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Applying for a passport renewal early and in a timely fashion will keep your travel options open. This post will help you understand how to apply for a passport renewal and when you should apply for your passport renewal. Don’t miss an upcoming trip because of lengthy processing delays or an invalid passport due to the six-month validity rule.
How to Apply for a Passport Renewal
You might be tempted to try to keep your current passport for as long as possible, but don’t. The Department of State recommends that you apply for your passport renewal nine months before it expires. This isn’t an attempt to squeeze extra money out of you. Many countries actually require that your passport be valid for a full six months or they’ll deny you entry, even if you don’t plan to stay in the country that long. This is also known as the six-month validity rule.
Where to Apply for a Passport Renewal
The good news about applying for a passport renewal is that in many cases you can apply by mail. You are eligible to simply mail in your application if all of the following statements are true:
- You still have your current passport in your possession, and it hasn’t been damaged (normal wear and tear is generally okay.)
- Your passport was issued no more than 15 years ago, and it was issued after your 16th birthday.
- If you’ve changed your name since it was issued, you have legal documents like a marriage certificate or divorce decree to support that request.
If any of the statements above don’t apply to you, you need to apply in person, just like the first time. See How to Apply for a New Passport for details.
Required Passport Renewal Documents and Fees
If you are eligible to apply by mail, all you’ll need is a completed copy of passport renewal form DS-82 along with your current passport, one new passport photo, and name change documents, if applicable. Â Send these to the address on the form, along with $130 for the passport renewal fees. Add an additional $30 if you would like a wallet-sized passport card in addition to your passport book, and another $60 if you need expedited processing.
Processing Time for a Passport Renewal
If you applied for regular routine processing, you may have to wait up to 8 weeks to get your passport. For expedited processing under normal travel circumstances, you should allow up to 3 weeks. If you need your passport sooner than that, you have two options. The first is to make an appointment at one of the country’s regional passport agencies. The second is to use a private passport expediting company like RushMyPassport to expedite your application, no appointment or additional travel is needed. We personally deliver your paperwork to the Department of State, for processing in as little as one week!
Visit us online to apply for your passport renewal today!
My son was issued a passport when he was 13. He has turned 18 and is passport expires in 3 months.
Your son will need to now apply for a new adult passport. The child passport cannot be renewed.
Never mind. Birth cert was returned with old passports. Tks!
At the direction of the US Post Office person helping us we sent in the original birth certificate with our renewal application. We just got back the new passport but not (yet) the old passport or BC. Will the Birth Cert be sent back to us?
Generally the Passport Agency will return all original documents separately from your passport. If you do not receive the documents within a few weeks, you may need to contact the Passport Agency directly.
My husband just retired from the US Army. He was issued a passport with the Army less than a year ago. We have his passport number but the passport itself was kept by the Army. How can we go about getting his passport re-issued to him as a civilian?
Your husband now must apply for a new adult passport. It will be a civilian passport, and the color will be blue this time.
My passport will not expire for another 16 months, but I will be doing a lot of traveling (locally). Is it okay to renew it this early (before my traveling starts).
Yes, you can renew your passport any time.
What is the form of payment to renew passport by mail? Cash, check or money order? If check or money order, who do we adddress today to?
If you are using routine processing, the address and instructions are on the actual DS-82 application. All payments are made to the US Department of State. If you need your passport expediting, your passport specialist will assist you with the shipping address.
I don’t have a printer. Can I obtain a DS-82 form at the Post Office or have one mailed to me?
You will need a printer in order to expedite your passport. You can complete the application and email it to yourself to print at the library or copy shop. You will also need to print out the Letter of Authorization if you are expediting. Otherwise, just visit the post office for routine service.
What do you list as your hair color if you are turning gray, but have it colored???
If your hair dyed is the same color as it was at birth, we usually recommend using that color. If you have an unnatural hair color, we suggest putting your hair color at birth. Same if you do not have any hair at all. Otherwise, gray is fine too.
Hello.
My passport expired 30 days ago. I want to renew, but I need to add an address change, and will be moving again in the next 90 days. How can I go about renewing, how difficult is it to update the address after I move again?
There is no address on your passport so you can apply now. Just make sure you include a shipping address where you can get your passport.
It’s time to renew my passport. I now wear a wig. Must my photo be without the wig or can I wear the wig?
If you wear your wig everyday, you can wear it for the picture!
How safe is it to send passport by mail?
To renew by mail? It’s very safe!
Typo, fees and photo
Do I fill out this form and submit it on line then mail in the signed copy with the feed and photo?
Hi Jeffery, You can’t submit online. What you would is fill out the form online, print it, sign it and send it in with the fee, photo and your current passport.
How long will normal processing take. It says 6 weeks or longer, but how much longer is that 13 weeks?
Hi Michael, Usually 6-8 weeks, but it could be longer depending on how many applications the State Department is processing and whether or not your application is delayed.
