The one thing you can’t travel without.
PHOTO JERRY ALONZO LEONWhether you’re a seasoned traveler or first-time applicant, a passport is the one traveling accessory you simply can’t be without. As a U.S. passport holder, every ten years you’ll need to renew it, which means even more opportunities to fill new pages with your latest adventures. Not to mention, many countries require passports be valid at least six months after your planned date of departure, which means planning ahead and renewing your passport in a timely manner is crucial to avoid potential headaches.
So, here’s everything you need to know to renew your U.S. passport!
1. Fill Out Form DS-82.
The first step is to fill out the DS-82 form online. When filling out the form, you have the option to input your information online (Form Filler option) or print out the PDF version and write in your details. Either way, you’ll have to print out the form and mail it in. You also have the option to expand your passport to 52 pages, which is not only double the standard 28-page passport booklet, but also absolutely free to do! Be sure to check the box marked Large Book (Non-Standard) on the form to receive this option.
2. Submit Your Most Recent U.S. Passport.
When submitting your application, you must submit your current passport as well. It’s important that your current passport meets the following criteria:
- Passport is undamaged, other than normal “wear and tear.”
- Passport was issued when you were age 16 or older.
- Passport was issued within the last 15 years.
- Passport is in your current name (or you can document your name change with an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
If your passport meets all of the above, then you can renew via mail. If not, you’ll have to renew in person at the nearest consulate and you’ll need to fill out the DS-11 form. Please note that your current passport book will be returned to you once the renewal process is completed and it’s usually mailed in a separate envelope than your new passport.
3. Include Name Change Documents (If Applicable).
For travelers with name changes different from the name on their current U.S. passport, it’s important to submit a certified copy of your legal name change in order to complete the renewal process. Examples of said documents include, marriage certificate, divorce decree, court-ordered named change document, etc. If you’re unsure which document to submit, please contact the nearest consulate to your location for assistance. Rest assured that any documents you submit will be returned to you, albeit in a separate envelope from your new passport.
4. Provide A Photo.
You are required to submit one passport photo with your application. The requirements of the photo are as follows:
- Must be printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper.
- Size of photo must be 2” x 2” (51mm x 51 mm). Size of head in photo must be between 1” to 1 3/8” “ (25mm to 35mm) from the bottom of the chin to top of the head.
- Photo must be taken within last six months and reflect your most current appearance.
- No glasses are allowed. Note: if you cannot remove your glasses for medical reason, you may take the photo with glasses, but must submit a signed doctor’s note with your application.
- Must have a white or off-white background.
- Head must directly face camera with your face in full view.
- The photo must be taken with a neutral facial expression or natural smile, both eyes open.
- Photo must be in color (no black-and-white photo).
- Clothing should be your normal day-to-day attire.
- No hats or head coverings are allowed, unless you wear it for religious purposes. Also, your face must be fully visible and any head covering cannot cast shadows on your face.
- No headphones or wireless hands-free devices are allowed in the photo.
Check out some example passport photos here. You can visit any USPS postal office, Costco, Walmart, or your local photography store to take your photo. I take my passport photos at Costco since its cheaper ($4.99 for four photos!), great quality, and by the time you’re done shopping the photos are ready for pickup!
And if you’d like to take the photo yourself, watch this quick one-minute video on how to take the perfect passport photo. The U.S. State Department also offers a cool online cropping tool that you could use to ensure your photo meets the specified requirements.
5. Calculate Fees.
The renewal fee for a passport is $110. You can also purchase the Passport Card for $30, which is a credit card-sized version of a normal passport and much more convenient to carry around. Please keep in mind that the Passport Card be only be used when traveling from Canada, Mexico, Caribbean and Bermuda. It cannot be used for international air travel, which requires a regular passport.
Acceptable forms of payment include personal check or money order (cash and credit cards are not accepted). Make checks payable to “U.S. Department of State.” Be sure to print your full name and date of birth on the front of the check or money order. For more details about fees and to estimate costs via a fee calculator, click here.
6. Mail Completed Application.
Now that you have everything ready to go, you’ll need to mail your completed application, along with current passport, name change document (if applicable), passport photo, payment for fees (check or money order to one of the following addresses.
For Routine Service:
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90155
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155
For Expedited Service (additional $60 fee applies): Please write, “EXPEDITE” on the outside of the mailing envelope.
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90955
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955
Routine service takes 4-6 weeks for processing, while expedited service takes 2-3 weeks for processing, though a $60 additional fee is associated with this service. And if you need a passport in a hurry, please click here for more option.
When mailing your passport application, please make sure to send an envelope large enough to fit the application without folding it. And be sure to send it with tracking when you mail it out, such as USPS Priority Mail or USPS Express Mail. For travelers located outside of the U.S., please contact your nearest U.S. Embassy and Consulate here.
Safe travels!
