U.S. Passport Renewal Guide: DS-82, Online Renewal, and When You Must Apply In-Person
Most adults renewing a passport can do it by mail without visiting any office. Here is exactly who qualifies, how to complete DS-82 correctly, and when you're required to apply in person instead.
Last updated: 2026 · 9 min read
Do You Qualify for Mail Renewal (DS-82)?
Passport renewal by mail is available to most adult applicants. You qualify if all of the following are true:
- You are 16 years of age or older
- Your most recent U.S. passport was issued when you were 16 or older
- Your passport was issued less than 15 years ago
- Your passport is in your current legal name — or you have a legal name change document (marriage certificate, court order)
- Your passport is undamaged (no water damage, torn pages, delamination)
- Your passport was not reported lost or stolen
If any of these conditions are NOT met, you must apply in person using DS-11. See our DS-11 guide and county finder to locate your nearest acceptance facility.
Online Passport Renewal (New in 2024–2026)
The State Department launched an online passport renewal system for eligible applicants. As of 2026, online renewal is available to adults aged 25–69 renewing a book issued within the past 15 years. The online system replaces the need to mail a paper form.
To check online renewal availability and eligibility: visit travel.state.gov and look for "Renew Online." The system has had phased rollouts — check for current availability as it continues to expand to more applicants.
Online renewal processing times are similar to mail renewal (6–8 weeks routine, 2–3 weeks expedited). The advantage is avoiding the hassle of mailing your old passport — you keep it until you receive the new one.
DS-82 Renewal by Mail: Step-by-Step
Download and Complete DS-82
Download Form DS-82 from travel.state.gov. Complete it fully in black ink. Unlike DS-11, you do sign DS-82 yourself — no agent witness required. Sign and date the form before mailing.
Gather Your Documents
You need: completed signed DS-82, your most recent passport (original — it's returned to you), one new passport photo, and payment. If your name has changed, include the original or certified copy of your name change document.
Prepare Payment
Passport book renewal: $130. Add $60 for expedited. Add ~$19 for 1–2 day return delivery (optional but recommended). Make checks/money orders payable to "U.S. Department of State." Do not send cash.
Mail to the Correct Address
Routine: National Passport Processing Center, P.O. Box 90955, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955. Expedited: National Passport Center, P.O. Box 90106, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0106. Use a trackable mailing method — USPS Priority Mail or better. Do not fold your passport or photo.
Track Your Application
Check status at travel.state.gov using your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your SSN. Status updates begin appearing approximately 2–3 business days after delivery. Your old passport is mailed back separately, usually before the new one arrives.
DS-82 Document Checklist
- Completed, signed DS-82 form (unlike DS-11, you sign this yourself before mailing)
- Your most recent U.S. passport (original — it will be returned to you hole-punched as cancelled)
- One 2×2 passport photo (taken within last 6 months — see photo guide)
- Check or money order for $130 (book renewal) payable to U.S. Department of State
- Additional $60 check/money order if requesting expedited processing
- Name change document (if applicable) — original marriage certificate or certified copy of court order
- Photocopy of name change document (if applicable)
Do NOT include your driver's license, birth certificate, or other ID — these are not needed for DS-82 renewal and will be mailed back at your expense if included.
Renewal Fees in 2026
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport Book Renewal | $130 | Check/money order to U.S. Dept. of State |
| Passport Card Renewal | $30 | Land/sea travel only |
| Expedited Processing | +$60 | Reduces to ~2–3 weeks |
| 1–2 Day Return Delivery | ~$19 | Highly recommended |
| No acceptance fee for renewals | $0 | DS-82 has no $35 acceptance fee since you don't use a facility |
One key financial advantage of renewal by mail over in-person DS-11: there is no $35 acceptance facility fee. Renewal total is $130 + optional $60 expedited + optional $19 delivery = $149–$209 depending on options chosen.
When Renewal Requires an In-Person Appointment
Even if you've renewed by mail before, certain situations require you to apply in person with DS-11:
- Your current passport was issued more than 15 years ago
- Your current passport was issued when you were under 16
- You are currently under 16
- Your passport was reported lost or stolen (even if later found)
- Your passport is damaged (lamination separation, water damage, missing pages)
- Your name changed and you cannot provide a connecting legal document
In these cases, use our county finder to locate an acceptance facility near you.
Renewing Before It Expires vs. After It Expires
You can renew at any time — there is no minimum remaining validity required to use DS-82. Most people renew when their passport has about 6–12 months remaining, since many countries require 3–6 months of validity beyond your departure date. Waiting until your passport has expired is fine — DS-82 still works for passports that are expired, as long as they meet all other eligibility criteria.
What Countries Require More Than 6 Months Validity?
Most countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. If you have less than 9 months remaining and are traveling internationally, consider renewing now rather than later. Check the State Department's country information page for your specific destination's entry requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — as long as you meet the other DS-82 eligibility criteria. However, with only 2 months left, you should pay for expedited processing and 1–2 day return delivery, and consider whether a regional passport agency appointment might be faster if you're traveling within 6 weeks. Standard mail renewal takes 6–8 weeks — cutting it very close with a 2-month runway.
Yes. You must include your most recent U.S. passport (the original) with your DS-82 renewal. It will be returned to you separately from your new passport, with holes punched through it to indicate cancellation. Do not laminate or fold it before mailing. Use a padded envelope and a trackable mail service.
Yes, as long as you include your original marriage certificate (or a certified copy) with your DS-82 application. The State Department will update your name to match your marriage certificate. If you've had multiple name changes (marriage, divorce, remarriage), include all connecting documents. Your original marriage certificate will be returned to you with your new passport.
Yes, using DS-82. The process is identical to book renewal. Fee is $30. If you want both a new book and a new card, include payment for both on a single DS-82 form.