Can I travel while my passport is being renewed?

No. You must submit your expired passport with your renewal application, so you won't have a valid passport during processing. Plan accordingly and don't book international travel until you receive your new passport.

What if my passport expired more than 15 years ago?

You cannot renew by mail. You must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility using Form DS-11, provide proof of citizenship, and follow first-time application procedures.

Can I expedite my renewal application?

Yes. Add $60 to expedite processing to 2-3 weeks. For life-or-death emergencies, you can make an appointment at a regional passport agency for same-day service with proof of immediate international travel.

Do I need to update my name when renewing?

If your name changed, you cannot use Form DS-82. You must apply in person with Form DS-11 and provide legal documentation of your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

What happens to my old passport?

Your expired passport is returned to you separately from your new passport, usually 1-2 weeks later. It will be marked as cancelled but you should keep it for your records and any valid visas it contains.

How to Renew an Expired Adult Passport

You can renew an expired U.S. passport by mail if it expired within 15 years and you were over 16 when it was issued. Submit Form DS-82, your expired passport, new photos, and $130 fee. Processing takes 6-8 weeks for routine service or 2-3 weeks for expedited service.

Check if you qualify for renewal by mail. Your passport must have been issued when you were 16 or older, issued within the last 15 years, be undamaged, and be in your possession. If any of these don't apply, you'll need to apply in person using Form DS-11.
Complete Form DS-82. Fill out the passport renewal application online at travel.state.gov or print and complete by hand in black ink. Sign and date the form. Do not sign until instructed if applying in person.
Get new passport photos. Take two identical passport photos within the last 6 months. Photos must be 2x2 inches, color, with white background. Most pharmacies, post offices, and shipping stores offer this service for $10-15.
Calculate your fees. Passport book renewal costs $130. Add $60 for expedited processing if needed. Expedited shipping costs an additional $18.32 for overnight delivery. Pay by check or money order made out to 'U.S. Department of State'.
Mail your application. Send Form DS-82, your expired passport, two photos, and payment to the National Passport Processing Center. Use trackable mail service. The address is printed on Form DS-82.
Track your application. Check status online at travel.state.gov using your last name, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number. You'll receive your new passport and expired passport back separately.

Can I travel while my passport is being renewed?: No. You must submit your expired passport with your renewal application, so you won't have a valid passport during processing. Plan accordingly and don't book international travel until you receive your new passport.
What if my passport expired more than 15 years ago?: You cannot renew by mail. You must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility using Form DS-11, provide proof of citizenship, and follow first-time application procedures.
Can I expedite my renewal application?: Yes. Add $60 to expedite processing to 2-3 weeks. For life-or-death emergencies, you can make an appointment at a regional passport agency for same-day service with proof of immediate international travel.
Do I need to update my name when renewing?: If your name changed, you cannot use Form DS-82. You must apply in person with Form DS-11 and provide legal documentation of your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
What happens to my old passport?: Your expired passport is returned to you separately from your new passport, usually 1-2 weeks later. It will be marked as cancelled but you should keep it for your records and any valid visas it contains.