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US citizens qualify for a passport renewal if their passport is in good condition, issued when they were 16 or older, and is less than 5 years expired. The process to renew your passport depends on how fast you need your passport. If you need your passport fast, passport renewals can be issued as quickly as 7-days with a private expediting company.
How to Renew Your Adult U.S. Passport
Most of the time, adults can renew their passports by mail, even if it’s already expired. The routine processing time is 8-11 weeks, though expedited options are available. You’re eligible to renew by mail using Form DS-82 as long as all of the following conditions apply:
- Your current passport has not been lost, stolen, or damaged.
- Your current passport was issued after your 16th birthday.
- Your current passport was issued no more than 15 years ago.
- Your current passport was issued in your current legal name, or you have legal proof of your name change.
If that sounds like you, you are eligible to begin the Passport Renewal process.
If you aren’t eligible to renew your passport, you will need to follow the New Passport process.
Required Documents for a Passport Renewal
The required documents for a passport renewal are simple and easy to gather. Save, print, and create copies of the following documents for your passport renewal.
- DS-82 Application
- Passport Photo
- Expired or Expiring U.S. Passport
- Government Fees
- Proof of Name Change (if applicable)
- Travel Itinerary (applicable if expediting)
Passport Renewal for Children Under Age 16
Children under the age of 16 are not eligible to renew their passports. A child passport is a passport issued to an applicant age 15 or younger and is only valid for 5 years. A child’s passport cannot be renewed. It is considered a new passport each time a minor age 15 or younger needs a passport. The applicant must appear in person at a post office or passport office, and with both parents. If only one parent is available, he or she must bring a notarized parental consent form signed by the other parent. In addition to the child’s proof of citizenship, parents must bring proof of their own identity and proof of their relationship to the child.
After you appear in person, the application can be sent directly to the Department of State or to an expediting company like RushMyPassport for faster processing. Gather the required documents here.
Passport Renewal for Teenagers Aged 16-17
Like younger kids, teenagers aged 16 and 17 must appear in person at a post office or passport office with a parent present to apply for passport renewal. If the teenager doesn’t have a state-issued ID yet, the parent’s ID can be used instead. Written parental consent may be required at the passport office if it isn’t implied on the application.
How to Renew Your Passport Quickly
The standard processing time for a passport renewal is 8-11 weeks from the day you apply, though it can vary depending on how busy the passport office is. However, if you need to get it more quickly there are a few ways to do so:
- Pay an additional $60 expedite fee when you submit your application. The State Department also recommends that you pay for overnight shipping both to and from the passport agency. This will cut the processing time down to about 5-8 weeks.
- Make an appointment at the nearest passport agency if you’re leaving in 14 days (or 4 weeks if you need a visa).
- Use a private passport expediting company like RushMyPassport for faster, more personalized service and no need to make an appointment or wait in line.
RushMyPassport makes ordering a passport easy, fast and convenient. Contact us to renew your passport quickly and painlessly!
I am renewing two passports (Mine and my wife) Can I put both applications for renewal and both old passports in the same envelope to mail for renewal? Must I make separate checks for each passport that I renew?
You should make separate payments but you can include all of the documents in the same shipping envelope. We would recommend having each application and documentation in separate envelopes within the shipping envelope.
My passport expires feb.07 how long do I have to renew it and the best way to sent it in
If it is an adult passport, you can renew it within the next 5 years. You can also use our basic renewal service if you want to get your passport fast but don’t want to wait the 6-8 weeks through the routine processing.
How long before the passport expiration date, can one apply for renewal?
Generally you can renew at any time but most do it within the last year of validity or even up to 5 years after it expires.
I have a question. I received a letter on Feb 22 stating my photo was not acceptable because I had sun glasses on my head. The photo has been retaken and attached to the letter I received from United States Department of state, Western Passport Center 44132 Mercure Circle, P.O. box 1178, Sterling VA 20166-1178.
Do I need to do anything else? When can I expect to receive a passport if all goes well? Penny Ruth Capwell
It’ll be up to the Passport Agency on their release time. That should be all unless something else is needed, they will only reach out when there’s an issue.
