If you are eligible to renew your passport, please complete Passport Renewal Application Form DS-82 (see completion instructions on the form), and mail your completed renewal application directly to the State Department for processing. How to Renew a Passport by Mail in the US. To verify if your passport is eligible for renewal by mail, please visit State Department Renew By Mail.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility to Renew by Mail
A minor’s passport may not be renewed by mail; to renew a minor’s passport, you need to submit a new, first-time passport application in person. An adult passport may be renewed by mail if it meets certain requirements.
You can renew your adult passport by mail if you answer “Yes” to all 5 of the following statements:
Your passport:
- Is in your possession to submit with your application.
- Is undamaged other than normal “wear and tear.”
- Was issued when you were age 16 or older.
- Was issued within the last 15 years.
- Was issued in your current name or you can document your name change. (Name changes are explained on Change a Passport.)
If your passport does not meet all these requirements, do not mail your renewal application. You must prepare the same application package as a first-time passport applicant.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application Package
Apply early for renewals as many countries require that passports be valid for at least 6 months after you enter their country. Learn how to properly prepare your application package and include all the necessary documents so your passport is processed on time.
- Complete your Passport Renewal Application Form DS-82 on the State Department website.
- Print and sign your DS-82 form.
- Have a passport photo taken. You can schedule a passport photo-only appointment at a Post Office™ location.
- Calculate your passport renewal fees.
- Collect your most recent passport, completed and signed application, renewal fees, and name change documents, if needed.
- Choose your envelope.
- Use an envelope large enough to fit the application without folding it.
- TIP: Pay for Priority Mail Express® or Priority Mail® service and get free envelopes that are large enough to hold your application. Order easily online: Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelope or Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope
- Address the envelope to the location for your state. See page 2 of your DS-82 form.
How to Renew a Passport – Details
Step 3: Mail Your Renewal Application
Department of State recommends using a USPS delivery tracking service to mail your renewal application.
Choose one of the following services:
- USPS Priority Mail® Service with Delivery Confirmation
- USPS Priority Mail® Service with Signature Confirmation
- USPS Priority Mail Express® Service (for overnight delivery requests)
Step 4: Follow Your Application Progress
If you use a USPS delivery tracking service, go to USPS Tracking® to see when your package is delivered.
- With a USPS tracking service, you can see when your application arrived using the tracking number on your receipt.
- It may take up to 4 weeks from the day you apply until your application status is “In Process.” During these 4 weeks, your application is delivered to a mail facility, your payment is processed, and your application is scanned and sent to the U.S. Department of State. Check the U.S. Department of State’s website (passportstatus.state.gov) for an update. See more information about current processing times on the Department of State page “Passport Operations in Response to COVID-19.”
- 5-6 weeks after you submitted your application, you can check its processing status on the Department of State website.
