How to Renew Your U.S. Passport
RENEW BY MAIL IF ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ARE TRUE: |
Your Most Recent U.S. Passport:
If the above statements do not apply to you, you must Apply in Person. |
A Note on the U.S. Passport Card:
If you are a previous passport book holder and you are eligible to use Form DS-82, you may apply for a passport card as a renewal by mail - even if it is your first passport card!
HOW TO RENEW YOUR U.S. PASSPORT BY MAIL:
- From Inside the United States:
To renew your U.S. Passport by mail, you must submit Form DS-82, Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail. Locate Form DS-82 and step-by-step instructions at Form DS-82: Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail.
How long will it take to process your passport application? See Application Processing Times.
NOTES:
- If your most recent U.S. passport has been mutilated, altered or damaged, you cannot apply by mail - you must Apply in Person.
- Passports renewed by mail in the United States may only be mailed to United States and Canadian addresses.
- If you are behind in child support payments, you may not be able to get a passport (See Child Support).
- From Outside the United States:
U.S. citizens residing abroad (except those living in Canada) should renew their passports at the nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate.
U.S. citizens residing in Canada may submit Form DS-82: Application for U.S. Passport by Mail to the address listed on the form.
NEED A U.S. PASSPORT IMMEDIATELY?
You should make an appointment to be seen at a Regional Passport Agency only if:
- The U.S. passport is needed in less than 2 weeks for international travel
- The U.S. passport is needed within 4 weeks to obtain a foreign visa
Contact the National Passport Information Center to make an appointment or locate a Passport Agency.