Passport Renewal

Let's get started......

....on the passport renewal process! So you've already got a passport, but it will soon expire (less then one year). Fortunately for you, renewal is a little easier than first time application.

If the following statements describe you, then you are eligible for mail-in passport renewal! If not, then STOP. You need to apply in person even if this is not your first passport application

• Your current passport is undamaged and can be submitted with your application
• Your current passport was issued when you were age 16 or older
• Your current passport was issued within the last 15 years
• Your current passport was issued in your current name or you can legally document your name change

Let's get started!!

Step 1

Complete Form DS-82 You may sign and date page 1. Remember to include your SSN number - it's required!!

Note: Remember to apply for a passport book, NOT a passport card! Passport cards are valid for travel by Americans via land and sea between the United States and any of Canada, Mexico, most Caribbean territories, and Bermuda. These passport cards cannot be used for international air travel to another country.

Step 2

Along with your DS-82, you need to mail your current passport that will be expiring soon. DOS will hole punch your old passport to invalidate it once they issue the new one!

If you don't have a current passport, then STOP. You need to apply in person even though this isn't your first passport.

Step 3

Include the appropriate fees. The renewal fee is $110. There is no execution fee since you are applying for passport renewal by mail.

Acceptable Payment Methods Include:

• Checks (personal, certified, cashiers, travelers), payable to "Department of State"
• Money orders (U.S. Postal, international, currency exchange), payable to "Department of State"

Step 4

You must submit two identical passport photos of yourself. You can have them taken professionally, or do them yourself at home with a good quality digital camera (that's what we did!)

Your photos must meet the following State Department criteria:

• Identical
• Color Photos
• 2 x 2 inches in size - Taken within the past 6 months, showing current appearance
• Full face, front view with a plain white or off-white background
• Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
• Taken in normal street attire
• Uniforms should not be worn in photographs except religious attire that is worn daily



• Do not wear a hat or headgear that obscures the hair or hairline
• If you normally wear prescription glasses, a hearing device, wig or similar articles, they should be worn for your picture. Dark glasses or nonprescription glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable unless you need them for medical reasons (a medical certificate may be required)

Since you are applying by passport renewal by mail, you need to staple one of the photos to your DS-82 application in the appropriate place. The other photo should be paperclipped to the top of your DS-82 form.

Congratulations! You have gathered all the documents necessary for passport renewal. Let's do a quick double check to make sure you have everything:

1. Form DS-82, completed and signed
2. Your old passport
3. Two passport photos of yourself, one stapled to the DS-82
4. Passport Renewal Fee of $110

You're ready to go! When you are ready to mail your passport renewal application, send it to: National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90155
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155

If you need expedited service, include an extra $60 expedite fee with your application, mark EXPEDITE on the envelope, and mail it to:

National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90955
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955

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