How old is the applicant? Under 16 16 or 17 18 to 24 25 or older

Do you have your most recent U.S. passport to send in? Yes No

Was it ever reported lost or stolen, or is it damaged beyond normal wear? Yes No

Was it issued within the last 15 years? Yes No

Were you 16 or older when it was issued (a 10-year passport)? Yes No

Is your name the same as on that passport? Yes, same name, no other changes Changed, and I have a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order Changed, without one of those documents

Does it expire within the next year, or did it expire less than 5 years ago? Yes No

When do you travel? 6 weeks or more, or no trip booked In 3 to 6 weeks In less than 3 weeks Within 14 days

Do you live in a U.S. state or territory? Yes No

Do you have only a book and want your first card (or the reverse)? Yes No

Official rules: renew by mail (DS-82)

You can renew by mail only if all of these are true:

You can submit your most recent passport with your application.
It was never reported lost or stolen.
It was issued within the last 15 years.
It was issued when you were 16 or older and was valid for 10 years.
It is in your current name, or you can document your name change (certified marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order).
It is not damaged beyond normal wear and tear.

If you do not meet every rule, apply in person on Form DS-11.
If you are traveling in less than 3 weeks, make an appointment at a passport agency instead of mailing.
Postal employees should not review a mail-in renewal; there is no $35 acceptance fee for a DS-82.
Routine renewals from CA, FL, IL, MN, NY or TX go to P.O. Box 640155, Irving, TX 75064-0155; from other states to P.O. Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155; expedited renewals (write EXPEDITE on the envelope) to P.O. Box 90955, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955.

Source: Renew by mail (page updated October 1, 2026), checked October 27, 2026.

Official rules: renew online

Your passport is or was valid for 10 years and expires within the next year, or expired less than 5 years ago.
You are 25 or older.
You are not changing your name, sex, or other personal details.
You are not traveling for at least 6 weeks (online renewals cannot be expedited).
You live in a U.S. state or territory.
You have your most recent passport and it is not damaged, lost or stolen.

If you have a book and want your first card (or the reverse), renew by mail instead.
The only official online renewal site is run by the State Department (opr.travel.state.gov).

Source: Renew online (page updated September 30, 2026), checked October 27, 2026.

Children and teens

Children under 16 must apply in person on Form DS-11 every time; a child's passport cannot be renewed.
Passports for children under 16 are valid for 5 years.
Both parents or guardians must appear with the child. If one cannot, the absent parent signs a notarized Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053), submitted within 90 days of notarization.
Bring evidence of the child's U.S. citizenship and of the parent-child relationship (a U.S. birth certificate usually shows both), both parents' photo IDs, and photocopies.
Applicants aged 16 or 17 apply in person on DS-11 for their first adult passport, pay adult fees, and must show that at least one parent or guardian is aware of the application; their passports are valid for 10 years.

Sources: Children under 16 (updated October 1, 2026), Ages 16 and 17, checked October 27, 2026.

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