Renewed?
No—not in the same way as an adult passport.
Passports issued to children under 16 are valid for five years and cannot be renewed using the adult online or mail renewal process. The child must apply for a new passport in person using Form DS-11, generally with both parents or guardians present.
I explained that process separately in my guide to getting a U.S. passport for a baby or toddler.
Final Passport Renewal Checklist
Before applying, confirm:
- Whether you qualify for online, mail, or in-person processing
- Your passport’s issue and expiration dates
- Whether you have international travel within six weeks
- Whether your passport is damaged
- Whether your legal name has changed
- Whether your photo meets current requirements
- The current fee and processing time
- The correct official website or mailing address
Renewing a passport is much easier when you do it before an international trip is already on the calendar. Check the expiration date now, choose the correct renewal method, and give yourself more time than the official processing estimate.
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