Passport Renewal: How to Renew Your U.S. Passport Online

Passport Renewal: How to Renew Your U.S. Passport

Renewing your U.S. passport is straightforward when you know which application method to use. Eligible U.S. citizens can renew their passports online or by mail, depending on their age, previous passport, personal circumstances, and travel plans.

The first step is to confirm your eligibility. Then, choose the correct renewal method, prepare your documents and photo, pay the required fee, and submit your application through the official U.S. Department of State website or by mail.

This guide explains how to renew your U.S. passport step by step, including eligibility requirements, renewal fees, processing times, and what to do if your passport has expired.

Can You Renew Your U.S. Passport Online or by Mail?

Before starting your application, determine which renewal method you qualify for.

Who Can Renew a U.S. Passport Online?

You may qualify for online renewal if you meet all the following requirements:

You are at least 25 years old.
Your current or expired passport was valid for 10 years.
Your passport expires within one year or expired less than five years ago.
You are not changing personal information such as your name or sex.
You are located in a U.S. state or territory when submitting your application.
You do not need to travel for at least six weeks after submitting your application.

Online renewal cannot be expedited. Review the official online renewal eligibility requirements before applying.

Who Can Renew a U.S. Passport by Mail?

You may qualify for mail renewal if:

Your previous passport was issued when you were at least 16 years old.
It was issued within the last 15 years and was valid for 10 years.
You can submit your most recent passport, and it has not been reported lost or stolen.
Your passport is undamaged apart from normal wear and tear.
Your name matches your current legal name, or you can provide an eligible name-change document.

You generally must apply in person if you do not meet the renewal requirements, your passport is too old to qualify, or it was issued for a limited period.

Children under 16 cannot renew their passports using the adult renewal process. They generally need to apply in person.

How to Renew Your U.S. Passport Online

If you meet the eligibility requirements, online renewal can be a convenient way to renew your passport without mailing physical documents.

Step 1: Visit the Official Renewal Website

Go to the official U.S. passport online renewal portal. Avoid unofficial websites that charge unnecessary fees or imitate government services.

Follow the portal’s instructions to access your account. Confirm that you meet all eligibility requirements before beginning the application.

Step 3: Complete the Renewal Application

Enter the requested personal details and passport information carefully. Review your answers before continuing to avoid errors that could delay processing.

Step 4: Upload a Digital Passport Photo

Upload a recent digital photo that meets the Department of State’s requirements. The image must satisfy the rules for dimensions, lighting, background, and appearance.

Read the official U.S. passport photo requirements before uploading your picture.

Step 5: Pay the Renewal Fee

Pay through the official online system using an accepted payment method. The fee depends on whether you are renewing a passport book, passport card, or both.

Step 6: Submit Your Application and Track Its Status

Review the application and submit it through the portal. Check your email for updates and use the official passport status checker to follow progress.

Important: After renewing online, do not use your previous passport for travel. Online renewal is not available for expedited service, so choose another eligible application route if your travel date is approaching.

How to Renew Your U.S. Passport by Mail

Mail renewal is another option for eligible adult applicants. You generally need Form DS-82, your most recent passport, a compliant photo, and the appropriate payment.

Step 1: Complete Form DS-82

Download or complete the official Form DS-82. Follow the instructions carefully and sign the form where required.

Step 2: Prepare Your Current Passport

Include the most recent passport you are renewing. It must meet the eligibility conditions for mail renewal.

Step 3: Attach Your Passport Photo

Provide one photo that meets official requirements. Follow the form instructions for attaching it, and do not bend or damage the photo.

Step 4: Include Name-Change Documents if Necessary

If your current legal name differs from the name on your passport, include an acceptable document, such as a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court-ordered name-change document, when required.

Step 5: Pay the Correct Renewal Fee

Check the current fee schedule and follow the mail-payment instructions. The Department of State generally accepts a check or money order for mail renewals.