My passport has not expired but only has 4 blank pages. Can I obtain additional pages or do l need to renew it?
Hi Joel, You can’t add pages anymore, unfortunately. You’ll have to renew it. I’d suggest requesting the larger 52 page book since you travel so often. Hope this helps!
Hi ,
My passport expires in August 2018 . What all documents do I need to renew my passport . What is the renewal fee?
Thank you
Hi Rekha, As long as you still have your passport and it’s still in good condition, you can apply by mail with for DS-82. You’ll need the form filled out, your old passport, and legal proof to support any name change requests. The fee is $110 for regular service, with an additional $60 if you expedite.
What is the fee for a passport renewal?
In Florida without passports back in Michigan. Have a printed copy they are just out of date 1 year. Can I renew?
If you don’t have the actual passport, you’ll need to apply for a new one (with ID and your birth certificate for proof of citizenship). You can’t use a printed copy of your passport for a renewal, it has to be the real deal.
I meet all requirements for reneweing by mail. However, my passport expired 11 days ago. Can I still renew by mail?
Do I get my old passport back when I send it in by mail for renewal?
You do, but it will be in a different envelope.
If my passport was issued just prior to my 16th birthday do I need to apply in person like the first time? I’m 20 now do I need to be accompanied by a parent?
You do not need to be accompanied by a parent, but you do need to apply for your new passport at a post office. The old passport can be used as proof of citizenship, though.
I am leaving on March 22. Am I safe if I apply by Jan 13th.
Sure, just apply for expedited processing at the post office.
I use my passport almost weekly. What do I do in the meantime if I have to send it in for Renewal?
Hi Frank,
What are you using it for? If you’re traveling weekly and you have an itinerary, you can get new one more quickly at a passport agency or through an expediting company like RushMyPassport.
If you’re using it for daytrips across the border, check and see if there are other acceptable IDs you can use, like an Enhanced Drivers License or a NEXUS card. It depends on the situation.
My passport expires in May of 2018 can I travel now without any problems?
Hi Jose,
It depends on where you’re traveling to. Check the entry requirements for your destination- some require at six month’s validity.
Can we have our passport expedite within 24 hours if we’re not having a trip and just wanted within 24 hours
Hi Lucila,
You do need an itinerary to have it expedited in 24 hours.
my passport was issued in 1990,what can I do to get it renewed
Hi Guyla,
You’ll need to apply in person at a post office, just like you’re applying for a new passport. However, you can use your old passport as proof of US citizenship.
My passport expired before 15 years. I’m getting married in a few months and want my passport in my married name. Do I apply for a renewal or a new passport?
Hi Amanda, if it will be less than 15 years old and is in good condition, you should be able to apply for a renewal by mail. Just include your marriage certificate to show proof for the name change.
What website can I use to renew online?
Hi Brenda,
There’s no way to renew completely online, as the Department of State only accepts applications by mail or in person. But you can fill out an application online and print it here: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/renew.html Or, if you need it in a hurry, you can order online from RushMyPassport and we will email you the checklist and the application paperwork.
Where does it say who to make the check out to?
Hi Judy, Checks should be made out to “U.S. Department of State.” Please also include your full name and birthdate.
Hi Alison I read your “how to apply for passport renewal ” it published in 2011 it’s 7 years ago ,the renewal fees are $110 for the passport and $30 for wallet-sizes,how the cost for renewal now ,and if I mail the application form with my current passport, can l use the regular envelope or some kind of special?
Hi Loc,
The renewal fees are the same (just remember, the wallet sized passport card is only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean. It cannot be used for air travel). And it would be better to use a padded envelope of some sort to keep everything protected. I would also get tracking on it.
I got my daughters passport when she was 12 years old and it expired when she turned 18. she is now 21 and needs to have it renewed, does she have to apply for a brand new passport or can she have it renewed?
She needs to follow the instructions for a new passport, using form DS-11
My passport expired July 16, 2017. I have been trying to renew
My question is what’s the renewal fee? Is there a extra fee since it’s expired and do I pay a application fee?
Hi Alison, frankly I’m just worried about putting my passport in the mail… Seems like that could be risky. Can I just go to post office and take care of it in person?
Hi Michael, you can mail it directly from the post office.
My wife and I have valid passports that expire in early 2019. We have a need to travel abroad in late summer of 2018. Can we apply for renewal now to insure we have our bases covered before we begin making travel arrangements.
Sure, Jim! In fact, I would go ahead and do it. That way you won’t need to pay for expedited service!
My original passport is in my maiden name, I’ve since been married and divorced. It’s time to renew and I’m keeping my married name. Do I send a copy of the divorce document or marriage certificate
Hi Ashley, you would send a copy of the marriage certificate since you’re keeping your married name. Hope that helps!
