Passport Renewals

U.S. Passport Renewals

There are three ways to apply for a U.S. passport if you have already been issued one before: in person, by mail, and online. The requirements and advantages for each are listed below.  Minors (age 15 and under) MUST always apply in person, even if they have been issued a U.S. passport before.

Applying in Person Again

Important - Please see our Plan Your Visit page for more information on scheduling a visit as our process has changed.

Instead of renewing your U.S. passport by mail or online, you are always welcome to apply in person at our facility.  The processing times are the same as would be through the other two methods.

• A passport acceptance agent can double-check that your application is acceptable
• We will execute the application
• We will mail your passport application for you

You must complete the form DS-11 to apply in person. Follow these steps for adults and these steps for minors.

Renewing by Mail

You may be eligible to renew your U.S. passport by mail through a post office. To renew by mail, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must have your most recent passport book or card
• Your passport may not be expired for more than five years
• You must have received your passport when you were age 16 or older
• The passport cannot be a limited-validity passport (a passport valid for less than 10 years)
• The passport must not be damaged or lost
• If your name has changed, you must mail in a marriage certificate or court order showing the name change

You must fill out the form DS-82 and follow the directions on the travel.state.gov website to renew by mail. If you choose this method:

• You will not have to pay a $35 execution fee
• The application form is shorter
• You do not have to visit a passport acceptance facility
• You can visit any USPS locations and pay for the postage to mail it 
  • You do not have to make an appointment
  • We recommend Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express

Renewing Online

You may be eligible to renew your U.S. passport online at the travel.state.gov website if you meet the following requirements:

• The passport you are renewing is or was valid for 10 years, and you are age 25 or older
• The passport you are renewing was issued between 2009 and 2015, or over 9 years but less than 15 years from the date you plan to submit your application
• You are not changing your name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth
• The passport cannot be a limited-validity passport (a passport valid for less than 10 years)
• You have your passport with you, and it is not damaged or mutilated, and you have not reported it as lost or stolen
• You are not traveling for at least 6 weeks from the date you will submit your application; only routine service is offered, and the time it takes to get a passport will be the same as renewing by mail
• You can upload a digital passport photo
• You are aware that the U.S. Department of State will cancel the passport you are renewing after you submit your application; you cannot use it for international travel

If you choose this method:

• You will not have to pay a $35 execution fee or any postage costs 
• You do not have to visit a passport acceptance facility or USPS location
• Taking your own digital photo would save you the cost of a photo fee