Step 6: Mail Your Application

Use the correct mailing address listed on the official renewal-by-mail instructions. The address may differ depending on the service selected and where you live.

Consider using a mailing service with tracking so you can confirm when your application arrives.

U.S. Passport Renewal Fees in 2026

The following are the current adult renewal application fees listed by the U.S. Department of State.

Renewal document	Application fee
Passport book	$130
Passport card	$30
Passport book and card	$160

Eligible adult renewals by mail or online do not pay the $35 acceptance fee required for certain in-person applications.

Additional services may cost extra:

Expedited processing: $60 for eligible applications. Online renewal cannot be expedited.
One-to-three-day delivery: $26.87 for an issued passport book delivered to a U.S. address. This option is not available for passport cards.

Fees can change, so verify the amount and payment method using the official U.S. passport fee schedule before submitting your application.

How Long Does U.S. Passport Renewal Take?

Current Department of State estimates are:

Routine processing: 4–6 weeks.
Expedited processing: 2–3 weeks, with an additional fee.

These estimates cover processing time only. Mailing your application to the Department of State may take up to two weeks, and delivery after processing may take up to another two weeks.

Online renewals cannot be expedited. If you need a passport urgently, check the Department of State’s current processing times and review its urgent-travel procedures.

Do not book nonrefundable travel based solely on an estimated passport delivery date.

How to Renew an Expired U.S. Passport

An expired U.S. passport may still qualify for renewal.

For online renewal, the passport generally must have expired less than five years ago, along with meeting the other online requirements.

For mail renewal, the previous passport generally must have been issued within the last 15 years and meet the other DS-82 eligibility conditions.

If your passport falls outside these limits, was issued when you were under 16, or was reported lost or stolen, you may need to apply for a passport in person instead.

Use the Department of State’s renewal and replacement guide to determine the correct process for your circumstances.

How to Renew a U.S. Passport from Outside the United States

U.S. citizens living abroad generally cannot use the domestic online renewal service. Procedures may vary by country, so contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for instructions.

Check the official passport renewal and replacement page and follow the guidance for your country of residence before sending documents or making payment.

Common Passport Renewal Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these mistakes to help prevent delays:

Using the wrong application form or renewal method.
Applying online when you do not meet the eligibility requirements.
Sending an unsuitable passport photo.
Paying an incorrect fee.
Forgetting required name-change documents.
Using an unofficial website instead of a government portal.
Waiting until just before an international trip to renew.

Review every requirement before submitting your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I renew my U.S. passport online?

Confirm that you qualify, visit the official online renewal portal, complete the application, upload a compliant photo, pay the fee, and submit your application.

Can I renew my U.S. passport after it expires?

Yes. An expired passport may qualify for online or mail renewal, depending on when it expired, when it was issued, and whether you meet the other eligibility requirements.

What form do I need to renew my passport by mail?

Eligible adult applicants generally use Form DS-82. Applicants who do not qualify for renewal may need to apply in person using a different form.

How much does it cost to renew a U.S. passport?

The current application fee is $130 for a passport book, $30 for a passport card, or $160 for both. Optional services may cost extra.

Can I renew my child’s passport?

Children under 16 generally cannot use the adult renewal process. They usually must apply in person with the required parental or guardian documentation.

Can I renew my passport if I changed my name?

You may qualify for mail renewal if you provide the required name-change documentation. Online renewal is not available when you need to change personal information such as your name.

Can I expedite an online passport renewal?

No. Online renewal cannot be expedited. If you need faster service, review the Department of State’s other eligible application options.

Conclusion

Renewing your U.S. passport is easier when you choose the right application method and prepare the required documents before applying. Eligible adults can renew online or by mail, while applicants who do not qualify may need to apply in person.

Check your eligibility, confirm the current fees, submit a compliant photo, and allow enough time for processing and mailing. For the latest requirements, always consult the official U.S. Department of State passport website.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information, not legal advice. Passport eligibility, fees, and processing times can change. Confirm the current requirements with the U.S. Department of State before applying.

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