Renew an adult passport

Find out if you can renew your passport or need a new one. Learn how to renew your passport online or by mail, get it changed or corrected, or check the status of your application.

Warning

Renew early. Passport processing times vary. And some countries and airlines deny entry if your passport expires in less than 6 months.

Determine if you can renew your passport

If any of the following are true, you cannot renew your U.S. passport and must instead apply for a new passport in person using Form DS-11:

• Issued before your 16th birthday
• Issued more than 15 years ago
• Damaged, lost, or stolen. Learn how to report a lost or stolen passport.
• Issued in your previous name, and you do not have a legal document like a marriage license to prove your legal name change

If none of the above situations are true, you can renew your U.S. passport.

Can you renew an expired passport?

You can renew an expired passport only if it was issued within the last 15 years.

How to renew your passport and what documents you will need

You can renew your passport and/or passport card by mail. Or you may renew them online if you meet the requirements.

Check with the Department of State to find out the current processing times for passport renewals.

Renewing your passport by mail

Typically, you will need the following items to renew your passport or passport card by mail:

• Application - You will need Form DS-82. If you are renewing by mail:You can fill out Form DS-82 online, and print it, or
• Download Form DS-82 [PDF, 1.3MB] and fill it out by hand, or
• Find your local passport acceptance facility or regional agency and pick up a copy.
• Passport photo
• Passport fee
• Your most recent passport - Your most recent passport will be mailed back to you separately after your new passport is mailed. In most cases, it should arrive about 4 weeks after you receive your new one.
• Name change documentation, if necessary

Learn how to submit all your documentation and passport fees and where to mail them.

Renewing your passport online

You may be able to renew your passport book and/or card online. The State Department offers the only authorized place to renew your passport online. Learn about the Online Passport Renewal System, including:

• Eligibility for renewing your passport book and/or card online
• How to create an online account
• What information and documents you will need to renew your passport online
• How to take and submit acceptable passport photos

If you need your passport quickly

Learn how and where to get your passport fast for emergency or urgent travel or to get expedited processing. The time it takes for each varies throughout the year, and there may be additional fees. Use the fee calculator or chart.

Check the status of your passport renewal

Learn how to check the status of your passport renewal online. Or check its status by phone (call wait times may be long).

If you need to change your name or correct your passport

If you change your name or find an error on your renewed passport, you must get an updated one to reflect the change. The process, cost, and forms you need depend on how long you have had your current passport. Follow the steps from the State Department to change your name or correct your passport.

If you are outside the U.S.

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate near you to renew a passport while outside the U.S.

If you need help with your passport application

If you have questions about your U.S. passport, the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) can help. Get contact information for NPIC and find out when to contact them based on when you are traveling.

Be aware of passport expiration rules for your destination

Some countries and airlines will not allow a U.S. passport holder to enter if their passport expires in less than 6 months.

Check your destination country's U.S. passport expiration rules on the Department of State's country information page.

• Search for the country name in the "learn about your destination" box.
• On that country's page, look for "passport validity" or "entry and exit requirements".

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