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Renew a Passport by Mail
You can renew by mail using Form DS-82 if your most recent passport:
- Is submitted 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 with an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)
If any of the above statements do not apply to you, you must Apply in Person using form DS-11.
Please note: If you are not in the United States, please see Applying for a U.S. Passport from Outside the United States.
FAQs
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Can I apply at an acceptance facility instead of mailing in my renewal application?
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No, if you are applying on Form DS-82, acceptance facilities will not take your application. You must mail in your renewal application yourself. We recommend using a trackable delivery method when mailing in your passport application.
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If I already have a passport book, can I use the DS-82 to get a passport card?
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Yes. If you have or have ever had a passport book 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! Learn more about the U.S. passport card.
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Can I renew my passport even if it's not expired?
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Yes. We recommend renewing your passport well ahead of any planned international travel, even if it still has a few months validity left on it. Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip. Learn more about your destination's entry requirements.
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I'm behind in child support. Can I get a passport?
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If you are behind in child support payments of $2,500 or more, you cannot get a passport. For more information, please see Child Support Payments and Getting a U.S. Passport.
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How will my passport book and/or card be mailed back to me?
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Newly-issued passport books are delivered using Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation, unless you pay for Priority Express return service at time of application.
All passport cards will be mailed using First Class Mail. Passport cards cannot be delivered using Priority Express.
Renew a Passport 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. Please visit their specific website for specific instructions.
- U.S. citizens residing in Canada may submit Form DS-82 to the address listed on the form. Your check or money order must draw on U.S. financial institutions based in the United States and be payable in U.S. dollars.
- For more information, please see Applying for a U.S. Passport from Outside the United States.
Forms
Processing Times
Routine 6 Weeks
Expedited 2-3 Weeks