How to Renew an Expired U.S. Passport

Last Updated: July 9, 2020 References

Don’t let an expired passport keep you from taking your next trip. Replacing a passport is easy, though the exact process will depend on how long the passport has been expired and whether you still have the old passport in your possession. Generally, you can renew through the mail if your passport hasn’t been expired for more than 15 years. However, it is older than that, you will need to obtain a new passport using a different form.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Gathering Required Documents

1
Find your old passport. The passport should be undamaged, meaning that all relevant information should be there. You must submit this passport with your renewal application.^{[1]
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2
Obtain a recent passport photograph. Your photograph must be two inches by two inches and taken in front of a white or off-white background. There are many rules regarding passport photographs, so read the rules carefully at the U.S. Secretary of State’s website: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/photos.html.
- You can get a passport photograph taken at a national chain drugstore, such as Walgreens or CVS. Alternately, you can have a picture taken at the UPS store.^{[2]
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3
Document a name change. You can still renew if you changed your name, but you need to document the change. Obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate if you changed your name because of marriage. A photocopy is not acceptable.
- If you changed your name with a court order, then obtain a certified copy of the judge’s order from the court clerk. Stop into the court where you requested a name change.
4
Call with questions. If you have any questions about the renewal process, call the National Passport Information Center toll-free at 1-877-487-2778. Someone is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 10:00 pm and Saturday, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
- You can also send an email to NPIC@state.gov.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Renewing Your Passport through the Mail

1
Check if you qualify. You can renew your passport through the mail only if you meet the following requirements:
- You have an undamaged passport. Normal wear and tear is okay.
- Your passport has not been limited as a result of multiple thefts, damage, or non-compliance with regulations.
- Your passport is not more than 15 years old.
- You were at least 16 when you got your most recent passport.
- You have the same name or can document a legal name change.
- You can wait at least three weeks to receive your new passport. If you need it sooner, you’ll need to call 1-877-487-2778 to make an appointment with a passport agency or center.^{[3]
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2
Complete the correct form. Download DS-82, U.S. Passport Renewal for Eligible Individuals, from the Secretary of State’s website. You can complete the form online at the same website: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/renew.html.
- There should be space on the form for you to staple your picture. Use four staples, one in each corner.
3
Pay your fee. It costs $110 to renew your passport book.^{[4]
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Research source} Include a check or money order when you submit your application. Checks should be made payable to “U.S. Department of State.” Don’t send cash. Your full name and date of birth should be printed or typed on the front of the check or money order.
- You can calculate your fee using the fee calculator: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees/fee-calculator.html. There is an extra fee for expedited service ($60) and overnight delivery ($15.45).
- If you want a passport card, it will cost $30. A passport book and a passport card together cost $140.
4
Submit your materials through the mail. Find the mailing address on the last page of the form. It takes four to six weeks for your application to be processed.
- If you want an expedited request, send it to the appropriate office, which is listed on the last page of the form. Write the word “Expedite” on the outside of the envelope. It takes two to three weeks to process.^{[5]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Requesting a New Passport

1
Identify if you must use this process. You can’t use the renewal process in the following situations, which will require you to request a new passport:
- Your passport expired more than 15 years ago.
- Your passport is damaged. For example, the page with your personal details might be missing or no longer legible.
- Your passport was limited from the usual 10 years, e.g., because you had multiple losses or for other reasons. Look in the back pages of your passport book to see if a limitation applies.
- You have a child’s passport, which is not eligible for renewal.
2
Complete the correct form. You should download and fill out form DS-11, U.S. Passport Application, which is available at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/forms.html. Provide all requested information and staple your photograph to the space provided.
- If you're changing your name within a year of getting a passport, correcting an error on an old passport, or replacing a limited validity passport, fill out form DS-5504 instead.
3
Gather supporting documents. Read the instructions that come with the form. They will tell you whether you need to get supporting documents. For example, if you lost your passport book but never reported it, you will need to complete form DS-64, Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen U.S. Passport.
- If your passport was limited in validity, you’ll need a certified birth certificate to show you are a citizen.
4
Submit the form in-person. You can’t request a new passport by the mail. Instead, you must visit an acceptance facility and submit your request. You can find the nearest acceptance facility at https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/. Enter your zip code. It takes four to six weeks to process.
- If you need your passport faster, you should schedule an appointment with a passport agency or center. Find your nearest agency or center at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/information/where-to-apply/agencies.html. Call 1-877-487-2778 to schedule an appointment.
5
Pay your fee. Generally, the fee is $110. You have different payment options, depending on where you submit your form. Figure out ahead of time how much you will pay by using the fee calculator on the Secretary of State’s website.^{[6]
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- You can pay at a passport acceptance facility using a check or money order.
- If you apply at a passport agency, you can use credit cards, debit cards, checks, money orders, and cash.^{[7]
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