Good article. My question is “Is there a specific way to assemble my renewal paperwork, my passport book, photo and check before putting it in the envelope to send to you or does everything just get shoved into an envelope and sent out”? Thanks,
Everything gets put into an envelope and shipped out. No special order needed.
I was 14 when I got my first passport and now I am 18. How would my renewal work?
You will need to apply for a new adult passport now. If you are traveling soon, please call us right away to get your passport expedited.
I just renewed my passport and I leave in 8 weeks. Will it get to me on time? Nervous
We can’t really advise once you’ve applied if you didn’t use our service. If you had expedited through us, you would have it in two weeks or less. However, you should be fine with travel in 8 weeks because routine processing takes 4-6 weeks.
My child was five when she her passport now she is 11 how much will cost to renew her passport?
It’s considered a child passport every time until the applicant is 16 and older. It will be $115 for routine processing that takes 4-6 weeks. Please call us right away if you are traveling sooner than 4-6 weeks.
my child passport expired a year ago and i would like to renew it. I know it needs two parents for the processing. The problem is i separated from her mom and her mom left the country and no where to be found, she is not missing but we cant tracked her down. So,is there any way we can renew my child passport without the other parent?
You need to follow the ‘Child Passport’ page and you’ll likely need to complete the DS5525 or DS3053: https://checkout.rushmypassport.com/
My passport was issued in 2001 & expired in 2011. Can I renew it or do I need a new one? Where do I go for one?
You can’t renew a passport that old. You will need a new passport now. If you are traveling soon, please call us so we can help you expedite it on time.
Hi, How to get a parental consent form.
You cannot renew a child passport. Please see our child passport list for the required forms and consent form: https://www.rushmypassport.com/newlp/help-center/documents-needed/
My passport expired in 2010…what do I need to do? Thanks
You need to apply for a new passport now. If you are traveling within the next 4 weeks, you should contact us to help you expedite it. Otherwise, just visit your post office for routine passport processing.
My passport expired 7/2016. What do I need and the cost for renewal
Everything you need is on this page. You will need to gather the required documents and government fee. You can also expedite your passport renewal here: https://www.rushmypassport.com/newlp/passport-renewal/
My twin boy’s passports are expiring in October. They were issued prior to their 16th birthday and they are now 18 years old. What is the best way to renew? Can they do that via mail or do they have to go in and get a new passport all together?
They cannot renew the child passport. They will need to go in and apply for a new adult passport now.
I need to renew my daughters passport. She is 18. She does not have a state issued drivers license or ID. We currently live in Mexico. What can I use for the second ID that is required. She does have a official picture ID from Mexico which is her voter card. This is the official identification document for all residents of Mexico and has her date of birth, photo and signature.
If you currently live in Mexico, you will need to visit the Embassy. They will assist you with the required documents. For second IDs, you should provide as many as possible. We even recommend paystubs, yearbook photos, etc that will help supplement the ID requirement.
Will dark circles under my eyes be an issue for passport photos? It’s not a shadow or lighting issue, it’s how I really look. I have deep-set eyes and the skin under/around them is very dark.
Erin, don’t worry about that! Your passport photo should be an accurate reflection of who you are and you are perfect. Take that photo with pride and you will be good to go!
Mailed in passport renewal June 4-5 2018. Check to US Passport cleared my bank 5/11/18. I have an opportunity for a short trip to Mexico June 14 – will I get my renewed passport by then or is there something else I can use for Mexico? Charlene
Hi Charlene, Call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. They should be able to help!
I would like to renew my passport but it was issued to me before I was 16. Would that still be a renewal or would I now have to apply for an adult passport?
It will now be a new adult passport. If you are traveling sooner than 4-6 weeks for standard processing, you should consider expediting your new adult passport. You can learn more here: https://www.rushmypassport.com/newlp/new-passport.html
I would like to renew my passport however it is valid till 2021 , because i will satay overseas for 3 years , can i do that?!
Yes, you can renew your passport at any time and you will get a new 10 year validity passport.
