How to renew a passport: A step-by-step guide

As you’re planning an international trip, one important step is to check your passport. If it’s within six months of expiring, damaged or already full, it’s time to start the passport renewal process. 

Traveling overseas can come with much anticipation and planning. And knowing how and when to renew your passport is essential to your travel plan. Keep reading to learn how to renew a U.S. passport.

What you’ll learn:

• You should start the passport renewal process at least six months before your passport expires.

• With a few exceptions, most adult passports must be renewed by mail.

• As of December 2023, processing time for U.S. passport renewal is typically six to eight weeks.

• For an additional $60 fee, you could expedite your passport processing to two to three weeks.

It’s a good idea to renew your passport at least six to nine months before the expiration date—especially if you know you’ll be traveling internationally in the future. 

You can find a country’s passport and entry requirements by searching the U.S. Department of State’s travel website.

And if your passport has expired, you should take steps to renew it as soon as possible. If it was issued within the past 15 years, you can still renew it rather than apply for a new one.

Processing times for passport renewal can depend on the season. Currently, routine passport processing takes six to eight weeks, while expedited processing takes two to three weeks. But keep in mind that processing times don’t include the time it will take for your passport to arrive via mail, so you’ll want to add at least another two weeks to the time.

You can track your application status by signing up for email updates.

Passports can’t be renewed online. However, you can visit the State Department’s website to find the documents you need to renew by mail. You may also be able to fill out the renewal form online to print for submission.

In most cases, the only option for renewing your passport is to apply by mail. Here’s a look at the renewal-by-mail application process:

The first step is to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. Here are several reasons why you may not be able to renew your passport by mail:

• Your old passport is damaged beyond normal wear and tear.

• Your old passport was reported lost or stolen.

• The passport you’re renewing was issued more than 15 years ago.

• The passport was issued when you were under the age of 16.

• You owe more than $2,500 in child support payments.

• You can’t prove your legal name change because you’re missing the necessary documents, like a marriage certificate.

If any of these statements apply to you, you’ll need to apply for a new passport in person using Form DS-11. The full eligibility requirements for renewing a passport are listed on the Department of State website.

You can find the renewal application, Form DS-82, online. Be sure to print the form single-sided, fill out all sections, and sign and date it.

In addition to the application form, you may need to include supporting documents. For example, if your current name is different from what’s on your old passport, you’ll need to include a certified name change document, like a marriage certificate. Or if you’re applying without a Social Security number (SSN), you may need to provide a signed statement that you’ve never been issued an SSN.

Your application should include a color photograph taken within the past six months. The photo must be two inches by two inches with a white or off-white background. You can’t wear glasses in the photo. And any head coverings must be medically necessary or part of a religious requirement, in which case you’ll need to provide a signed verification statement.

Find more passport photo tips and instructions for attaching the photo to the application.

You’ll need to include a check or money order for your passport application fee made out to the U.S. Department of State. The fee for a passport renewal is $130. A passport card, which is used for travel by land and sea to select countries, is $30.

Expedited service costs an additional $60. You can also pay an additional $19.53 to have your new passport mailed to you in one to two days.

Once you’ve completed the application, you’ll mail it along with any supporting documents, your old passport and the application fee. Where you mail the application can vary, depending on where you live and whether you’re paying for routine or expedited service. See Section E of Form DS-82 for where to send your application.

Applications for passport renewal must be sent via the U.S. Postal Service if you’re applying from within the U.S.

You may be able to renew your passport in person if you meet certain urgent travel requirements.

For example, in-person renewal may be an option if you’re traveling within three days due to a life-or-death emergency with an immediate family member outside the U.S. If you’re traveling internationally within 14 days, you may also be able to expedite your renewal in person.

To make an appointment, you’ll need to call your local passport agency. Appointments can be limited, and the State Department can’t guarantee you’ll have your passport before traveling.

Here are answers to some common questions about renewing a passport:

If you’re planning an international trip, you’ll need a valid passport. And knowing when to renew your passport is key, as some countries may require the expiration date to be at least six months beyond your travel date. Renewing your passport by mail currently takes between six and eight weeks. But if you need your passport fast, you may be able to expedite your renewal.

Before your next trip, compare Capital One travel credit cards. You’ll enjoy an array of benefits like the ability to earn bonus miles, a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® and much more.*