Renew early. Passport processing times vary. And some countries and airlines deny entry if your passport expires in less than 6 months.
Determine if you can renew your passportIf any of the following are true, you cannot renew your U.S. passport and must instead apply for a new passport in person using Form DS-11:
Issued before your 16th birthdayIssued more than 15 years agoDamaged, lost, or stolen. Learn how to report a lost or stolen passport.Issued in your previous name, and you do not he a legal document like a marriage license to prove your legal name changeIf none of the above situations are true, you can renew your U.S. passport.
Can you renew an expired passport?You can renew an expired passport only if it was issued within the last 15 years.
How to renew your passport and what documents you will needYou can renew your passport and/or passport card by mail. You may instead be able to renew them online during the limited beta release of the Online Passport Renewal System.
Because it can take up to three months to process your application, it is important to renew your passport before it expires. Check with the Department of State to find out the current processing times for passport renewals.
Renewing your passport by mailTypically, you will need the following items to renew your passport or passport card by mail:
Application - You will need Form DS-82. If you are renewing by mail:You can fill out Form DS-82 online, orDownload Form DS-82 [PDF, 1.3MB] and fill it out by hand, orFind your local passport acceptance facility or regional agency and pick up a copy.Passport photoPassport feeYour most recent passport - Your most recent passport will be mailed back to you separately after your new passport is mailed. In most cases, it should arrive about 4 weeks after you receive your new one.Name change documentation, if necessaryLearn how to submit all your documentation and passport fees and where to mail them.
Renewing your passport onlineYou may be able to renew your passport book and/or card online. Learn about the Online Passport Renewal System, including:
Eligibility for renewing your passport book and/or card onlineHow to create an online accountWhat information and documents you will need to renew your passport onlineLearn how and where to get your passport fast for emergency or urgent trel or to get expedited processing. The time it takes for each varies throughout the year, and there may be additional fees. Use the fee calculator or chart.
Learn how to check the status of your passport renewal online. Or check its status by phone (call wait times may be long).
If you change your name or find an error on your renewed passport, you must get an updated one to reflect the change. The process, cost, and forms you need depend on how long you he had your current passport. Follow the steps from the State Department to change your name or correct your passport.
Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate near you to request a passport while outside the U.S.
If you he questions about your U.S. passport, the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) can help. Get contact information for NPIC and find out when to contact them based on when you are treling.
Be aware of passport expiration rules for your destinationSome countries and airlines will not allow a U.S. passport holder to enter if their passport expires in less than 6 months.
Check your destination country's U.S. passport expiration rules on the Department of State's country information page.
On the left, search for the country name in the "learn about your destination" box.On that country's page, look for "passport validity."