Renewing your U.S. passport is essential to have an updated travel document. It will help you enter other countries. A valid passport is also important during emergencies when the need to travel by air arises.
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How do I renew my U.S. passport?
Renewing your U.S. passport can be done in two ways — in person or by mail.
You can renew your passport by mail if you have your old yet undamaged U.S. passport. It must be issued when you were 16 or older, within the last 15 years, or in your current name. If you had your name changed, you must submit your legal name change documents.
If you do not meet the qualifications above, you may have to renew your passport in person.
To renew your U.S. passport either way, below are the steps to take.
- Fill out Form DS-82, U.S. Passport Renewal Application for Eligible Individuals.
- Submit your most recent and in good condition U.S. passport.
- Include name change documents if married or you have changed your name under certain circumstances.
- Provide a photo.
- Calculate fees.
- Mail your completed application.
- Track your passport application status.
What are the requirements to renew my U.S. passport?
To avoid delays or rejection of your U.S. passport renewal, follow the standards of each requirement below.
- Form DS-82
Fill out Form DS-82, U.S. Passport Renewal Application for Eligible Individuals. Get the form here. You may fill it out online or print it single-sided and fill it out by hand.
Provide your Social Security Number (SSN) to verify your identity. If you have none, submit a statement, signed and dated. It must include the phrase, “I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the following is true and correct: I have never been issued a Social Security Number by the Social Security Administration.”
- Most Recent U.S. Passport
Submit your most recent U.S. passport that is undamaged and in good condition. It must be issued when you were age 16 and older and within the last 15 years. It must also be issued with your current name. If you had your name changed, submit supporting documents.
- Name Change Documents
If you had your name changed, submit a certified copy of your legal name change documents, such as your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court-ordered name change document.
- Passport Photo.
Just like your first time applying for a U.S. passport, you need to follow the basics of taking a passport photo to avoid delay or rejection of your application. Your passport photo must be clear and colored, with a plain white or off-white background, and taken by someone else. Do not use filters.
Your passport photo must be stapled four times vertically in the corners of the application as close to the outer edges.
- Renewal Fee
Application fees may vary depending on the type of processing service you will avail.
For the routine service, the application fee for a passport book renewal is $110. For the passport card renewal, you need to pay $30. If you want to renew both, the application fee is $140.
For the expedited service, the same application fees apply but with an additional $60 each.
You may include the fees in the form of a personal check or money order.
What are the documents required for renewal of passport?
To renew your U.S. passport, you need to complete the following documents:
- Form DS-82;
- Your most recent U.S. passport;
- Name change documents, if applicable;
- Passport photo; and
- Renewal fee.
How long is U.S. passport renewal taking?
Renewing your U.S. passport may take up to 18 weeks from the day you have submitted your passport application. If you want expedited service, you need to pay $60 plus the application fee. It will reduce the processing time for your application by up to 12 weeks.
What is the current US passport renewal fee?
The U.S. passport renewal fee depends on what type of passport and service you avail.
For the 18-week routine service, the renewal fee for the U.S. passport book is $110, and the card is $30. So, if you renew both of them, you need to pay $140.
The 12-week expedited service costs $60 plus the renewal fee of the U.S. passport you want to renew.
Do you need your old passport to renew your passport?
Yes, you need to provide your old passport for its renewal. Submit your most recent U.S. passport that is in good condition, with the other requirements. It must be issued within the last 15 years.
Can you renew a passport that is over 15 years old?
Yes, you can renew your passport that is over 15 years old in person. Only passports that are 15 years old and below are eligible for renewal by mail.
Bring the following documents:
- Form DS-11, Application Form for New U.S. Passport — you can fill it out online through PDF application editor or get a physical copy at the passport acceptance facility;
- Citizenship Evidence — if your expired passport is still in good condition, you may use it as evidence of your U.S. citizenship;
- Passport Photo — your passport photo must be unfiltered, clear, colored, with a plain white or off-white background, and taken by someone else.
- Photo Identification — you can submit your driver license or any government-issued or valid IDs; and
- Passport Fee — there is an application fee of $110 for a passport book and $30 for a passport card. The execution fee is $35 and an additional $60 if you want expedited service.
Can I apply for passport renewal online?
