Renewing an expired U.S. passport requires following specific procedures based on eligibility, with options available by mail, online (during a limited beta), or in person for certain cases. The process is streamlined for adults whose passports were issued within the last 15 years, are undamaged, and meet other criteria, while children under 16 or those with damaged/lost passports must apply in person. Key steps include verifying eligibility, completing Form DS-82 (for mail/online) or DS-11 (for in-person), submitting required documents, paying fees, and tracking the application status. Processing times can take up to 3 months, so early renewal is recommended.

• Eligibility for renewal by mail/online: Passport must be issued within the last 15 years, undamaged, and in your current name (or include legal name change documentation) ^[1][3][6].
• Required documents: Form DS-82 (mail/online) or DS-11 (in-person), recent passport photo, current/expired passport, and applicable fees ^[1][3][6].
• Processing time: Up to 3 months for routine service; expedited options available for urgent travel ^[3][4].
• Special cases: Children under 16, lost/damaged passports, or passports issued over 15 years ago require in-person application ^[3][9].

Renewing an Expired U.S. Passport

Eligibility and Renewal Methods

The U.S. Department of State offers multiple renewal methods, but eligibility depends on specific criteria. Most adults can renew by mail or online if their passport was issued within the last 15 years, is undamaged, and remains in their possession. Those who do not meet these requirements—such as individuals with passports issued before age 16, damaged passports, or passports lost/stolen—must apply in person using Form DS-11 ^[1][3][6].

For mail/online renewal, applicants must use Form DS-82, which is available on the State Department’s website. The online renewal process is currently in a limited beta phase, requiring applicants to create an account, enter passport details, upload a digital photo, and pay fees electronically ^[2]. The mail-in process involves submitting a physical application package, including the completed form, recent passport photo, current/expired passport, and payment ^[1][7].

• Eligibility for mail/online renewal:
• Passport was issued within the last 15 years ^[3][6].
• Passport is undamaged and in your possession ^[1][7].
• Passport was issued when you were 16 or older ^[3][6].
• Passport is in your current name (or you can provide legal name change documentation) ^[1][6].
• In-person renewal required if:
• Passport was issued over 15 years ago ^[3][9].
• Passport is damaged or mutilated ^[7].
• Passport was lost or stolen (requires Form DS-64 in addition to DS-11) ^[9].
• Applicant is under 16 ^[3][4].

Step-by-Step Renewal Process

The renewal process varies slightly depending on the method chosen, but all require careful attention to documentation and fees. For mail/online renewal, applicants must first confirm eligibility, then gather the necessary materials. The online process is more streamlined, with digital photo uploads and electronic payment, while mail renewal requires physical submission of documents ^[2][1].

For mail renewal, applicants should complete Form DS-82, attach a 2x2-inch passport photo (taken within the last 6 months), include their most recent passport, and submit payment via check or money order. The completed package must be mailed to the National Passport Processing Center address listed on the form ^[1][6]. Online renewal follows a similar structure but is completed digitally, with applicants receiving confirmation and tracking information via email ^[2].

• Steps for mail renewal:
• Fill out Form DS-82 legibly in black ink ^[6].
• Attach a recent passport photo (color, 2x2 inches, white background) ^[1][6].
• Include your most recent passport (it will be canceled and returned) ^[1].
• Provide proof of name change if applicable (e.g., marriage certificate) ^[6].
• Calculate and include the appropriate fee (non-refundable) ^[1][7].
• Mail the package to the address specified on the form (varies by location) ^[6].
• Steps for online renewal (beta):
• Confirm eligibility using the online tool ^[2].
• Create an account on the State Department’s renewal portal ^[2].
• Enter passport information, travel plans, and upload a digital photo ^[2].
• Pay fees electronically (credit/debit card or ACH) ^[2].
• Submit the application and track status via the portal ^[2].
• Fees and processing times:
• Routine processing takes up to 3 months; expedited service (additional $60) reduces this to 7-9 weeks ^[3][4].
• Passport book fee: $130 (adults), $100 (minors under 16) ^[7].
• Passport card fee: $30 (adults), $15 (minors) ^[6].
• Expedited shipping options are available for an additional fee ^[4].

For urgent travel (within 14 days), applicants can schedule an appointment at a regional passport agency, such as the New York Passport Agency, by calling 1-877-487-2778. Required documents include proof of travel, completed application, identification, and a passport photo ^[8]. Expedited processing at these agencies typically results in passport issuance within 8 business days ^[8].