How to Renew or Apply for Your Passport [2025]

Last updated 2 months ago. Our resources are updated regularly but please keep in mind that links, programs, policies, and contact information do change.

A United States passport serves as your official key to international travel, proving both your identity and U.S. citizenship.

This guide provides instructions for common scenarios, whether you’re applying for the first time, renewing an existing passport, or securing travel documents for a child.

Planning Your Application

Before filling out any forms, key decisions and considerations will set you up for a smooth application process. Understanding the type of passport you need, realistic timelines for receiving it, and total costs are critical first steps.

Passport Book vs. Passport Card

The U.S. Department of State offers two types of passports, and the one you choose depends entirely on your travel plans.

The U.S. Passport Book is the traditional, booklet-style passport valid for all forms of international travel: by air, sea, or land. If you plan to fly to another country, this is the document you must have. For frequent international travelers, there’s an option to request a larger, 52-page book instead of the standard 26-page one at no extra cost. Simply check the ‘large book’ box at the top of your application form.

The U.S. Passport Card is a wallet-sized, more affordable alternative with limited use. It’s valid for entering the United States at land border crossings and seaports when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. However, the passport card cannot be used for international air travel. It’s ideal for those who frequently drive or take ferries to and from these neighboring countries.

You can apply for a passport book, a passport card, or both at the same time using the same application. If you already have a valid passport book and wish to get your first passport card (or vice versa), you can do so by following the renewal process and submitting Form DS-82.

Understanding Processing Times

One of the most critical aspects of applying for a passport is allowing enough time for processing. The U.S. Department of State provides official processing times, but these figures can be misleading if not fully understood.

The “processing time” only begins once your application arrives at a passport agency or center and ends when your new passport is printed. It doesn’t include the time it takes for your application to travel through the mail to the agency, nor the time it takes for the completed passport to be mailed back to you.

This distinction is vital for travel planning. An applicant who sees a “4 to 6 weeks” routine processing time might incorrectly assume they’ll have their passport in hand within that window. In reality, mailing times can add up to four weeks to the total duration—up to two weeks for your application to arrive at the processing facility and another two weeks for you to receive the passport after it’s been mailed.

Current processing times are:

• Routine Service: 4 to 6 weeks
• Expedited Service: 2 to 3 weeks (for an additional $60 fee)

The table below combines official processing times with estimated mailing times to provide a more realistic picture:

Processing times can change based on application volume, especially during peak travel seasons from late winter through summer. It’s always best to apply as early as possible, ideally six to nine months before your planned travel.

Fee Breakdown

The cost of a U.S. passport varies depending on the applicant’s age, the type of passport requested, and any optional services selected. For applications that must be submitted in person (such as for first-time applicants and all minors), there are two separate fees to be paid:

Application Fee: This fee is paid directly to the “U.S. Department of State.”

Execution (or Acceptance) Fee: This $35 fee is paid directly to the facility where you submit your application (such as a post office or county clerk’s office) to cover the cost of them handling your documents.

Applicants who are eligible to renew by mail or online don’t pay the execution fee.

Payment for the application fee must be made by check (personal, certified, cashier’s) or money order, payable to “U.S. Department of State.” Write the applicant’s full name and date of birth in the memo line of the check or money order. Acceptance facilities have their own payment policies for the separate execution fee and may accept cash, credit cards, or money orders.

Several optional services are available for an additional cost. These fees should be added to your main application fee and included in the same check or money order sent to the U.S. Department of State. A common mistake is to pay for these services separately, which can cause significant delays.

Optional services include:

• Expedited Service: $60 per application to reduce processing time
• 1-2 Day Delivery: $22.05 for faster return shipping of your completed passport book after it’s printed (not available for passport cards)
• File Search Fee: $150 if you cannot provide evidence of U.S. citizenship but have been issued a passport in the past

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of all potential costs:

First-Time Adult Applications

If you’re a U.S. citizen applying for your first passport, or if your previous passport was issued before you turned 16, was issued more than 15 years ago, or has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you must apply in person using Form DS-11. This process involves gathering specific documents, visiting an authorized acceptance facility, and taking an oath before an acceptance agent.

