Can I travel while my passport renewal is processing?

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

What if I need my passport faster than 6-8 weeks?

Pay for expedited service ($60 extra) to get it in 2-3 weeks, or visit a passport agency in person if you have travel within 2 weeks. Agencies require appointments and proof of urgent travel.

My name changed since my last passport. Can I still renew by mail?

Only if the name change was due to marriage and you can include a certified marriage certificate. For other name changes, you must renew in person.

What happens if my application gets lost in the mail?

This is why you should use trackable mailing. If your application is truly lost, you'll need to report your passport as lost and apply for a new one in person with Form DS-11.

Can I use my old passport photo?

No. The photo must be taken within the last 6 months and show your current appearance. Outdated photos are a common reason for application delays.

How to Renew Your Adult Passport by Mail

You can renew your adult passport by mail if your current passport is undamaged, issued when you were 16 or older, and issued within the last 15 years. Complete Form DS-82, provide a new photo and payment, and mail everything 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 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 the name change). If any of these don't apply, you'll need to renew in person.
Complete Form DS-82. Download and fill out Form DS-82 from the State Department website. Print it single-sided and sign it with black ink. Don't sign it until you're ready to mail—the signature must be recent.
Get a new passport photo. Take a new 2x2 inch color photo within the last 6 months. Most pharmacies and post offices offer this service for $10-15. The photo must show your full face, be taken against a white background, and you cannot wear glasses.
Include your current passport. Mail your current passport with your application. The State Department will return it to you with holes punched in it to show it's cancelled.
Calculate fees and payment method. Standard adult renewal costs $130 ($100 application fee + $30 execution fee). Expedited service adds $60. Pay with check or money order payable to 'U.S. Department of State.' No cash or credit cards for mail renewals.
Mail your application. Send everything to the address printed on Form DS-82. Use a trackable mailing method like Priority Mail or certified mail. Keep copies of everything for your records.
Track your application. Check processing status online at the State Department website using your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your SSN. You'll receive your new passport and cancelled old passport separately.

Can I travel while my passport renewal is processing?: No. The State Department keeps your current passport during processing, so you cannot travel internationally until you receive your new passport.
What if I need my passport faster than 6-8 weeks?: Pay for expedited service ($60 extra) to get it in 2-3 weeks, or visit a passport agency in person if you have travel within 2 weeks. Agencies require appointments and proof of urgent travel.
My name changed since my last passport. Can I still renew by mail?: Only if the name change was due to marriage and you can include a certified marriage certificate. For other name changes, you must renew in person.
What happens if my application gets lost in the mail?: This is why you should use trackable mailing. If your application is truly lost, you'll need to report your passport as lost and apply for a new one in person with Form DS-11.
Can I use my old passport photo?: No. The photo must be taken within the last 6 months and show your current appearance. Outdated photos are a common reason for application delays.