To renew an expired U.S. passport, follow these steps and requirements:
Eligibility to Renew by Mail
You can renew your expired passport by mail if all the following are true:
- You have your most recent passport in your possession.
- The passport is undamaged except for normal wear and tear.
- It was issued when you were age 16 or older.
- It was issued within the last 15 years.
- It was issued in your current name, or you can provide legal documentation of a name change
If any of these conditions are not met, you must apply for a new passport in person using Form DS-11
How to Renew by Mail
- Complete Form DS-82 (Passport Renewal Application) online or by hand and print it on single-sided paper
- Include your most recent passport.
- Provide a new passport photo that meets official requirements.
- Include the appropriate passport renewal fee.
- If your name has changed, include legal name change documents (e.g., marriage certificate)
- Mail your application package to the address specified on the form, preferably using USPS Priority Mail with tracking
Processing can take up to three months, so renew well before your travel date
Renewing Online
Eligible U.S. citizens may also renew their passport online if their most recent passport was valid for 10 years and expired less than five years ago, and other criteria are met
In-Person Renewal
If you do not qualify for mail or online renewal, you must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility with Form DS-11
. This process applies to U.S. passports. For other countries, such as the UK or Australia, renewal procedures differ and may include online or paper applications with different fees
