Passport renewal checklist — routine, expedited, or emergency
Passport renewal is simple once you know the rules. The complications come from rushed timelines. Routine renewal 8–11 weeks. Expedited 4–6 weeks. In-person agency 1–14 days. This checklist walks the three paths and the document package each requires.
Do you qualify for DS-82 (mail-in renewal)?
You can renew by mail using DS-82 if ALL of these apply: 1) You have your most recent passport in hand, 2) it was issued to you age 16 or older, 3) it was issued within the last 15 years, 4) it's in good condition (not damaged or significantly altered), 5) your name is unchanged OR you can document a legal name change. If any are false, you need DS-11 in-person renewal (different document package).
Routine mail renewal (DS-82, 8–11 weeks)
Cost: $130 passport book + $35 execution fee (not required for DS-82 actually; DS-82 mail-in is just $130). Passport card additional $30 (useful for land/sea border crossing Canada/Mexico/Caribbean but NOT for air international travel). Total: $130–$160. Required documents: completed DS-82 form (download from travel.state.gov), most recent passport (will be returned separately), 1 passport photo (2" × 2", white background, specific photo rules — CVS/Walgreens $15, or use Passport Photo Creator app on phone + print), check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of State." Send via USPS Priority Mail with tracking ($9.50) — do NOT use first-class, you need tracking. Mail to the address on the form (varies by state).
Expedited mail renewal (DS-82, 4–6 weeks)
Same process + additional $60 expedite fee ($190 total) + $25 overnight shipping for faster return ($215 total). Write "EXPEDITED" clearly on the envelope. Uses same mailing address. Returns faster.
In-person renewal at Passport Agency (1–14 days)
You need an appointment (can't walk in since 2024). Book at travel.state.gov or call 1-877-487-2778. Appointments released up to 14 days before travel dates if you show proof. Required: proof of international travel within 14 days (flight itinerary) OR urgent need + documentation. 26 Passport Agencies in U.S. — Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Miami, NYC, Washington DC, Boston, Philadelphia, New Orleans, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Denver, Honolulu, Puerto Rico, and more. Cost: $130 + $60 expedite = $190, plus $35 execution fee if using DS-11 (first-time or replacement) = $190–$225. Bring: appointment confirmation, DS-82 or DS-11 form, current passport (or proof of citizenship for DS-11), photo, payment, proof of travel.
First-time passport (DS-11, in-person required)
First-time applicants cannot use DS-82. Must apply in person at an Acceptance Facility (most post offices, libraries, courthouses — 8,000+ nationwide) OR a Passport Agency. Required: DS-11 form (don't sign in advance — sign at the facility in front of an agent). Proof of citizenship: certified U.S. birth certificate (not photocopy — original with raised seal), or certificate of naturalization. Proof of identity: driver's license with photo. Passport photo. Cost: $130 book + $35 execution = $165 routine, + $60 for expedited. 8–11 weeks routine, 4–6 expedited.
Photo requirements (the most common failure point)
2" × 2", white background, full face, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open, no glasses (new 2016+ rule), no hat unless religious, taken within last 6 months. Head size 1-1 3/8 inches from chin to top of head. Digital photo failures include: shadows behind you (move 3+ feet from wall), glare from flash, head too close to edge, head tilted, eyes not fully open. CVS/Walgreens $15 includes 2 copies with guaranteed compliance. Passport Photo Booth app takes the photo + verifies compliance + prints to 4x6 from home printer.
Lost or stolen passport replacement (DS-11 required, in-person)
Report lost/stolen at travel.state.gov/passportlost or via form DS-64. Apply for replacement using DS-11 in person. Same $130 + $35 execution fee. Same photo + identity + citizenship requirements. If you're abroad: go to nearest U.S. embassy/consulate. Emergency replacement for return to U.S. ($165, 2–3 business days), followed by full renewal when home.
Name change renewal
If your passport was issued within the last year and name has changed, use DS-5504 (no fee). If over a year, use DS-82 (normal renewal, normal fees) + certified copy of marriage certificate or court order documenting name change. Original or certified copy required — not photocopy.
Children under 16
Always DS-11, always in person, always both parents must consent (bring signed form from absent parent or court order). Passport valid only 5 years (not 10 like adults). $100 book + $35 execution = $135 total routine, plus $60 expedite.
Timeline planning for renewal
International trip in 6+ months: routine mail is fine. 4–5 months out: routine or expedited. 2–3 months out: expedited by mail. 1–8 weeks out: in-person Passport Agency appointment. 1–14 days out: in-person emergency (document travel proof required). Under 14 days with no appointment available: call 1-877-487-2778 to request urgent exception.
What you need for the renewal appointment
Printed appointment confirmation. Completed DS-82 or DS-11 form (don't sign DS-11 in advance). Current passport (for DS-82) or birth certificate + ID (for DS-11). Passport photo (or take in-person $15 at many agencies). Payment method (credit/debit card, money order, or exact cash). Proof of travel within 14 days for expedited appointment. Arrive 15 min early. Bring photocopy of everything as backup.
FAQ on passport renewal
How long is renewal taking in 2026? Routine 8–11 weeks (down from 13–15 weeks post-pandemic). Expedited 4–6 weeks. In-person same-day to 2 weeks. Do I need a new passport if I have less than 6 months validity? If traveling internationally, yes — most countries enforce the 6-month rule. Renew before traveling. Can I keep my old passport? Yes — State Department returns it hole-punched (invalidated) but keepable as a souvenir and for visa history reference. Online passport renewal? Launched in pilot 2024, expanded in 2025 for adult mail-in renewals. Check travel.state.gov for eligibility. Passport card? $30 additional. Useful for land/sea borders (Canada/Mexico/Caribbean) and as backup ID. NOT valid for air international travel. Can I renew while overseas? Yes — at a U.S. embassy/consulate using DS-82. Longer processing time (4–6 weeks minimum). How far in advance can I renew? Any time. Renewal extends validity from the new date of issue, so renewing at 9 years leaves you with only 1 year of "extra" validity. Doesn't carry over. Can I apply for passport + passport card together? Yes, on one application, one photo, but separate fees. $130 book + $30 card = $160 for both. Can I get a second passport? Business travelers with simultaneous visa applications can apply for a second passport (limited 4-year validity) — requires letter from employer stating business need. $130 fee. Passport renewal tax-deductible? Only if traveling for business — consult your tax professional.
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