Reviewed July 31, 2026

Renew an adult U.S. passport

Check eligibility before choosing online renewal, renewal by mail, or a new in-person application.

Direct answer

Eligible adults requesting routine service may renew online. Others who meet the DS-82 rules can renew by mail. If you do not qualify, apply in person with Form DS-11.

Check eligibility

Online renewal is available only when every Department of State condition is met:

  • The most recent passport was valid for 10 years.
  • It expires within one year or expired less than five years ago.
  • The applicant is age 25 or older.
  • No personal information such as name or sex is changing.
  • International travel is at least six weeks away.
  • The applicant is in a U.S. state or territory.
  • The passport is in hand, undamaged, and not reported lost or stolen.

Online renewal

  1. Confirm every eligibility statement on the official online renewal site.
  2. Create or use the required account and enter the passport information.
  3. Upload a qualifying digital photo.
  4. Pay the fee electronically and submit.
  5. Do not travel internationally using the old passport after submitting; the Department of State cancels it during processing.

Renewal by mail

If eligible for Form DS-82 but not using online renewal, complete and sign the current form, include your most recent passport, one compliant photo, fee, and any required name-change document, and mail it to the address in the current instructions. Mailing addresses depend on service and location, so do not reuse an old address.

Official sources

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