Use this checklist to gather all required materials before your appointment:

Completing Form DS-11

The first step is to accurately complete the Application for a U.S. Passport, Form DS-11. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends using the official online Form Filler tool. This interactive tool guides you through the application, helping prevent common errors and ensuring the final form is legible.

If you encounter technical problems, you can also download a PDF version of the form to fill out by hand in black ink.

When printing the completed form, you must follow several strict requirements to avoid processing delays:

• Print on standard 8.5″x11″ white paper
• Print single-sided only (double-sided applications won’t be accepted)
• Ensure the printed image is clear and covers the entire page without being cut off

The single most important instruction for this form is: DO NOT SIGN IT. You will sign the application in person at the acceptance facility, under oath, in the presence of an acceptance agent. Signing the form ahead of time will invalidate it, requiring you to start over.

Proving Your U.S. Citizenship

You must provide original proof of your U.S. citizenship. Photocopies or digital versions, such as a mobile birth certificate, are not acceptable. You must submit one of the following documents:

U.S. birth certificate: This must be an original or certified copy issued by the city, county, or state of your birth. It must include the full names of your parent(s), a registrar’s signature, an official seal, and show that it was filed with the registrar’s office within one year of your birth. Some “abstract” or short-form birth certificates may not be acceptable.

Full validity, undamaged U.S. passport: An expired passport is acceptable as proof of citizenship.

Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth: This applies to citizens born outside the U.S.

Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship: This is for individuals who became citizens after birth.

This original document will be mailed to the processing center with your application. It will be returned to you, but it will arrive in a separate mailing, often several weeks after you receive your new passport.

Proving Your Identity and Providing Photocopies

In addition to proving your citizenship, you must present a government-issued photo identification document. The most common form of ID is a fully-valid, undamaged state driver’s license. Other acceptable documents include a Certificate of Naturalization, a government employee ID, or a U.S. military ID.

A key rule to remember is that if your photo ID was issued by a different state than the one where you’re applying, you must present a second form of identification.

You’re also required to provide clear, black-and-white photocopies of both your citizenship document and your photo ID. These photocopies must be:

• On standard 8.5″x11″ white paper
• Single-sided
• For your photo ID, you must copy both the front and the back of the document on the same page, if possible, without reducing the image size

The Perfect Passport Photo

A non-compliant photograph is one of the most common reasons for passport application delays. To avoid rejection, your photo must meet a strict set of criteria. While you can take the photo yourself, it’s often easier to use a professional service at a post office, retail store, or photo studio that’s familiar with the requirements.

Key photo requirements include:

Size and Quality: The photo must be exactly 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) and printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper. It must be high-resolution, without any blurring, pixelation, or damage.

Recency: It must have been taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance.

Background: The background must be plain white or off-white, with no patterns, objects, or shadows.

Pose and Expression: You must face the camera directly with your full face in view. Your expression should be neutral with both eyes open, or you may have a slight, natural smile with your mouth closed.

No Eyeglasses: Eyeglasses are no longer permitted in passport photos. You must remove them unless you have a signed statement from a doctor explaining they cannot be removed for medical reasons.

Attire: Wear normal clothing. Uniforms of any kind (including camouflage) are not allowed, unless it’s religious attire worn daily.

Head Coverings: Hats or head coverings are not allowed unless worn daily for religious or medical purposes. If you wear one, you must submit a signed statement confirming this. Your entire face must be visible, and the covering must not cast any shadows on your face.

Don’t staple or otherwise attach the photo to your DS-11 form. The acceptance agent will do this for you at your appointment.

Submitting Your Application

Once you’ve gathered all your documents, your completed (but unsigned) form, your photo, and your payments, you must submit them in person at a designated Passport Acceptance Facility. There are over 7,000 such facilities across the country, typically located in post offices, public libraries, and county clerk of court offices.

To find the nearest location, use the official Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page. Check the facility’s requirements before you go; many require appointments and have specific operating hours.

At your appointment, the acceptance agent will:

• Verify your identity and review all of your documents
• Administer an oath
• Witness you signing your Form DS-11
• Collect your application, photo, documents, and fees

Remember to bring two separate payments: one check or money order for the U.S. Department of State and a second payment for the facility’s acceptance fee, in whatever form they accept.

