A U.S. passport can be renewed anytime, even well before it expires. It is recommended to begin the renewal process about 6 to 9 months before expiration, especially if travel is planned soon, because many countries require passports to be valid for at least 6 months after entry. The standard processing time for renewal is usually 8 to 11 weeks, but expedited service can reduce this to 4 to 6 weeks for an additional fee. Renewals can be done by mail, in person if eligibility criteria are not met, or online in some cases as of 2025. Expired passports can be renewed if issued within the last 15 years and undamaged.