Hi there. My passport was expired 10 years ago and would like to renew but since I got remarried my last now is different from my expired passport. What do I need to renew?
On my original passport my name is Jacqueline Michele Ferguson and my name is now hyphenated Ferguson-Cooper. Can I renew and just have them update it or do I need to start all over again? Also can this be done online?
Hi Jacqueline, you can renew and have it updated as long as you have legal documentation of the change (marriage certificate, court order, etc).
I need to renew my kids expired passports. They were under 16 when they were issued, now they are 16, 18 and 21. Can we do this at the post office? What forms do we need to fill out prior to going?
Hi Sherry,
Yes, you’ll need to do it at the post office, but you can use the old passports as proof of citizenship. Use Form DS-11.
Is the cost of renewing the same whether by mail or in person at the office in post office?
Hi Tom, It depends. If you qualify to use Form Ds-82, you don’t have to pay the execution fee when applying at the post office. But if you need to use Form DS-11 and have a passport agent sign off (this could happen if your old passport has been damaged, for example), then you would pay a $25 execution fee in addition to the application fee. And the execution fee is going up to $35 in April.
Can my wife’s passport accompany mine in one mailing?
I am a U.S Citizen and I want to renew my passport but I am not sure if I have my last one which is expired. Which form do I need to fill out and where do I turn it in to?
If you can find your passport, you can renew by mail using form DS-82.
If you can’t, apply at the post office using Form DS-11 and Form DS-64(to report your passport missing.)
Wife & I are taking a cruise this year to Hawaii. On the return we stop in Encenata, Mexico. Our passports expired two years ago. Question:
Do we need to renew our passport? How much will it cost? Our age is 74 & 72. We leave in November, how long will it take? What form do I fill out. I already have new photos.
Hello my son got his passport when he was 5 he is now 18. Does he have to start completely over to renew?
Hi Melissa,
He won’t be able to renew by mail, but he can use the old passport as proof of citizenship.
What is fee to renew USA passport with marriage license to change name?
$110 for a passport book, plus a $60 expedited fee if you need it in 2-3 weeks.
How accurate of a date does the application need for the date my name changed? I’m trying to renew my passport that expired 3 years ago, which was under my maiden name. The application is asking for the date my name changed. I was married 10 years ago and cannot remember the exact date I filled out the paperwork. Can I just use my marriage date? Because I didn’t officially change my name for another month or 2.
I sent my passport in for renewal September 9, 2017. I just discovered that I wrote the check on a bank account we just closed. How can I get a new check to you so my passport can be processed?
Hi John,
Did you renew through RushMyPassport or did you renew directly through the Department of State? If you renewed through us, call us at 877-503-9838. If you’re not our customer, please call the National Passport Information Center directly at 1-888-874-7793. Thanks!
Hello….my passport book expired in Dec. and I need my passport for new employee documentation beg. of June. Can I physically go somewhere with the form, old expired passport book and $$$ and get one expedited.?
thanks
Sure, you have three options:
You can expedite at the post office for an additional $60 fee. You should get your passport back in 2-3 weeks.
You can make an appointment at the nearest regional passport agency.
Or you can use an expediting service like RushMyPassport for an additional fee.
Hope this helps!
My passports expire next year. I have a book and a card. Do I need to send in both for a renewal or can I keep one to use? We take a cruise 2-3 times a year and if I could keep one I won’t have to juggle my cruise around renewal delays.
Yes, you can renew them separately-but you’ll have to pay the renewal application fee twice! It would be cheaper to renew them both at the same time and pay the $60 expedite fee to get it in 2-3 weeks.
My passport is due to expire n October 2017. I heard that I can renew my passport at the Library located on Kings Highway right there.
do I need to fill out the application beforehand, and what is the fee for renewing a passport?
As long as your passport is in good shape, you can skip the library! Just use form DS-82 and mail it in. The fee is $110.00. Hope this helps!
Ok I want to renew so all I need to send you is my old passport, form ds-82,passport photo. birth certificate and copy and the money required to pay for the new one is the correct or am I forgetting something
Hey Ricky,
If you’re renewing through RushMyPassport you should receive a checklist with everything you need. But if you have your old passport, generally you don’t need a birth certificate.