Renewing Your Passport

For many adults, renewing a passport is much simpler than applying for the first time, as it can often be done by mail or even online, avoiding the need for an in-person appointment. However, eligibility for these streamlined options is governed by strict criteria.

These rules exist because a recent, intact passport serves as reliable confirmation of your identity, which was already rigorously verified during your last in-person application. If your passport is too old, was issued when you were a minor, or is damaged, the chain of identity verification is considered broken, and you must re-establish it by applying in person with Form DS-11.

Eligibility for Renewal

You can renew your passport using the simpler Form DS-82 if you can answer “yes” to all of the following questions:

• Can you submit your most recent U.S. passport with your application?
• Is your most recent passport undamaged, other than normal wear and tear?
• Was your most recent passport issued when you were age 16 or older?
• Was your most recent passport issued within the last 15 years?
• Was your most recent passport issued in your current name, or can you legally document your name change with an original or certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order?

If you answered “no” to any of these questions, you’re not eligible to renew and must apply in person as a first-time applicant using Form DS-11.

Renewing by Mail

Renewing by mail is the most common method for eligible adults. The process involves sending your application and supporting documents directly to a national processing center.

Use this checklist to ensure your renewal package is complete:

First, complete Form DS-82, U.S. Passport Renewal Application for Eligible Individuals. As with the DS-11, it’s best to use the online Form Filler to ensure accuracy, or you can download the PDF version. Unlike the DS-11, you must sign and date this form before mailing it.

Next, prepare your photo. You must provide one 2×2-inch photo that meets all requirements. Carefully staple the photo to the designated spot on the application using four vertical staples in the corners, as close to the outer edges as possible. Don’t bend the photo.

Finally, package your application. In a large envelope that doesn’t require you to fold the application, include:

• Your signed and dated Form DS-82
• Your most recent passport book and/or card (this will be canceled and returned to you separately)
• Your check or money order for the application fee
• If applicable, the original or certified copy of your name change document

Mail the completed package to the correct address. The U.S. Department of State recommends using a trackable mail service. The mailing address depends on where you live and whether you’re requesting expedited service.

For Routine Service (if you live in CA, FL, IL, MN, NY, or TX): National Passport Processing Center P.O. Box 640155 Irving, TX 75064-0155

For Routine Service (if you live in any other state or Canada): National Passport Processing Center P.O. Box 90155 Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155

For Expedited Service (from any state or Canada): National Passport Processing Center P.O. Box 90955 Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955 (Be sure to write “EXPEDITE” clearly on the outside of the envelope.)

Renewing Online

The U.S. Department of State is testing an online renewal system, offering a convenient alternative for a limited group of applicants. The eligibility requirements for this pilot program are even more restrictive than for mail-in renewal:

• You must be age 25 or older
• Your most recent passport must have been valid for 10 years
• Your passport is expiring within one year or has been expired for less than five years
• You’re not changing your name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth
• You’re not traveling internationally for at least 6 weeks from the date you submit your application (only routine service is available)

If you meet these criteria, you can begin the process by creating an account on the MyTravelGov portal. The online system will guide you through entering your information, uploading a digital photo that meets specific format requirements (JPEG, square, 600×600 pixels), and paying the fee with a credit or debit card.

A critical difference with this method is that you keep your current passport during the process. However, as soon as you submit your online application, your existing passport will be electronically canceled and will no longer be valid for international travel.

Correcting Errors or Changing Your Name

If you need to correct a printing error on your passport or update it with a legal name change, the process depends on how long ago your passport was issued.

Within One Year of Issuance: If your passport was issued less than a year ago, you can use Form DS-5504, Application for a U.S. Passport: Name Change, Data Correction, and Limited Passport Book Replacement. To correct a data error (like a misspelled name), you’ll need to submit the form, your current passport, and evidence of the correct information (such as your birth certificate). For a name change within the first year, you submit the form, your passport, and the original or certified name change document. There’s typically no fee for these services.

More Than One Year After Issuance: If your passport is over a year old and you need to change your name, you must apply for a renewal using Form DS-82. You’ll need to submit the completed DS-82, your current passport, your original or certified name change document (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), a new photo, and the standard renewal fee.

