Renewing a US passport is more straightforward than most people expect, but small mistakes — especially with your photo — can delay the process by weeks. This guide walks you through every step so you get it right the first time.
Most adults can renew their passport by mail using Form DS-82, which is faster and easier than applying in person. You qualify if all of the following are true:
If any of these don't apply, you'll need to apply in person using Form DS-11 at a passport acceptance facility.
Download and print Form DS-82 from the US State Department website. Fill it out in black ink. Do not sign it until instructed — for mail renewals you sign in front of a notary or just sign and mail it depending on the current year's instructions.
This is where most renewals run into problems. The US State Department requires your digital or printed passport photo to meet very specific technical standards.
Photo rejected? The most common reason is a file that's too large. Most phone cameras produce photos that are 3 to 8 MB — far over the 240 KB limit. Use a tool like UploadPass to resize and compress your photo to the exact spec in seconds.
Put your application together in this order: completed DS-82 form, passport photo clipped (not stapled) to the form, your most recent passport, any name change documents, and your check or money order made out to "U.S. Department of State."
Send everything to the address listed on the DS-82 instructions. Use a trackable mailing method like USPS Priority Mail with tracking. Keep copies of everything before you send it.
As of 2026, routine processing takes 6 to 8 weeks. Expedited processing (add $60) takes 2 to 3 weeks. If you have travel within 14 days, you can request an urgent appointment at a regional passport agency.
Once your application is processed, you can track your passport status at travel.state.gov using your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
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