No. Passport renewal can only be processed or submitted by mail and in person.
If you are eligible to file DS-82, U.S. Passport Renewal Application for Eligible Individuals, you can submit a passport renewal application by mail.
Here are the qualifications.
- You have your passport in your possession to submit with your application.
- Your old U.S. passport is undamaged other than normal wear and tear.
- Your old U.S. passport was issued when you were 16 years old and above.
- Your old U.S. passport was issued within the last 15 years.
- Your old U.S. passport was issued in your current name, and you have your name change documents.
Can I still use my passport if it expires in 3 months?
Yes, your U.S. passport is valid until its expiration date. However, if you plan to travel to countries, you may have difficulty passing through immigration control. Some countries require that passengers must have at least six months validity period on their passports.
Renew your passport approximately nine months before its expiration date.
Can you renew passport after it expires?
Yes, you can renew your expired U.S. passport as long as it was issued within the last 15 years. Otherwise, you need to file Form DS-11, Application Form for New U.S. Passport, with other documents in person.
Do you need to cancel an expired passport?
No, you do not have to file for cancellation for your expired passport.
If you need to cancel a valid or recent passport, submit it with a letter requesting the cancellation and return or destruction of the U.S. passport to the mailing address below.
U.S. Department of State, Consular Lost and Stolen Passport Unit (CLASP), CA/PPT/S/TO/LE, 44132 Mercure Circle, P.O. Box 1227 Sterling, VA 20166-1227.
Can I apply for a fresh passport without canceling the old one?
Yes. If your old passport was damaged, lost, or stolen, you have to file Form DS-11 with the other documents to apply for a fresh U.S. passport. You do not have to cancel your old passport as it will be automatically deemed invalid upon receiving the new one.
Can I renew multiple passports?
Yes, you can renew multiple passports. Each application set must include Form DS-82, an old U.S. passport, and a passport photo. Place each application set in separate envelopes and mail them all in a larger envelope. You may write one check for multiple renewals but make sure that the names of all applicants are written on the back of the check.
Is it cheaper to renew a passport before it expires?
Yes, it is cheaper to renew a passport before its expiration. However, it costs the same as renewing an expired U.S. passport, as long as it was issued within the last 15 years and is still in good condition.
It will cost you $110 for the passport book renewal and $30 for the passport card. It is cheaper because you do not have to pay a $35-execution fee.
The execution fee applies if you have to file Form DS-11 with the other documents to get a new passport. It happens if you do not have a physical copy of your passport or your passport is damaged or issued for more than 15 years.
Can I use an expired passport as proof of citizenship to get a new passport?
Yes, you can use your expired U.S. passport as proof of citizenship to get a new passport. However, it must be undamaged or in good condition.
When should I renew my passport?
It is best to renew your passport six to seven months before its expiration date. Many countries will not allow you to enter if you have less than six months validity on your passport.
How can I find the expiration date of my passport?
The expiration date is printed on the first page of your passport, near your photo.
Will my renewed passport have the same number as my old one?
No, you will be issued with a new number if you renew your passport.
Do I get my old passport back when I renew?
Yes, your previous passport will be marked cancelled and returned to you. It may be returned to you in a separate envelope.
What are the most common reasons that passport renewals are rejected?
One of the most common reasons for rejection or suspension of a passport renewal request is that the photos do not meet the official guidelines. It must be of good quality, printed on photo paper, and must measure two inches on all sides. It must have a white background and good lighting. Good lighting is required, so your photo is clear. Do not wear hats or uniforms. You can wear glasses with clear lenses as long as there is no glare.
Your passport renewal will be rejected if you submitted an old passport that is damaged or in poor condition. You will need to apply for a new passport instead of a renewal.
Also, passport renewals may be rejected if the application is not signed or if any required documents are missing.
I travel frequently. Can I request extra pages when I do my passport renewal?
Yes, you may request a large book with 52 pages at no additional fee.
My child’s passport is expired. Can I use this process to renew it?
Children aged 15 and younger cannot renew their passports by mail. They need to go through the minor passport procedure accompanied by a parent to get a new passport.
Children aged 16 and older whose last passport was issued before their 16th birthday will need to do the new passport procedure to get their first adult passport.