Can I travel while my passport is being renewed?

No. You must mail your current passport with your renewal application, so you won't have a passport during processing. Don't apply for renewal if you have trips planned within the next 8 weeks unless you pay for expedited service.

What if my name has changed since my last passport?

You can still renew by mail if you include certified copies of legal documents showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you've had multiple name changes or your documents don't clearly link your current name to your passport name, you'll need to apply in person.

How do I get my passport faster than 2-3 weeks?

For life-or-death emergencies or urgent travel within 72 hours, you can make an appointment at a regional passport agency. You'll need proof of travel and the emergency. Same-day service is possible but requires documentation and may cost additional fees.

What happens if my renewal application is rejected?

The State Department will return your application, old passport, and explain why it was rejected. Common reasons include damaged current passport, incorrect fees, or missing documents. You can fix the issues and resubmit, but processing time starts over.

How to Renew Your US Passport by Mail

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

Check if you're eligible 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, divorce decree, or court order). If any of these don't apply, you'll need to apply in person.
Get a new passport photo. Take a new 2x2 inch color photo within the last 6 months. Most pharmacies, post offices, and UPS stores offer passport photo services for $10-15. The photo must show your full face, plain white background, and no glasses or head coverings unless for religious reasons.
Complete Form DS-82. Download and fill out Form DS-82 from travel.state.gov. Use black ink only. Don't sign it until step 5 – you'll sign it when you mail everything together. Double-check all information matches your current passport exactly.
Calculate your fees and get payment. Passport book renewal costs $130. If you want expedited service (2-3 weeks instead of 6-8), add $60. If you want overnight return delivery, add $21.36. Pay with check or money order made out to 'U.S. Department of State.' No cash or credit cards.
Mail your application. Sign Form DS-82. Mail the completed form, your current passport, new photo, and payment in one envelope. Use a traceable delivery method like Priority Mail or certified mail. Send to the address printed on Form DS-82 (address varies by state).
Track your application. Check processing status online at travel.state.gov using your last name, date of birth, and the last 4 digits of your Social Security number. Your old passport will be returned separately from your new one, usually within 1-2 weeks of receiving your new passport.

Can I travel while my passport is being renewed?: No. You must mail your current passport with your renewal application, so you won't have a passport during processing. Don't apply for renewal if you have trips planned within the next 8 weeks unless you pay for expedited service.
What if my name has changed since my last passport?: You can still renew by mail if you include certified copies of legal documents showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you've had multiple name changes or your documents don't clearly link your current name to your passport name, you'll need to apply in person.
How do I get my passport faster than 2-3 weeks?: For life-or-death emergencies or urgent travel within 72 hours, you can make an appointment at a regional passport agency. You'll need proof of travel and the emergency. Same-day service is possible but requires documentation and may cost additional fees.
What happens if my renewal application is rejected?: The State Department will return your application, old passport, and explain why it was rejected. Common reasons include damaged current passport, incorrect fees, or missing documents. You can fix the issues and resubmit, but processing time starts over.