How to renew a U.S. passport
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Short answer
Most adults renew by mail with Form DS-82 if their most recent passport is undamaged, was issued when they were 16 or older, was issued within the last 15 years, and is in their current name (or they can document the name change).
Key takeaways
- The adult passport book fee for a mail renewal is $130; there is no execution fee when you renew by mail.
- You mail your old passport with the application — it is returned separately.
- If you do not meet every DS-82 rule, you must apply in person on Form DS-11 at an acceptance facility.
- Expedited service and 1–2 day return delivery are optional add-ons, each billed separately.
Who can renew by mail
You can use Form DS-82 only if your most recent passport meets all of these conditions: you can submit it with your application, it is undamaged (normal wear is fine), it was issued when you were age 16 or older, it was issued within the last 15 years, and it was issued in your current name or you can submit a certified marriage certificate or court order showing the change.
If any one of those is not true — including a passport that was lost, stolen, or significantly damaged — you must apply in person using Form DS-11.
What to include in the envelope
A completed, unsigned-until-instructed Form DS-82, your most recent passport, one new color passport photo taken within the last six months, a name-change document if applicable, and a check or money order for the fees payable to "U.S. Department of State".
Do not send cash. Use a trackable mailing service so you can confirm delivery.
Fees and optional speed
A renewal book is $130 and a passport card is $30. Expedited processing adds $60, and 1–2 day return delivery of the finished book adds $19.53.
Faster mail delivery only speeds the return trip — it does not change how long the government takes to process your application.
Related questions
Personalized renewal plan
Answer a few questions and we'll show the form you qualify for, the documents to bring, your estimated fees, and where to file.
Documents to bring or mail
- Your most recent passport (mailed with the application)
- Completed, signed Form DS-82
- One 2x2 inch passport photo
- Check or money order for the fees
Estimated fees
- Passport book$130
- Estimated total$130
Fees are the official U.S. Department of State amounts. The $35 execution fee applies only to in-person applications.
Step-by-step
- Complete and sign Form DS-82.
- Get a 2x2 photo on a plain white background.
- Attach your prior passport and payment.
- Mail it with tracking to the address on the form.
- Check your status online after about 2 weeks.
This planner is guidance only. PassportOffices is an independent directory, not a government agency — confirm eligibility on travel.state.gov.