Can I travel while my passport is being renewed?

No. The State Department keeps your current passport during renewal processing, so you cannot travel internationally until you receive your new one.

What if I need my passport in less than 2 weeks?

Visit a passport agency with proof of urgent international travel within 14 days. Make an appointment online at passportappointment.travel.state.gov. Some agencies offer same-day service.

Do I need to update my name before renewing?

If your name changed more than one year ago, you cannot use Form DS-82. You'll need to apply for a new passport with Form DS-11, bring certified name change documents, and pay the new passport fee.

Can I renew an expired passport?

Yes, if it expired within the last 15 years and you were 16 or older when it was issued. Use the same DS-82 renewal process regardless of expiration date within that window.

What happens to my current passport?

It gets returned to you with the corners cut off and 'CANCELLED' stamped on it. Keep it as proof of citizenship - some countries require it when applying for visas even after it's cancelled.

How to renew your passport quickly

You can renew your US passport in 2-3 weeks by paying for expedited service ($60 fee) plus expedited shipping ($19.53). For same-day service, visit a passport agency with proof of urgent travel within 14 days.

Check if you qualify for renewal. Your current passport must be undamaged, issued when you were 16 or older, issued within the last 15 years, and in your current name. If any of these don't apply, you need a new passport application, not a renewal.
Fill out Form DS-82. Complete the renewal form online at travel.state.gov or print and fill by hand. Do not sign it until instructed by postal worker or acceptance agent.
Get a new photo. Take a new passport photo even if your current one looks fine. CVS, Walgreens, and UPS stores do this for $15-20. Photo must be taken within 6 months of application.
Choose your speed and pay. Standard processing: $130 fee, 6-8 weeks. Expedited: $130 + $60 expedite fee, 2-3 weeks. Add $19.53 for expedited shipping if you want it faster. Pay by check or money order made out to 'U.S. Department of State.'
Mail everything together. Send Form DS-82, your current passport, new photo, and payment. Use a trackable mailing method. Mail to the address listed on the form for your processing speed choice.
For same-day service, visit an agency. If you travel within 14 days, make an appointment at a passport agency. Bring proof of urgent travel (flight itinerary), completed DS-82, photo, current passport, and $60 expedite fee. Appointments book up fast.

Can I travel while my passport is being renewed?: No. The State Department keeps your current passport during renewal processing, so you cannot travel internationally until you receive your new one.
What if I need my passport in less than 2 weeks?: Visit a passport agency with proof of urgent international travel within 14 days. Make an appointment online at passportappointment.travel.state.gov. Some agencies offer same-day service.
Do I need to update my name before renewing?: If your name changed more than one year ago, you cannot use Form DS-82. You'll need to apply for a new passport with Form DS-11, bring certified name change documents, and pay the new passport fee.
Can I renew an expired passport?: Yes, if it expired within the last 15 years and you were 16 or older when it was issued. Use the same DS-82 renewal process regardless of expiration date within that window.
What happens to my current passport?: It gets returned to you with the corners cut off and 'CANCELLED' stamped on it. Keep it as proof of citizenship - some countries require it when applying for visas even after it's cancelled.