Passports for Children

The application process for children is the most rigorous, with strict rules designed primarily to safeguard against international parental child abduction. The core principle is that, in most cases, both legal parents or guardians must consent to the issuance of a passport.

This framework of in-person appearances and legally binding consent forms ensures that one parent cannot obtain a travel document for a child without the other’s knowledge. Understanding this purpose helps clarify why the requirements are so stringent.

Children Under Age 16

All children under the age of 16 must apply for a passport in person, using Form DS-11, and they must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians. Passports issued to children in this age group are only valid for five years and cannot be renewed by mail; you must repeat the in-person application process each time.

Before heading to an acceptance facility, gather all the necessary items using this checklist:

In addition to the child’s proof of citizenship, you must also provide documentation that establishes your legal relationship to the child. A U.S. birth certificate that lists the parents’ full names serves as proof of both citizenship and parental relationship. Other acceptable documents include an adoption decree or a court order establishing custody.

Parental Consent Requirements

The cornerstone of the minor application process is the two-parent consent rule. The default and most straightforward method is for both parents to attend the appointment with the child.

Both Parents Attend: Both parents or legal guardians must appear in person with the child. They will both present their own valid photo IDs and sign Form DS-11 in front of the acceptance agent.

One Parent Cannot Attend: If one parent is unable to appear, the attending parent must bring a signed and notarized Form DS-3053, Statement of Consent: Issuance of a U.S. Passport to a Child from the absent parent. This is a legally significant document, not a simple permission slip. Along with the notarized form, you must also submit a clear photocopy of the front and back of the same photo ID that the absent parent presented to the notary public. The notarized consent form is only valid for 90 days after it’s signed.

One Parent has Sole Legal Custody: If one parent has sole legal authority, they must submit evidence of this with the application. Acceptable documents include a complete court order granting sole legal custody or specifically permitting the parent to apply for the child’s passport, a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate listing only the applying parent, or a certified copy of the other parent’s death certificate.

Unable to Locate the Other Parent: In the difficult situation where a second parent’s consent cannot be obtained (such as they cannot be located), the applying parent must submit Form DS-5525, Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances. On this form, you must provide a detailed written explanation of the non-applying parent’s unavailability and the efforts made to contact them. The decision to issue a passport in these cases is at the discretion of the U.S. Department of State, which may ask for additional evidence.

Teenagers Aged 16 and 17

Teenagers aged 16 and 17 still apply in person using Form DS-11, but the parental consent requirements are more relaxed. The goal is to demonstrate “parental awareness” rather than formal consent from both parents. This can be achieved in one of several ways:

One Parent Attends: A parent or legal guardian can attend the appointment with the teen, present their ID, and sign the application.

Submit a Signed Note: The teen can bring a signed statement from a parent or guardian indicating consent for the passport issuance. A photocopy of that parent’s ID must accompany the note.

Parent Pays the Fees: Proof of parental awareness can also be established if a parent’s name is on the check or money order used to pay the application fees.

Passports issued to applicants at age 16 or 17 are valid for a full 10 years, just like adult passports.

After You Apply

The waiting period after submitting your application can be stressful, but the U.S. Department of State provides tools to track your passport’s progress and has a standard system for returning your documents.

Checking Your Application Status

The primary tool for monitoring your application is the Online Passport Status System. To access your status, you’ll need to enter the applicant’s last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of their Social Security Number.

Manage expectations about when your status will first appear online. After you submit your application at an acceptance facility or mail in your renewal, it can take up to two weeks for the status to update from “Not Available” to “In Process.” This delay is normal and accounts for the time it takes for your package to be shipped to a mail sorting facility, forwarded to an intake facility for payment processing and scanning, and finally sent to a passport agency for adjudication.

If you provided an email address on your application, you’ll receive automatic email updates at key stages of the process. The most common status updates you’ll see are:

• Not Available: Your application is in transit or has not yet been scanned into the system
• In Process: Your application has been received and is under review
• Approved: Your application has been approved, and your passport is being printed
• Mailed: Your passport has been shipped

Receiving Your Passport and Documents

To protect your documents, the U.S. Department of State sends your new passport and your returned original documents in separate mailings. This can be confusing if you’re not expecting it. The number of packages you receive depends on what you applied for.

