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How Do You Renew a Passport?

Learn how to renew a U.S. passport, whether you qualify for renewal by mail, and when you must apply in person instead.

Direct answer

To renew a U.S. passport, first check whether your most recent passport meets the State Department renewal rules. You can renew by mail only if you can submit the passport, it was never reported lost or stolen, it was issued within the last 15 years, it was issued when you were 16 or older for a normal 10-year passport, it is not damaged beyond normal wear, and your name is unchanged or documented. If you do not meet the rules, apply in person instead.

meets renewal requirements = renewal path; does not meet requirements = apply in person

Passport renewal decision table

Issued within 15 years, age 16+, undamaged

Likely renewal eligible

Use DS-82 by mail or eligible online path

Lost or stolen

Not renewal by mail

Report it and apply using replacement/new-passport instructions

Damaged beyond normal wear

Not standard renewal

Apply in person

Issued before age 16

Cannot renew child passport

Apply for a new passport

Name changed

Renewable if documented

Include marriage, divorce, or court-order evidence

The first step is eligibility

Passport renewal is not just filling out a form. The correct process depends on your previous passport, name, age at issue, damage status, and travel timing. Use the State Department path that matches those facts.

Renew by mail

  1. 1Confirm that your passport meets the renewal requirements.
  2. 2Use the State Department form filler or DS-82 instructions.
  3. 3Include the most recent passport you are renewing.
  4. 4Add a compliant new passport photo and the current fee.
  5. 5Mail the application using the official State Department instructions.

FAQ

Can I renew my passport by mail?

Yes, if your most recent passport meets the State Department renewal requirements. If it was lost, stolen, damaged, issued more than 15 years ago, or issued before age 16, you generally must apply in person instead.

What if my passport is expired?

An expired passport may still be renewable if it otherwise meets the renewal rules, including being issued within the last 15 years and when you were age 16 or older.

Do I need a new photo to renew a passport?

Yes. A renewal application needs a passport photo that meets current State Department requirements, even though you submit your most recent passport with the renewal.

Sources & method

We reviewed these references while writing this answer. Figures are estimates — confirm safety-critical work with a professional. Last updated June 7, 2026.