To renew a U.S. passport in California in 2025, most eligible adults can renew by mail using Form DS-82 if their current passport meets certain criteria: it must be undamaged, issued when the holder was 16 or older, issued within the last 15 years, in the current name (or name change documents provided), and in the applicant's possession. The renewal application includes filling out and signing the DS-82 form, attaching a recent passport photo, including the most recent passport, and mailing the package with payment to the U.S. State Department. Priority mailing with tracking is recommended. If the passport does not meet renewal-by-mail criteria, or if the applicant is a minor or needs expedited service, they must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility, such as some post offices or libraries in California. The current fee is typically $130 for a passport book renewal, with additional fees for expedited service if needed. There is also an online renewal option for those eligible under specific guidelines. The process usually takes several weeks, but expedited services are available for faster turnaround.