If you applied for a Passport Book only: You’ll receive two separate mailings. Your new passport book will arrive first. Your original supporting documents, such as your birth certificate or old passport, will arrive in a second mailing via First Class Mail, potentially up to four weeks later.

If you applied for a Passport Card only: You’ll receive two separate mailings. Your new passport card will arrive via First Class Mail. Your supporting documents will arrive separately, also via First Class Mail.

If you applied for both a Passport Book and Card: You may receive up to three separate mailings. The new passport book, the new passport card (via First Class Mail), and your supporting documents will all arrive in different envelopes.

The passport book is sent via a trackable delivery service, especially if you paid for 1-2 day delivery. Passport cards are always sent via non-trackable First Class Mail. If you haven’t received your supporting documents within four weeks of receiving your new passport, contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778.

Special Situations and Common Questions

While the standard application processes cover most scenarios, some situations require special handling. This section addresses common problems like lost passports, the need for urgent travel, and other frequently asked questions.

Lost or Stolen Passport

If your passport is lost or stolen, you must act quickly to protect yourself from identity theft. The process involves two distinct steps: reporting the loss and then reapplying for a new passport.

Step 1: Report It Immediately

You must report your lost or stolen passport to the U.S. Department of State as soon as possible. You have three options for doing this:

• Online: Use the online form filler tool to submit Form DS-64, Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen U.S. Passport Book and/or Card
• By Phone: Call the NPIC toll-free at 1-877-487-2778 (TTY 1-888-874-7793)
• By Mail: Complete the paper version of Form DS-64 and mail it to the address on the form

Once you report your passport as lost or stolen, it is permanently invalidated. It cannot be used for travel, even if you find it later.

Step 2: Reapply in Person

You cannot renew a lost or stolen passport. You must apply for a replacement in person using Form DS-11, following the same procedure as a first-time applicant. When you go to your appointment, you’ll submit the completed Form DS-11 along with a completed Form DS-64.

Urgent Travel

If you have international travel booked within 14 calendar days, the standard expedited service may not be fast enough. For these situations, you must secure an in-person appointment at one of the 26 regional Passport Agencies or Centers. These are direct U.S. Department of State offices and are different from the local acceptance facilities.

Appointments are limited and can only be made by calling the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778. You’ll be required to provide proof of your imminent travel, such as a flight itinerary, during your appointment.

For true emergencies, such as a life-or-death situation involving an immediate family member abroad that requires travel within 3 business days, a special appointment process is available. You can learn more about the requirements on the State Department’s Life-or-Death Emergency page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need 6 months of validity on my passport to travel?

Yes, many countries will deny entry if your passport is set to expire in less than six months from your date of entry. Some airlines won’t allow you to board your flight if you don’t meet this requirement. Before you travel, always check the specific entry requirements for your destination on the U.S. Department of State’s country information pages.

My address changed while my application is being processed. What should I do?

If your mailing address changes while you’re waiting for your passport, you must call the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 to have it updated in their system. If your address changes after you’ve received your new passport, you don’t need to take any action.

I already applied but now I need my passport sooner. Can I expedite it?

Yes, it’s often possible to upgrade your service after you’ve applied. Call the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 to request an upgrade to expedited service and/or 1-2 day delivery. You’ll need to pay the additional fees over the phone.

What’s the difference between a Passport Agency and a Passport Acceptance Facility?

A Passport Acceptance Facility is a local office (like a post office or library) that’s authorized to accept new passport applications (Form DS-11) for routine and expedited processing. A Passport Agency is a regional office of the U.S. Department of State that handles in-person applications for customers with urgent international travel needs, and they’re accessible by appointment only.

Can I smile in my passport photo?

You can have a neutral facial expression or a slight, natural smile. However, your mouth must be closed, and both of your eyes must be fully open.

Do I need a new passport if my appearance has changed?

You only need to apply for a new passport if your appearance has changed so significantly that you can no longer be identified from your current passport photo. Examples of significant changes include major facial surgery, adding or removing numerous large facial tattoos, or experiencing a dramatic amount of weight loss or gain. Normal changes like growing a beard, coloring your hair, or the natural aging process don’t require a new passport.

Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.