How to Renew Your U.S. Passport Before You Travel

Before you travel, make sure you check your U.S. passport validity and renew it if required. Each country has different requirements, but some require that your passport be valid for at least six months after your entry to the country.

Learn more about how to renew your U.S. passport:

1. How long does it take to renew my U.S. passport?
2. If my U.S passport was issued before I was 16, how do I renew it in person?
3. Can I renew my U.S. passport by mail?
4. Can I renew my U.S. passport online? (Updated June 2024)
5. How do I renew my U.S. passport by mail?

How long does it take to renew my U.S. passport?

If you find you need to renew your passport before travel, give yourself time to get your renewed passport back. Standard renewals can take 4 to 6 weeks without shipping time. Expedited renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks for an additional $60.

If your upcoming international travel is less than 2 weeks away, check our guide on How to Get a U.S. Passport in Two Weeks or Less.

Complete timeline to receive a new or renewed passport

If my U.S. passport was issued before I was 16, how do I renew it in person?

If your current passport was issued before you were 16 you won’t be able to renew it through mail and must apply in person for a new passport.

To renew in person you’ll need to complete the following steps:

• Fill out Form DS-11
• Provide evidence of U.S. citizenship – bring an original and a photocopy of this document
  • One of the following:
    • U.S birth certificate
    • A full validity U.S. Passport (5 years is fully valid for an under-16 passport)
    • Certificate of naturalization or citizenship
• Photo ID – bring an original and a photocopy of this document
  • If you are 16 or 17 years old, you need a photocopy of a parent/guardian’s ID and either a signed note or at least one parent applying with you
  • Photo ID can include:
    • Valid or expired U.S. passport
    • In-state, valid driver’s license
    • Valid foreign passport
    • In-state valid non-driver ID with photo
• New passport photo
• A check or money order for the appropriate passport fee
  • Passport book: $130
  • Passport book and Passport card: $160
  • Expedited service: Add $60
  • 1-2 delivery service: Add $21.36
• $35 execution fee paid to the acceptance center, payment methods vary depending on facility
• Submit all these documents at a passport acceptance facility

If you are applying for a child under 16 years of age, both parents must apply in person with the child, unless additional documentation is prepared. The processing fees are also slightly lower for a child.

Learn more about Where to Apply for a U.S. Passport: Your Complete Guide

Can I renew my U.S. passport by mail?

If your current passport was issued before you were 16, then you will need to apply for a new passport in person.

If you can say “Yes” to all the following questions, then you can proceed to renew by mail:

• Do you have your passport in hand to submit with your application?
• Is your passport undamaged other than normal wear and tear?
• Was it issued when you were 16 or older?
• Was it issued within the last 15 years?
• Was it issued in your current name or can you document your name change?

How do I renew my U.S. passport by mail?

To renew by mail you’ll need to mail the following items to the National Passport Processing Center:

• Filled out Form DS-82
• Your most recent U.S. Passport (undamaged beyond normal wear and tear)
• Name change documents (if applicable)
• New passport photo (photo requirements)
• A check or money order for the appropriate passport fee. No execution feed is necessary when mailing. See Costs of U.S. Passports
  
  • Passport book: $130
  • Passport book and Passport card: $160
  • Expedited service: Add $60
  • 1-2 delivery service: Add $21.36

Mail these materials to one of the following address:

Can I renew my U.S. passport online?

Beginning in June of 2024, it is possible to renew a US passport online when meeting specific criteria. Here are the current requirements to apply for a passport renewal online:

• Your current passport has a 10-year validity, and you are at least 25 years old.
• The passport was issued between 2009 and 2015, or 9 to 15 years ago from your application date.
• No updates are needed for your name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth.
• You are not planning international travel within 8 weeks of your application. Only routine service is available (4-6 weeks of processing time) and your current passport is cancelled immediately.
• You are applying for a standard (tourist) passport. Diplomatic, official, or service passports cannot be renewed online.
• You reside in the United States. Online renewal is not available if you live abroad or have an APO/FPO address.
• Your passport is in good condition, has not been reported lost or stolen, and you have it with you. You will not need to mail your passport.
• You can pay using a credit or debit card.
• You can provide a digital passport photo.

Since it is currently a beta release, there are limited slots available every day and applications will be closed after reaching the limit. New applications open around 1 P.M ET every day, including the weekends. After testing has been completed, the daily limit will be increased or removed in the next several months. Visit the travel.state.gov site for the up-to-date application process and steps.

» MORE:

Passport Application Timeline
Emergency Passport Services
Rush Your Passport Application
Countries Off-Limits to Americans For Travel
Travel Domestically Without Passport