Can I travel while my passport renewal is being processed?

No. You must submit your current passport with the renewal application, so you won't have a valid passport during processing. Plan accordingly and don't book international travel during this period.

What if my name has changed since my last passport?

You can still renew by mail if you provide certified copies of legal name change documents like a marriage certificate or court order. The name change must be documented and official.

How long is my renewed passport valid?

Adult passport renewals are valid for 10 years from the issue date, regardless of when your previous passport was set to expire.

Can I expedite my renewal after I've already submitted it?

Yes, but you'll need to call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 and pay the expedite fee over the phone. This adds processing time to make the change.

How to Renew Your Adult Passport by Mail

Adult passport renewal by mail requires form DS-82, your current passport, a new photo, and $130 fee. Processing takes 6-8 weeks for routine service or 2-3 weeks for expedited. You can only renew by mail if your current passport is undamaged, issued when you were 16 or older, and issued within the last 15 years.

Check if you qualify for mail 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 (or you can document name changes with marriage certificate or court order). If any of these don't apply, you need to renew in person.
Complete Form DS-82. Download and fill out Form DS-82 from travel.state.gov. Use black ink only. Do not sign until instructed - you'll sign in front of an authorized witness or notary, or follow the unsigned submission process.
Get a new passport photo. Take a 2x2 inch color photo against a white background within the last 6 months. CVS, Walgreens, and FedEx locations offer this service for $15-20. Do not use selfies or home photos.
Calculate your fees. Standard renewal costs $130 ($100 application fee + $30 execution fee). Add $60 for expedited processing if you need it in 2-3 weeks. Expedited shipping adds another $19.53 for overnight return.
Submit your application. Mail your completed DS-82, current passport, new photo, and payment (check or money order made out to 'U.S. Department of State') to the address on form DS-82. Use trackable mail service. Keep copies of everything.
Track your application. Check status at travel.state.gov using your last name, date of birth, and last 4 digits of your Social Security number. You'll receive your new passport and cancelled old passport separately by mail.

Can I travel while my passport renewal is being processed?: No. You must submit your current passport with the renewal application, so you won't have a valid passport during processing. Plan accordingly and don't book international travel during this period.
What if my name has changed since my last passport?: You can still renew by mail if you provide certified copies of legal name change documents like a marriage certificate or court order. The name change must be documented and official.
How long is my renewed passport valid?: Adult passport renewals are valid for 10 years from the issue date, regardless of when your previous passport was set to expire.
Can I expedite my renewal after I've already submitted it?: Yes, but you'll need to call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 and pay the expedite fee over the phone. This adds processing time to make the change.