I have a passport that expires June 19. I have an Alaska trip planned that returns from Vancouver on June 9. I wanted to renew my passport, but do not want to mail in as I have a cruise also to the Bahamas in March. Can I apply for a renewal without sending in the current passport if I make application at the Post Office, rather than on line?
Hi Brenda,
Unfortunately, you have to send your old passport in to get a renewal. That said, for a closed-loop Alaskan cruise with a stop in Canada, your current passport is probably okay. Canada only requires your passport be valid at the time of entry, and you can use your driver’s license and birth certificate for a closed-loop cruise to Canada anyway.
My passport expires in Dec 2017 – can I use it in Sep 2017? Not sure if it needs to be renewed a few months before it expires. Thank you.
Hi Judy,
It depends on where you’re traveling! Some places have a “6 month rule,” where you need at least 6 months left on your passport to enter. Other countries don’t care, as long it’s good for the length of your trip.
Just a quick question got my passport before 16 and it’s now expired and I’m 21 in the US Military is there Active Duty discounts?
Hi Michael,
You’ll need to use form DS-11 and apply in person at a post office. If you have at least 3 weeks you can get it expedited through the post office. If not, make an appointment at a passport agency or RushMyPassport can help you. We do offer a 10% mil;itary discount.
We are renewing our daughters passport shes 16 yrs old, does both parents need to be present to apply? Can I just issue one check if I’m renewing 2 passports?
Hi Corrie, if she’s 16 you only need one parent. You will need separate checks. Hope this helps!
post office lady took my picture with my glasses on. will that stop the passport from being renewed?
thank you
Hi Bob, for now, it shouldn’t as long as there wasn’t any glare. But you’ll need to take them off completely for future photos. That’s a new rule starting November 1st.
Passport doesn’t expire until November 2016.. Please advise best renewal process.
Hi Dwight,
Just use the post office, but make sure you have at least three weeks before you travel.
What the fastest way to get my passport renewed. My current passport expired 6 years ago
Hi Curtis,
The fastest way is to either make an appointment at the nearest regional passport agency or to use an expediter like RushMyPassport. If you renew by mail, the soonest you should expect it is 3 weeks door-to-door.
where do I get DS 82 form
Hi Patricia,
Here you go: https://pptform.state.gov/
My passport expires in July. But I was planning to fly May and be back before July, and renew it in July, do I need to renew it before that?
Possibly, Carlos. It depends on where you’re traveling. A lot of countries have a “six-month rule,” meaning you need at least six months left before your expiration date to be allowed in.
I need to renew my passport it is good until July 19 2016. I would like to do it in person. Years ago it was done by the post office. What are your recommendations? I do not feel safe putting it in the mail.
Hi Mary,
First, may I ask why you don’t feel safe putting it in the mail? If you’re worried about tracking it, you can mail it directly from the post office and send it with tracking. If you’re worried about filling the application out wrong, you can ask if a post office employee would be willing to proofread for you.
You can also see if there’s a passport agency near you that doesn’t require proof of travel, but most do require an itinerary showing that you are leaving the country within the next 2 weeks, or the next month if you also need a foreign visa. You can call the National Passport Center at 1-877-487-2778 to see if this is an option for you or not.
We offer a quicker turnaround and more personal service than if you used the post office, but you would need to FedEx the documents to us. If you’d feel better doing that instead of the post office, our standard service is $99.00 (plus government fees) and gets your passport in 10-12 business days, plus you’ll be assigned a case manager to update you on the process and check your application for errors. Let us know if we can help!
How much to renew
The government’s schedule of fees is here: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/information/fees.html
If you’re using our service for an expedited renewal, you’ll pay an extra fee of $99 to $349, depending on how fast you need your passport
Need to renew my Israeli passport
Please call
Thanks
Hi Ahuva, Unfortunately we are only able to help US citizens renew their US passports. Please contact the nearest Israeli consulate or embassy to renew your passport.