I want to apply for a passport renewal, but I don’t know where my old passport is. Nor do I know how old it is. Probably about 16 years old.
Hi Janet,
It doesn’t sound like you can renew. Follow the process for applying for a new passport instead.
Where does one have a passport picture made?
Some post offices, most drug stores and Walmart all offer passport photo services.
Hi, I need help on renewing my daughter’s passport and like to do it with mail application. But I just found out two things on old passport, date of issue, Jan 2010 and date of expiration, Jan 2015. She was born in July 1995, so when her passport was issued in 2010 at that year she was 15. Can her passport renewal be applied with mail or she has to go to the passport agent in post office in person?
Hi Doreen,
She needs to go to the post office, I’m afraid. Good luck!
I can use a special card for boarder crossing f rom Tucson AZ to Nogales Sonora. Do I apply at same place as getting renewal of passport? Can I get both?k
You can use a passport card, and yes, you can just check the box on the form for it when you apply for your passport renewal.
Where can one obtain DS-82?
Hi Pedro,
You can download it here: https://www.rushmypassport.com/newlp/forms.html
My son’s passport expired in January 2016. When it was taken in 2011, he was 13 yrs old. Now he needs to get it renewed. He is 18 yrs old now. Can he use the form DS-82 and apply for a passport renewal or does he have to start from the beginning.
Hi Karen,
He’ll need to start from the beginning, but he can use his current passport for proof of citizenship. 🙂
will my renewed passport be forwarded in the mail if i apply online now. I am leaving for 4 months & it should be renewed by August.
Marilyn, while you can order expedited service online from us if you need it, you can’t apply completely online. You’ll still need to send in your application and your current passport. Then, you will get the renewal back in the mail. Your canceled passport will also be returned in a separate envelope.
If you want to make sure you have your passport in time without expedited service, you should apply now.
My passport is about to expire. If I get only a pass card how will that affect getting a passport in the future?
Hi Nancy,
You can apply for your replacement passport as if you’re applying for a passport renewal, using form DS-82.
Where do I get the DS-82?
Hi Lillie, you can print it here: https://www.rushmypassport.com/newlp/forms.html
I want to renew my passport but I don’t want to use my middle name can I do this and how any pictures do you need to send in
A middle initial is acceptable on your passport. Just fill out the paperwork accordingly. However, don’t forget to book your plane tickets the same way! You’ll need one new photo.
Alison – When renewing your passport by mail, I understand you have to send your old passport in with the renewal form along with an updated picture. Will we get our old passport back along with the new one? I worry about the mail possibly losing my passport.
Hi Linda, You’ll get your old passport back, with holes punched through it to show it’s no longer valid. However, it will be in a separate mailing from your new passport and usually arrives a little bit later. So, don’t panic. 🙂
Am I prevented from out of country travel for the duration that my passport is submitted for renewal? This could be a problem if the process is extended for months. I have read of longer delays recently.
Hi David,
Yes, because you have to send your old passport in when you renew. However, if you have travel booked, you can use a Regional Passport Agency (see the list here: https://www.rushmypassport.com/newlp/blog/2015/09/find-your-closest-regional-passport-agency/) or we can help.
My passport has expired and it was issued over 15 years ago. How do I proceed?
Hi Steve, You’ll need to go in person to a post office or other passport acceptance facility and apply like a first-timer. However, you can use your expired passport as proof of citizenship. Hope this helps!
I’m wanting a passport to go see pyramids in central Mexico. I’m not wanting to go soon, as I’m in no hurry. I’m wanting info only at this time. Where in Santa Ana, CA can I go to apply for a passport that will allow me to go see those pyramids in central Mexico? I’m wanting to apply at a US Post Office in Santa Ana, CA, but don’t know where to go to apply for the passport wanted. Again, this is basic info that I’m wanting. Can you help me? Thank you.
Hi Linda,
Use this tool from the Department of State to find the nearest passport office: https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/
My passport expired just 6 days ago. Can I use the same photo. Is there some place I can go in Bucks County to expedite?
Hi Deborah,
No, you can’t use the same photo. You’ll have to get a new one taken. As far as expediting, it depends on how fast you need it. You can expedite through the post office and get it within 3 weeks instead of the usual 4-6 weeks. If you need it faster, there is a passport agency in Philadelphia or we can help.
Pp # 406470633 trying to renew . My birth was in Cooperstown Ny. Application will not allow as city. Birth certificate shows Otsego county. What is necessary to expedite this passport. Cooperstown is listed as a village. Thank you for any help you can give me.
Hi John, Please give us a call at 1-877-503-9838
My son is in Afghanistan as a civilian contractor and his passport is going to expire soon and he is not due stateside until Sept 2015. So, how does he get it renewed?? Need to know ASAP and would that be a good thing to be over there and mail you his passport?? Emergency situation comes up what does he do???
Hi, he can apply for a renewal at the US Embassy.