How to Update Your U.S. Passport

There’s a wealth of information available about what to consider when applying for a U.S. passport for the first time, which can be quite overwhelming. However, in many respects, renewing your passport can be equally complex.

Passports are generally valid for a decade for individuals aged 16 and older, and for five years for children aged 15 and younger. Once it expires, you must renew it. While many people only think of renewing their passport upon expiration, there are other scenarios that warrant a renewal. You might need to renew if your passport is lost or stolen, if your name or gender has changed, if you need to amend an error, or if you’ve simply exhausted your visa pages.

With some preparation in advance, you can simplify the process and avoid potential hurdles. Here’s what you need to know if your passport is due for renewal.

Is it possible to renew my passport online?

No, not at this moment. Things seemed promising in December 2021, when President Joe Biden issued an executive order indicating that the government would enable Americans to renew their passports securely online. The administration conducted several tests of an online portal, but it was halted in March 2023.

The government states the intention is to reactivate it eventually, but there’s no specific timeline available yet. In the meantime, you will need to handle the process via mail.

What form(s) are required to renew a passport?

The State Department’s website offers a useful questionnaire to assist users in determining which forms they require.

Initially, most applicants must print and complete the U.S. Department of State’s Form DS-82, known as the 'U.S. Passport Renewal Application For Eligible Individuals.'

There are certain circumstances in which you cannot apply by mail. These include if your previous passport was lost or stolen, if it was issued when you were under 16, or if it was issued more than 15 years ago. In such cases, you will also need to complete form DS-11, titled 'Application For a U.S. Passport,' and apply in person at a passport acceptance facility, such as select post offices, public libraries, clerk of court offices, or other government locations (you can locate the nearest facility on the U.S. Department of State website).
If your last passport had limited validity (less than ten years for adults) or if you are correcting an error on your passport, you will need to use form DS-5504. This form is also used for name changes within a year of receiving your passport. If you changed your name due to marriage and it has been more than a year since your passport was issued, you should use form DS-82 and provide proof of identification showing your married name. Special forms are also required for reporting a lost or stolen passport or one that did not arrive at your address by mail.

What additional materials do I need to submit?

Along with the appropriate form(s), you’ll need two recent color passport photos, which must be no older than six months. Usually, drugstores, shipping centers (like UPS and FedEx), and photography shops can take passport photos against a white backdrop and print them to the required dimensions (two inches by two inches). Glasses and photo editing software (such as filters) are not allowed. A 'natural smile' (or none at all) is mandatory, and selfies are not acceptable (however, a friend or family member can take a close-up photo of you as long as it meets all the requirements for expression, pose, and appearance). Ensure the photos are in perfect condition, as any damage or wear could lead to rejection.
Include your old passport (or proof of citizenship) with your renewal application. This means you cannot travel internationally while waiting for your new passport, unless you qualify for a second U.S. passport. If you frequently travel abroad, especially to countries that require visas, you might consider obtaining a second passport. This allows you to travel while your primary passport is being processed, helping you avoid expedited processing fees.

What is the cost of renewing a passport?

Renewing an adult passport book costs $130, while an optional passport card adds an additional $30. The passport card can be used for identification during domestic air travel and at land and sea ports of entry from Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, and Mexico. However, it cannot replace a passport when flying to international destinations.

For children under 16, the fee is $100 for a passport book, along with an additional administrative fee of $35 (passport processing is primarily funded by applicants, not by the U.S. government).

What is the timeframe for renewing a passport?

As stated by the Department of State, the typical processing time for a passport renewal is six to nine weeks.

What is the fastest way to renew a passport?

You can opt for an expedited passport renewal, which reduces the wait time to three to five weeks. However, certain conditions apply. You must have the passport in your possession (to include with your application), it must be undamaged, issued when you were 16 or older, issued within the last 15 years, and issued in your current name.

There is an additional fee for this expedited service — $60 plus shipping. You can also choose to use an expediting service like RushMyPassport.com, which can help navigate any potential issues. Third-party agencies will charge their own fees but will also ensure that everything is properly managed on your behalf.

If you are located near a passport acceptance facility, you can apply in person, which can speed up the process since you won’t have to wait for documents to be mailed.

Is it possible to renew a passport that has expired?

You can renew your passport at any point while it is still valid or within five years after it has expired. Beyond that period, you will need to apply for a new passport.

What should I do if I have an upcoming trip?

Many countries mandate that your passport has at least six months of validity remaining upon your entry. This precaution helps prevent complications if you happen to stay longer and find yourself with an invalid passport when it’s time to leave. While not all countries enforce this rule, it’s a wise guideline to follow, and numerous airlines may refuse boarding at the U.S. departure point for this reason. Be sure to monitor the six-month mark before your passport’s expiration so you can start the renewal process in advance if you have travel plans.

If you need to travel urgently or due to an emergency, and your passport has less than six months of validity, reach out to your airline or travel agent to see if your current passport can still be used. If that’s not an option, consider expediting your passport renewal.

What other important details should I know about renewing a passport?

Whenever you send out important personal documents, it's wise to take a photo of each one in case you need to report anything that goes missing in the mail.

After receiving your new passport, remember to update your Global Entry profile, where your Trusted Traveler information is kept, along with any other expedited screening programs linked to your passport number (such as NEXUS). Even if you have a brand-new passport, failing to update your details will leave you waiting in the standard security lines.