How do I renew my US passport?

You can apply to renew your passport by using a DS-82 and the subsequent requirements of that passport renewal application.

You can obtain a passport renewal if any of the following apply:

Passport Applicant is a US Citizen over 18 years old AND;

Applicant has most recent passport in his or her possession, AND;

Applicant's passport was issued within the last 15 years AND;

Applicants passport is not damaged.

The general overview of the process is as follows:

You'll gather a variety of documents (DS82 passport application, Passport Photos, Passport Fees, etc)

You'll mail your application to the Passport Renewal Center indicated on the DS-82 passport application and obtain your passport in the mail in 6-8 weeks. Alternatively, you can apply through us and obtain your passport renewal in as fast as 24 hours.

Standard Renewal Passport Detailed Requirements

1Required Documents

  • image description Completed Passport Application (DS-82)
    Completed Passport Application (DS-82)

    Complete, print and SIGN the DS-82 application online at https://pptform.state.gov/

    •  Click SUBMIT under Apply Online.  The Passport Application System will then ask you a series of questions regarding your passport application. 
    • Fill in where appropriate. Please select the following options under Passport Product and Fees (You will NOT be asked to pay any of these fees electronically; you will simply be advised of what you should expect your fees to be): 
      • Passport Options: Passport Book, 52 page recommended ($110)
      • Processing Methods: Expedited at Agency Service ($60)
      • Delivery Methods: Standard Delivery (FREE)
    • Click next for printing instructions. Click "Create Form" at the bottom/end. Create Form will launch Adobe Acrobat Reader with your DS-82 application pre-filled.
    • NOTE: The application MUST be completely filled out online and printed.
    • NOTE: Please verify the application will have two barcodes, one on the left side and one on the bottom right side.
    • NOTE: Verify that you have SIGNED the DS-82 once printed.
  • image description Expired Passport
    Expired Passport

    You will need to send us your expired or soon to be expired passport. This passport must have been issued less than 15 years ago AND been issued when you were 16 or older.

  • image description Passport Photographs
    Passport Photographs

    You must provide two identical, recent 2 x 2 passport style photographs in color, front view and with a plain/white background. Make sure you are not wearing eye glasses, headgear or any uniform.You can obtain passport photos at a local drug store (Walgreen's, CVS) or consult Google for "passport photos" in your area.

  • image description Letter of Authorization
    Letter of Authorization

    You'll need to print and completely fill out two copies of the Passport Processing Letter of Authorization (included via the link). This allows us to act as an agent on your behalf.

    Please NOTE:

    1. (Click here) Complete the Processing Letter of Authorization form in BLUE ink
    2. Check the two top boxes/circles authorizing us to submit your application
    3. Write the applicant's full name on the APPLICANT NAME line
    4. Write today's date on the DATE line.
    5. Write "Passports and VIsas" on the COURIER COMPANY NAME line
    6. Make sure to sign at the bottom

    NOTE- For NEW PASSPORT (DS-11) ONLY: One Letter of Authorization should be sealed in your application envelope in Step 2. One Letter of Authorization should be included on the outside of your sealed envelope in the package you are sending to Passports and Visas for processing.

    You may view a SAMPLE Letter of Authorization here.

  • image description Proof of Departure
    Proof of Departure

    You must provide a copy of ONE of the following:

    • Your foreign travel plane ticket • Your printed travel itinerary showing foreign travel
    • If this is a business trip, you may present a business letter from your employer.

    NOTE- For NEW PASSPORT (DS-11) ONLY: Please make a copy of your Proof of Departure to include outside of your sealed envelope in the package you are sending to Passports and Visas for processing.

  • image description Fees
    Fees

    Make One check payable to "US Department of State" for $170 (this is the government processing fee).

    • Be sure to include your date of birth on the check.
    • Starter checks and 3rd party checks will NOT be accepted and will cause delays.

    Our Service Fee is $99

 

1Gather US Passport Application Documentation

1. Completed Passport Application (DS-82)

Complete, print and SIGN the DS-82 application online at https://pptform.state.gov/

  •  Click SUBMIT under Apply Online.  The Passport Application System will then ask you a series of questions regarding your passport application. 
  • Fill in where appropriate. Please select the following options under Passport Product and Fees (You will NOT be asked to pay any of these fees electronically; you will simply be advised of what you should expect your fees to be): 
    • Passport Options: Passport Book, 52 page recommended ($110)
    • Processing Methods: Expedited at Agency Service ($60)
    • Delivery Methods: Standard Delivery (FREE)
  • Click next for printing instructions. Click "Create Form" at the bottom/end. Create Form will launch Adobe Acrobat Reader with your DS-82 application pre-filled.
  • NOTE: The application MUST be completely filled out online and printed.
  • NOTE: Please verify the application will have two barcodes, one on the left side and one on the bottom right side.
  • NOTE: Verify that you have SIGNED the DS-82 once printed.

1. Expired Passport

You will need to send us your expired or soon to be expired passport. This passport must have been issued less than 15 years ago AND been issued when you were 16 or older.

1. Passport Photographs

You must provide two identical, recent 2 x 2 passport style photographs in color, front view and with a plain/white background. Make sure you are not wearing eye glasses, headgear or any uniform.You can obtain passport photos at a local drug store (Walgreen's, CVS) or consult Google for "passport photos" in your area.

1. Letter of Authorization

You'll need to print and completely fill out two copies of the Passport Processing Letter of Authorization (included via the link). This allows us to act as an agent on your behalf.

Please NOTE:

  1. (Click here) Complete the Processing Letter of Authorization form in BLUE ink
  2. Check the two top boxes/circles authorizing us to submit your application
  3. Write the applicant's full name on the APPLICANT NAME line
  4. Write today's date on the DATE line.
  5. Write "Passports and VIsas" on the COURIER COMPANY NAME line
  6. Make sure to sign at the bottom

NOTE- For NEW PASSPORT (DS-11) ONLY: One Letter of Authorization should be sealed in your application envelope in Step 2. One Letter of Authorization should be included on the outside of your sealed envelope in the package you are sending to Passports and Visas for processing.

You may view a SAMPLE Letter of Authorization here.

1. Proof of Departure

You must provide a copy of ONE of the following:

  • Your foreign travel plane ticket • Your printed travel itinerary showing foreign travel
  • If this is a business trip, you may present a business letter from your employer.

NOTE- For NEW PASSPORT (DS-11) ONLY: Please make a copy of your Proof of Departure to include outside of your sealed envelope in the package you are sending to Passports and Visas for processing.

1. Fees

Make One check payable to "US Department of State" for $170 (this is the government processing fee).

  • Be sure to include your date of birth on the check.
  • Starter checks and 3rd party checks will NOT be accepted and will cause delays.

Our Service Fee is $99

 

Do you need a Passport inside 8 weeks?
Passports and Visas.com will help you with your passport needs It's easy, painless and fast.
Do you need a Passport or Travel Visa for your upcoming trip?

Answer two questions and we'll show you if you need a travel visa or passport for your upcoming trip