How to Renew a U.S. Passport: Steps and Requirements

Renewing a U.S. passport replaces an eligible passport with a new one, so you can use it for future international travel. The steps depend on your age, the condition and issue date of your current passport, and how soon you need the replacement. Start with the U.S. Department of State’s official renewal instructions; requirements and processing options can change.

This guide covers U.S. passports. Other countries have different renewal procedures. Do not book travel assuming a passport will arrive by a particular date: check current processing estimates and any urgent-travel options directly with the State Department.

What You’ll Need

Your current passport: For mail renewal, it generally must be undamaged, issued when you were at least 16, issued within the period the State Department allows, and issued in your current name or accompanied by acceptable proof of a name change. Confirm the exact eligibility conditions before applying.
The correct application: Eligible applicants generally use Form DS-82 to renew by mail or, when available and eligible, the State Department’s online renewal system. Applicants who do not qualify generally apply in person using Form DS-11.
A passport photo: Provide a recent color photo that meets official size, background, pose, and image requirements. A professional photo service may be familiar with these rules; check the State Department’s photo guidance.
Payment: Follow the current official instructions for payment method, payee, and amount. Payment rules can differ by application method and service.
Supporting documents, if relevant: A certified name-change document may be required if your current legal name differs from the name on your passport. For an in-person application, bring proof of U.S. citizenship and identification as instructed.
Mailing supplies or an appointment: Mail applicants need a trackable delivery method and the correct address for their application type. In-person applicants need an appointment or an authorized acceptance facility.

Step-by-Step

Check eligibility. Read the State Department’s current renewal requirements before filling anything out. A passport that is too old, damaged, issued before you turned 16, or otherwise outside the renewal rules may require an in-person application. A lost or stolen passport follows a separate reporting and replacement process.
Choose the application route. If you qualify, use Form DS-82 by mail or the official online renewal service if you meet its requirements and it is available to you. Do not submit a DS-11 by mail as a renewal. If you do not qualify, arrange to apply in person using DS-11 at an authorized acceptance facility or passport agency, as appropriate.
Complete the application carefully. Use the official form or online service, and enter your name, birth details, contact information, and travel information exactly as requested. Answer every applicable question. If your name has changed, follow the instructions for documenting it rather than relying on the old passport alone.
Prepare your photo and documents. Check the current photo specifications, including whether digital submission is allowed for your route. For mail renewal, include the required current passport and any supporting document specified by the instructions. For an in-person application, bring the original citizenship evidence, identification, copies, photo, and other items listed for DS-11.
Pay as instructed. Verify the current fee and accepted payment method on the official State Department page before sending your application or attending an appointment. For mail applications, follow the instructions for making a check or money order payable; do not assume credit cards or cash are accepted. Keep a record of payment.
Submit through the correct channel. Mail a DS-82 package to the address specified for your delivery method, using a trackable service and retaining the tracking details. Online applicants should follow the portal’s final submission steps and save confirmation. In-person applicants should bring the complete package to their appointment; an acceptance facility reviews and forwards it.
Track the application. Use the State Department’s official status service once the application is eligible to appear there. Keep your contact details current and watch for messages requesting additional information. Processing estimates are not guarantees, and mailing time may add to the total wait.
Check the new passport on arrival. Confirm that your name and other printed details are correct. Your old passport may be returned separately, and it may be canceled or otherwise unusable for travel. Follow the instructions that arrive with both documents and do not travel with a passport that is not valid for your trip.

Common Mistakes

Assuming every expired passport can be renewed. Expiration alone does not determine eligibility. Check the issue date, age at issuance, condition, and other current requirements.
Using the wrong form or address. DS-82 and DS-11 are for different circumstances. Use the official instructions for your route; sending a package to an outdated or incorrect address can delay it.
Submitting a noncompliant photo. Incorrect dimensions, shadows, filters, glasses, or an unsuitable background can lead to rejection. Review the photo rules rather than relying on a generic ID-photo standard.
Leaving out a document or payment detail. Missing evidence, an incorrect payment amount, or a payment made in an unaccepted form can hold up processing. Use the checklist for the exact application method.
Booking too close to departure. Processing estimates can change and do not include every delivery delay. Check official urgent-travel guidance before making plans that depend on a new passport.

Tips

Use only official State Department forms, renewal pages, and online services. Be cautious of sites that imitate government services or charge for forms that are available from the government.
Make copies or keep clear records of your application, supporting documents, payment, and mailing receipt. Do not send irreplaceable documents unless the official instructions require them.
If you have upcoming travel, check your destination’s passport-validity requirements with official sources. Some destinations require a passport to remain valid beyond the travel dates.
For travel that is close, review the State Department’s current expedited and urgent-travel procedures. Eligibility, appointment availability, and required proof depend on the situation.
Wait until you understand how your old passport will be handled before using it for travel or applying for another travel document. A renewed passport has a new number.

Troubleshooting

Your passport does not qualify for renewal: Follow the State Department’s instructions for a first-time or in-person application, typically using DS-11 at an authorized facility. Bring the required citizenship evidence and identification; do not mail DS-11 unless official instructions specifically direct you to do so.

Your passport is lost, stolen, or badly damaged: Report a lost or stolen passport through the official process and follow the replacement instructions. A damaged passport may not be acceptable for ordinary renewal; ask the State Department which application route applies before sending it.

Your application is delayed or marked as needing more information: Check status through the official service, read any notice closely, and respond using the channel and deadline stated. If status is unavailable or the delay threatens imminent travel, contact the State Department using its current official contact options.

You made a mistake or your travel plans changed: Do not send a second application unless the State Department tells you to. Contact the agency for instructions and provide your application details. For urgent travel, use its official appointment guidance rather than relying on an unverified expediting service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew an expired U.S. passport?

Often, yes, if it meets the State Department’s renewal conditions. The issue date, your age when it was issued, its condition, and other eligibility rules matter, so check the current criteria.

Can I renew my passport online?

The State Department may offer online renewal to applicants who meet its requirements. Availability and eligibility can change; use only the official online service and follow its instructions.

How long does passport renewal take?

Processing times vary and can change. Check the State Department’s current estimates, allow extra time for delivery, and do not treat an estimate as a guaranteed arrival date.

Can I travel while my renewal is being processed?

Do not assume your old passport remains usable after you submit it or that a pending renewal is proof of travel eligibility. Check the instructions for your application and contact the State Department if travel is imminent.

What if my name changed?

Submit the document the State Department requires to show the legal name change, such as an acceptable certified record. The documentation and form depend on your circumstances and application route.

Can I renew a child’s passport?

Children’s passports generally cannot be renewed using the adult DS-82 process. A child usually applies in person with the required parental or guardian participation and documentation; check the current State Department instructions.

Further reading: U.S. Department of State. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.